The Americans met the requirement of playing in 12 qualifying tournaments Wednesday with their first match at the Cincinnati Open, a 2-0 victory over Venezuela’s Olaya Perez Pazo and Norisbeth Isais Agudo. Though the final rankings that determine Olympic spots won’t be released until June 13, the top 15 teams qualify and Walsh Jennings and Ross are currently sixth.
USA Volleyball also would have to confirm the duo, but that’s considered a formality. Walsh Jennings and Ross are the highest-ranked American team, and Walsh Jennings won the last three Olympic gold medals with former partner Misty May-Treanor.
Despite their past success – Ross was the silver medalist in London with her former partner, Jennifer Kessy – it wasn’t guaranteed that Walsh Jennings and Ross would reach Rio.