Tokyo| The United States won its first Olympic gold medal by defeating Brazil 3-0 in the women’s volleyball final here on Sunday. The American women, who lost to Brazil in two consecutive Olympic finals in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, finally held the distinction of being crowned for the first time by defeating Brazil 25–21, 25–20, and 25–14.
Andrea Drews was America’s most successful player with 15 points, while Michelle Bartsch-Hackley and Larsen added 14 and 12 points respectively.
Playing without Tandra Caxeta, who was provisionally suspended for potential anti-doping rule violations, Brazil was led by Fernanda Rodrigues. Fernanda scored the highest 11 points.
