Both teams boasted two wins to their credit ahead of the final day of the four-team round robin event, making their clash effectively a final.

The Americans headed into the contest as the favourites having triumphed at six of their last seven major tournaments, including the 2014 International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Women’s World Championship, 2015 FIVB World Grand Prix and the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.

It therefore did not come as a shock when they claimed the opening set 25-19 in front of their home crowd at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, as they looked to continue a fine run of consecutive appearances at the women’s Olympic tournament, which stretches back to Los Angeles 1984.

They never looked in danger of missing out on the berth as impressive performances from Foluke Akinradewo and Nicole Fawcett helped them to a 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 win.

“What a fabulous atmosphere it was here, a huge crowd that was going crazy for USA,” said Karch Kiraly, the United States’ coach.

“It is so nice to have a crowd, it is a huge advantage and we were fortunate to host this and book our ticket to Rio.

“We are really excited to do it in a venue like this and in a place that supports volleyball so fiercely.”

The US only missed the 1980 Olympics in Moscow due to the boycott by many Western countries.

The defeat means that Dominican Republic will have to compete in May’s World Olympic Qualification Tournament in Tokyo to keep their hopes alive.

They will be joined at the tournament by Puerto Rico, after they beat Canada 32-30, 25-17, 25-20 to finish third.

Meanwhile, Canada and Cuba are scheduled to meet tomorrow for a Rio berth after they recorded their second victories in the men's qualifying tournament in Edmonton.

Hosts Canada defeated Puerto Rico 25-16, 25-22, 25-23 to move to joint top of the standings, with Cuba overcoming Mexico 25-15, 25-22, 25-23.

Mexico and Puerto Rico will hope to record their first victory when they meet tomorrow, which would see them advance to the men's World Olympic qualifier, which will also be played in Tokyo.

The United States are not taking part having already qualified for Rio 2016 after winning the 2015 World Cup.

In the Women’s South American Olympic Qualification Tournament, the Rio 2016 berth will be decided in the final match of the competition as Argentina and Peru are due to meet, having recorded three straight wins each. 

Peru brushed aside the challenge of Venezuela 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, while Argentina overcame Colombia 25-20, 26-24, 25-17 to maintain their unbeaten records in Bariloche.

While the final match will decide the Olympic qualifier, Chile’s tie with Colombia will ultimately help decide who joins the runners-up in the World Olympic qualifier.

Venezuela currently occupy third place which will secure them a berth, but a win for Colombia would see them advance.

Chilean hopes are not completely over as a victory could prove enough to take them through to Tokyo.