The Dominican Republic are targeting a second straight Olympic appearance having finished fifth at London 2012, and had made a positive start by beating Puerto Rico in their opening match of the four-team round robin event.

However, they found themselves in a battle with Canada today after seeing a 24-20 lead slip in the opening set to eventually lose 27-25.

Strong performances from Gina Mambru and Prisilla Rivera, who scored 37 points between them during the game, helped the Dominicans fight-back to win the next three sets, however, and they did so in impressive style to record a 25-27, 25-16, 26-24, 25-20 win.

“If you notice we are always on top at the beginning of the set and we lose it," said Dominican Republic captain Rivera.

“Yes, we can do better, yes, we can start faster.

“But at the end of the day we are winning and that is what we would rather have, against USA we need a better serve-receive and be ready to play.”

Meanwhile, the United States were able to move a step closer to qualification after they sealed a 25-14, 24-26, 25-12, 25-14 victory over Puerto Rico, in front of their home fans at the Pinnacle Bank Arena.

The winners of tomorrow’s game will automatically reach Rio 2016, while the losers will take part in May’s World Olympic qualification tournament in Tokyo.

Despite failing to secure a win in their opening two matches, both Canada and Puerto Rico could advance to the Japanese capital, with the winners of their match tomorrow earning a place.

Meanwhile in the opening day of the NORCECA Men’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Edmonton, hosts Canada brushed aside Mexico 25-19, 25-23, 25-16 as they pursue their first appearance in an Olympic men’s volleyball competition since Barcelona 1992.

Cuba were able to earn a straight sets 25-22, 25-20, 33-31 win over Puerto Rico to join Canada at the top of the group and will now go in search of a victory over Puerto Rico tomorrow.

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

The Women’s South American Olympic Qualification Tournament saw Peru claim a vital win to move level at the top of the standings with hosts Argentina, who had a rest day following their opening two victories in Bariloche.

Peru were able to battle to a closely fought first set against Colombia and then took control of the match to emerge as 30-28, 25-22, 25-22 victors.

The second game of the day saw Venezuela beat Chile 25-22, 25-13, 25-9 to end their opponent’s hopes of Olympic qualification, but they have kept alive their own faint prospects having recorded their first win.

Venezuela will need a victory over Peru to give them a chance of reaching the World Olympic qualification tournament, while Colombia, who also have one win to their credit, will take on Argentina.

Only the round robin winners will advance to Rio, while the second and third placed sides will advance to Tokyo.