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America ends16-year medal wait

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-23 10:35

US player Ryan Millar spikes the ball to Russia in the volleyball semifinal yesterday. The US won 3-2. AFP

The United States men's volleyball team beat Russia in the semifinals yesterday, assuring them of their first Olympic volleyball medal since 1992.

They will play for the title tomorrow against Brazil, who beat Italy in the later semifinal.

The Americans won 25-22, 25-21, 25-27, 22-25, 15-13 and remained undefeated, despite playing without their coach for three matches.

Captain Tom Hoff called the match an "awesome team performance."

However, David Lee was their significant contributor, as he accounted for his team's final four points.

He said: "I came alive. All match long, I didn't think I played my best volleyball, but I got it going in the end."

His teammate Reid Priddy added: "David Lee just came up with some huge blocks - that's our MVP right there."

This also marks the first time since the 1984 Los Angeles Games that both the US men and women will play for the volleyball gold. The women face Brazil for the title today.

The men won gold in 1984 and 1988 before winning the bronze in Barcelona. The closest they've come since was fourth in Athens four years ago.

After winning all five matches in the preliminary round, the US beat Serbia in the quarterfinals 3-2 to advance.

Defending champions Brazil came through a first-set slump to beat Italy 19-25, 25-18, 25 -21, 25-22, in a repeat of Athens Games final four years ago.

Despite looking out of sorts in the opening set, the Brazilian team showed few signs of vulnerability in the remaining time and got their top game back together right in time.

Brazil captain Gilberto Godoy Filho led the comeback in the second set, as it built up an 8-4 lead and withstood a strong Italy comeback before winning 25-18.

After racking up the third set at 25-21, Brazil had the momentum on their side. While Italy fought hard, the Brazilians held on to take the fourth set 25-22 for the win.

Agencies

(China Daily 08/23/2008 page15)