Free Live Odds - Scores and Odds - Sports News - Sports Information - Live Scores - Sports Statistics - Sports Articles - Sports Standings - Live Scoreboard - Live Odds - Sporting Events - Live Lines

USA women's volleyball to play for gold medal

Thu 21st, August 2008

Beijing, China (Sports Network) - The U.S. women's volleyball team will play for the gold medal after beating Cuba in straight sets in the semifinals.

The Americans pulled out a 25-20, 25-16, 25-17 win and will next play Brazil on Saturday. The Brazilians topped defending Olympic champion China in the other semifinal, 27-25, 25-22, 25-14.

The U.S. was swept by Cuba in the preliminary round, but Cuba had plenty of mistakes on Thursday, including numerous serves not getting over the net.

"I feel amazing, it's a little surreal right now," said USA player Heather Bown. "It was a full team effort and we have a lot of work to do. It's not over yet."

After a win over Italy in the quarterfinals and conquering Cuba in the semis, the Americans are guaranteed either a silver or gold, a first in volleyball for the U.S. women.

"In the preliminaries we were flat," said USA's Lindsey Berg. "In the quarterfinal match against Italy, that was a team we hadn't beat in four years. In the semifinal today, we played our hearts out."

The key to the win by the U.S. was 29 errors by Cuba, compared to 10 for the winners. The second set was highlighted by powerful spikes from Tayyiba Haneef-Park, and despite juggling their lineup Cuba couldn't overcome its deficit.

Where the players come to play and STAY.

Sports Information you need to win BIG.

Sports Contests – Think you know the game?

Poker Promotion

Find NC State basketball tickets at TickCo and watch the college basketball season wrap up with Final Four tickets!

Contact Us | Help | Site Map| Sport Links

Sportsbook Directory | Casinos Directory | Poker Room Directory | Racebook Directory | Partners Directory