Olympic Roundup - Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008 - Vandenberg becomes first Bruin medalist.

Kim Vandenberg

Olympic Roundup - Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008

Vandenberg becomes first Bruin medalist.

Aug. 14, 2008

Swimming
Bruin alum and volunteer swim coach Kim Vandenberg became the first medal-winner for UCLA at the Beijing Olympic Games, as she and the U.S. 4x200m relay team took third (7:46.33) in the final. Vandenberg swam in the preliminary round, helping the U.S. squad to the No. 2 time heading into the final. She did not swim in the medal round but receives a bronze as a member of the relay squad. It is her first Olympic medal and first Olympic competition.

Softball
Rain delayed the United States' game against Canada on Thursday. Prior to the rain delay, Canada was winning 1-0 in the fourth inning. Play will resume on Friday after the United States-Japan game, which begins at noon Beijing time (9 pm PT Thursday).

Men's Volleyball
In a battle of unbeatens, the U.S. defeated Bulgaria in the last match of a contest that began on Aug. 14, 3-1 (27-29, 25-21, 25-14, 26-24) to remain atop Pool A with a 3-0 record. The victory ensures the Yanks will advance to the quarterfinals along with Poland in Pool B (3-0). On Sat., Aug. 16, the U.S. meets China. The match begins at 7 pm PT Friday. UCLA alumnus John Speraw is an assistant coach for the U.S.

Men's Water Polo
The U.S. men's water polo team absorbed its first defeat at the 2008 Olympics, losing to Serbia, 4-2, on Thursday. Peter Varellas led the Americans, scoring both goals, and goalkeeper Merrill Moses totaled 11 stops in the cage. Former UCLA standout Adam Wright did not score on two shot attempts, and former Bruin goalkeeper Brandon Brooks did not play.

The U.S. men's water polo team continues preliminary-round play against Croatia on Friday, Aug. 15 at 9:10 p.m. (PT). The Americans have compiled a 2-1 record in preliminary matches, and Croatia has logged a 3-0 mark in the first week of action. The USA-Croatia match can be viewed live online (www.nbcolympics.com) and watched on NBC-4 on Saturday, Aug. 16, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Men's Tennis
Marcin Matkowski and Mariusz Fyrstenberg lost in the quarterfinals to Simon Aspelin and Thomas Johansson, 7-6(5), 6-4.

Rowing
Rain postponed rowing action until Friday. Mark Hunter is competing in the semifinals of the lightweight double sculls, while Mike Altman and the U.S. crew competes in the semifinals of the lightweight fours.

Beijing Blogs
Read the latest from water polo player Natalie Golda HERE

News Links

Women's track and field head coach Jeanette Bolden discusses life as an asthmatic

Coming Up

The U.S. women's water polo team faces Russia on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 11:20 p.m. (PT). The USA-Russia match can be viewed live online (www.nbcolympics.com) and watched on NBC-4 on Friday, Aug. 15, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. A win against Russia will advance the U.S. team to the quarterfinals. A victory by Team USA combined with a win by China over Italy will send the U.S. team straight to the semifinals as the first-place competitor in Group A.

The undefeated U.S. softball team faces Japan in a preliminary round game at 9 pm PT Thursday.

The U.S. and Canada will meet in the quarterfinals of the women's soccer tournament at 3 am PT on Friday. The U.S. team includes forward Lauren Cheney and assistant coach Jillian Ellis. Canada is led by Kara Lang.

Track and field action begins on Friday for Bruin alumni Suzy Powell Roos in the Discus and Jonathan Williams in the 400m Hurdles. Discus qualifying begins at 4:55 am PT, while the 400m hurdles begins at 6:55 am PT.

Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh face Cubans Dalixia Grasset and Tamara Peraza in the elimination round of the beach volleyball tournament. Their match will take place Friday at 7 pm PT.

Postponed rowing matches resume Friday, with Mark Hunter competing in the semifinals of the lightweight double sculls and Mike Altman and the U.S. crew competing in the semifinals of the lightweight fours.

Medal Count
Bronze - 1 (Kim Vandenberg, Swimming 4x200m Relay)