Olympic Roundup - Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 - UCLA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

Olympic Roundup - Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008

USA softball, men's volleyball, men's water polo teams capture victories.

Adam Wright

Aug. 16, 2008

Men's Water Polo
The U.S. men's water polo team upset top-ranked Croatia, 7-5, Saturday at Yingdong Natatorium. Former UCLA standout Adam Wright contributed one goal in the victory for Team USA (3-1), which must defeat Germany on Monday in Beijing to advance to the quarterfinals. A win against Germany would earn the Americans a quarterfinal match and give Team USA an outside shot at advancing directly to the semifinals. Tony Azevedo led the U.S. team with three goals. Former UCLA goalkeeper and current assistant coach Brandon Brooks did not play.

The U.S returns to action against Germany in both teams' final preliminary-round match on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 11 p.m. (PT). The U.S.-Germany match can be viewed live online (www.nbcolympics.com).

Track & Field
Jonathan Williams concluded his Olympic competition after finishing sixth in heat two and 13th overall (49.64) in the semifinal rounds of the 400m hurdles.

Softball
The United States softball team continued its domination of Olympic opponents Saturday with a 7-0 victory over Chinese Taipei.

The U.S. is now 5-0 in pool play and will face the Netherlands on Sunday morning at 4:30 a.m. PT (7:30 p.m. Beijing Time).

Natasha Watley went 1-for-2 with a walk in the leadoff spot for the Americans, while Andrea Duran scored a run and walked in three plate appearances. Tairia Mims Flowers was 0-for-2, while Stacey Nuveman was given a day off behind the plate after four straight games at catcher.

Rowing
Mike Altman and the U.S. lightweight fours crew finished fifth in the B final (6:07.79), for an overall finish of 11th.

Men's Volleyball
The U.S. remained undefeated in Olympic play after downing China, 3-0 (25-22, 25-12, 25-18) on Friday. UCLA alumnus John Speraw is an assistant coach on the team.

The U.S., which has clinched a quarterfinal berth, next play Japan in its final preliminary match on Monday, Aug. 18 at 7 am PT.

Beijing Blogs
Read new blogs from Natalie Golda, Andrea Duran and Jillian Ellis HERE.

News Links

Hurdler Jonathan Williams made history for Belize.

Hurdler Dawn Harper is following in the footsteps of fellow East St. Louis native and Bruin Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Harper is keeping herself occupied and calm awaiting her race.

Gymnast Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs was pleased with how she ended her Olympic competition.

Discus thrower Suzy Powell reflects on her "disappointing" preliminary performance.

Coming Up

Mark Hunter goes for gold in the finals of the lightweight double sculls on Sunday.

The U.S. softball team will face the Netherlands on Sunday (4:30 am PT).

Elaine Youngs and partner Nicole Branagh will face China's Chen Xue and Xi Zhang in the quarterfinals of the beach volleyball tournament on Sunday (5 am PT).

Track and field action starts on Sunday for Dawn Harper in the 100m hurdles at 4:28 am PT and Sheena (Johnson) Tosta in the 400m hurdles at 5:42 am PT.

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