Go USA!

[nicegrl99]

I know that there is talk all over that the Olympics have lost their fire this week because the thrilling victory and suspense from the Water Cube is over, but I am still loving some of it. It was especially difficult waking up this morning after trying to stay awake to watch all of the US Men's Volleyball semi-final vs. Russia. I was exhausted and should have gone to bed, but this was truly one of the most exciting matches I have ever watched. The US looked great in a lot of their plays, but the Russians had tricks up their sleeves as well. Clay Stanley had 6 aces in this Olympics before this match - and he then racked up 7 more in this match alone (which puts him as the top service player in the games this year so far, with Reid Priddy being third)! Lloy Ball kept using a great "tip" play that foiled the Russians almost everytime he used it (you would think they would have seen it coming eventually). Tom Hoff (go Tom - although you may not remember me, I am sure you remember Lex!) did an excellent job as captain, keeping his head and the other players on task. But after winning the first two tight sets, the Russians rallied and took the just-as-close next two. It came down to a thrilling fifth set, and finally, in the end, the team with the patience came out on top. Congrats to the US Men and I can't WAIT to see them in the Gold Medal finals this weekend - They play Brazil who is the top ranked team and who also won the gold in Athens in 2004. Even though it is at midnight (sat./sun.) again - at least I can sleep in on Sunday. If they recap the video online, and you like volleyball, it is DEFINITELY worth watching.

US Men to play top ranked Brazil in Men's Volleyball Gold Medal Match!