Brazil rallies by US in volleyball final

Jaqueline Carvalho delivered 18 points Saturday in rallying Brazil to a four-sets win over the United States in the Olympic volleyball title game. The Americans stormed to a 25-11 win in the first set and it appeared they were on their way to what would have been their first Olympic gold medal. Brazil then rolled the rest of the way, capturing the final three sets 25-17, 25-20, 25-17. The Brazilians repeated as Olympic champions, defeating Team USA in the finals both times. Cuba and the Soviet Union have been the only other repeat champions. Sheilla Castro added 15 points and Fabiana Claudino had 14 for Brazil. American Destinee Hooker converted just 13 of her 33 spike chances. The United States had defeated the Brazilians in four sets during group play. "We did start well, but then we saw Brazil growing and growing in confidence," U.S. Coach Hugh McCutcheon said. "They established a good foothold. Once you start playing catch-up and reacting you are in difficulties." The bronze medal went to Japan, which defeated South Korea in three sets to capture the third-place game.