LONDON -- Destinee wasn't enough.
Brazil denied the United States its first Olympic gold medal in women's volleyball Saturday in a 3-1 upset that had the Brazilians turning somersaults on the court and some American players sobbing.It was the first loss for the U.S. at the tournament and the second straight gold medal for Brazil. American star Destinee Hooker, the former University of Texas star from San Antonio who was the second-best scorer at the London Olympics, was held to 14 points.Jaqueline Carvalho had 18 points to help Brazil overcome a disastrous first set and win 11-25, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17.The Americans were favored and started their captain, Lindsey Berg, despite a left Achilles' tendon strain earlier in the competition. She had been listed as day-to-day but promised to play in the final.But it was the Brazilians who danced into the medal ceremony.Brazil became the third team to repeat as gold medalist. The Soviet Union won in 1968 and 1972, while Cuba won three straight starting with the 1992 Barcelona Games. Brazil also won bronze in 1996 and 2000."I'm proud of these girls. We worked really hard, we came into this final game undefeated. You can't get any better than that," Hooker said. "I think Brazil kicked it up a notch after the first set. A wonderful win for them."It was the third silver for the U.S. women, the others coming in 1984 and 2008.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
