U.S. volleyball coach has hold on crowd and game

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BEIJING -- Since 1983, when China’s Jenny Lang Ping was considered one of the best outside hitters in the world, the Chinese record against the United States at the Olympics was 83-29.

But the U.S. team, with Ping as its coach, upset China, 23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 15-11 on Friday in what had to be one of the friendliest environments of these Games.

Ping, still beloved by sports fans here, received a huge ovation before the game.

The United States is assured of a place in the quarterfinals with a 3-2 record. China is 2-2.

-- Randy Harvey