VOLLEYBALL : U.S. Halts Challenges by China

Caren Kemner had 29 kills and Kim Oden added 21 kills and seven blocks as the U.S. women’s national volleyball team defeated China, 15-12, 11-15, 15-10, 17-15, Wednesday night at the UC Irvine Bren Center.

Elaina Oden had 18 kills and eight blocks for the United States, which built early leads but had to hold off the Chinese in the three games it won.

The Americans built a 14-8 lead in the fourth game, but the Chinese fought off 15 match points to tie the score, 15-15. The United States took a 16-15 lead with an ace by Elaina Oden, and Tara Cross-Battle’s kill finally ended the 2-hour 22-minute match.

“We expect comebacks like that out of China,” Kemner said. “They’re one of the best defensive teams in the world and they showed it. That’s what kept them in the match.”

Kemner, who had 11 kills in the final game, was named most valuable player of the match.

Tammy Liley had 13 kills and Cross-Battle came off the bench to add 10 kills for the U.S. team, which qualified for the Olympics at the World Cup last fall.

It was the second victory for the Americans in three matches during its series against China. The teams finish a five-city tour this weekend, playing at San Francisco Saturday night and at Las Vegas Sunday.