U.S. Women Get Help From Unlikely Source

Five years after giving up her Japanese citizenship, Yoko Zetterlund helped lead the U.S. women’s team to a crucial victory over the country where she once starred.

Zetterlund, the backup setter, replaced Lori Endicott with the United States trailing Japan, 9-0, in the first set. She played the rest of the way as the Americans responded with 10 consecutive points en route to a 15-11, 15-7, 15-12 victory that clinched a spot in the quarterfinals.

“It’s an honor to play for the USA in front of a huge crowd,” Zetterlund said. “We’re going all the way.”

China, which beat an erratic U.S. squad Wednesday night, routed Ukraine, 15-4, 15-4, 15-6, and leads Pool A at 4-0 with one match left in round-robin play. The United States (3-1) regained sole posession of second place.

In other games, Russia overwhelmed Peru, 15-11, 15-8, 15-1; the Netherlands beat South Korea, 15-11, 15-12, 7-15, 15-8; Brazil routed winless Canada, 15-6, 15-6, 15-11, and Cuba swept Germany, 15-6, 15-8, 15-4.