Coach returns with win
BEIJING - The United States men's volleyball coach has returned to his team, and the Americans responded by defeating China in three sets.
Coach Hugh McCutcheon missed three games following an attack on his in-laws, who were visiting a Beijing tourist site.
The US remained undefeated with the 25-22, 25-12, 25-18 victory. The team already has clinched a quarterfinal spot.
"I wouldn't have come back if I wasn't ready to come back," McCutcheon said. "It's what I do - get out on the sidelines and get the boys fired up."
McCutcheon's father-in-law, Todd Bachman, was fatally stabbed in the attack one week ago. His mother-in-law, Barbara Bachman, was badly wounded. A Chinese tour guide also was wounded. The assailant, Tang Yongming, leapt to his death.
USA Volleyball confirmed this morning that Barbara Bachman has been airlifted from Beijing for a hospital in the United States. The Bachmans are the parents of McCutcheon's wife, Elisabeth "Wiz" Bachman McCutcheon.
McCutcheon's coaching style remained consistent. He paced the sidelines with arms folded or hands on his hips. He clapped for his team after winning points.
"He's been a pillar of strength," libero Richard Lambourne said.
Assistant Ron Larsen was interim head coach in McCutcheon's absence.
The US women, coached by Chinese sports icon Jenny Lang Ping, prevailed over the Chinese in five sets yesterday to earn a spot in the quarterfinals.
The match was one of the most anticipated of the volleyball competition because Lang led the Chinese team to international prominence and a gold medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, and later coached the national team.
Once known as the "Iron Hammer" for her powerful spikes, Lang was met by thunderous applause. She obliged the crowd with a wave. Then she was all business in the 23-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 15-11 win.
"It doesn't matter if we play China, if we play Cuba, if we play Russia," said Lang, who took over the US team in 2005. "Every match is the same. I try to be concentrated on the game, not the emotions." 