BEIJING — Jeffrey Powers and Adam Wright scored two goals apiece and the United States held off Germany, 8-7, today to advance out of pool play in men's water polo at the Beijing Olympics.

The United States (4-1-0) was in a must-win situation against the Germans (2-3-0).

The top three teams from each pool advance to the quarterfinals. The top team from the pools will go directly to the semifinals.

Quarterfinal matches begin tomorrow. The opponent for the United States will be determined at a later time.

Brandon Brooks, a Punahou alum, did not see any action in goal for the United States.

VAN BELKUM SCORES TWO IN DUTCH WIN

BEIJING — The Netherlands defeated Italy, 8-5, yesterday in a shootout, to advance to the semifinals in women's water polo.

Iefke Van Belkum, a former UH standout, scored twice for the Dutch, which outscored Italy, 5-3, in the shootout. Meike DeNooy, another former UH star, did not play in goal for the Netherlands.

The Dutch will face Hungary in one semifinal, while the United States will face Australia in the other.

SOFTBALL

PORTER SCORES TWICE IN AUSTRALIAN WIN

BEIJING — Former University of Hawai'i standout Stacey Porter scored twice as Australia beat Canada, 4-0, in a women's preliminary softball game yesterday at Fengtai Softball Field. Justine Smethurst, another former UH star, did not pitch for Australia in the game.

Australia is 4-2 in pool play, while Canada is 3-3.

SOCCER

KAI, U.S. WOMEN WILL FACE JAPAN IN SEMIS

BEIJING — The U.S. women's soccer team will take on Japan for the second time in the Olympics. The Americans beat Japan, 1-0, in preliminary play.

The semifinal match takes place today. The winner is assured of at least a silver medal.

The U.S. reached the semifinals when Kahuku High and University of Hawai'i alum Natasha Kai headed in a goal in extra time in a 2-1 victory over Canada.