BEIJING — The U.S. men's volleyball team, playing with energy and determination after the tragedy that shook them, defeated Italy 3-1 Tuesday.

Still without head coach Hugh McCutcheon, whose in-laws were attacked in Beijing over the weekend, the U.S. team adjusted after a sluggish start to finish 24-26, 25-22, 25-15, 25-21.

The U.S. men are 2-0 in preliminary pool play after a victory over Venezuela in their opener. The Italians are 1-1, having defeated Japan to open the tournament.

Clay Stanley, a Kaiser High and University of Hawaii alum, had 23 points for the Americans, who are ranked third in the world. Italy, ranked 10th, was led by Hristo Zlatanov with 19 points.

A pall was cast over the U.S. volleyball team following the stabbing death of Todd Bachman, the father of former Olympian Elisabeth "Wiz" Bachman McCutcheon.

Bachman's wife, Barbara, was seriously injured in the attack at the Drum Tower, a popular tourist site. The assailant jumped to his death from the tower.

"I think the guys are playing hard. They're doing it for Hugh, and they're doing it for Wiz," middle blocker Ryan Millar said.

Barbara Bachman's condition was upgraded yesterday from critical to serious but stable Monday.

Ron Larsen took over as interim coach of the U.S. men in McCutcheon's absence. It is not known whether McCutcheon will resume his duties as head coach.