SHENYANG, China — Heather O'Reilly scored less than a minute into the match to lead the Unites States to a 4-0 win over New Zealand and a spot in the quarterfinals of the women's Olympic soccer tournament yesterday.

O'Reilly put the defending champions on the board 40 seconds into the match, firing a long-range right-footer over New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon.

O'Reilly's goal — the fastest in Olympic women's soccer history — broke the mark set, ironically, by Norway against the USA in the first match of the group.

"We gained so much confidence, but you need to find the rhythm at the beginning of the game and of course it's easier if you are 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said.

The U.S. then got goals from Amy Rodriguez in the 43rd minute, Lindsay Tarpley in the 57th minute and Angela Hucles in the 60th minute.

"Today was a special moment for our team," Rodriguez said. "Scoring four goals was a great feeling and getting my first Olympic goal was exciting. I'm so proud of the team and how we performed out there."

Yesterday's victory gave the U.S. first place in Group G with six points, edging Norway on goal differential and avoiding a match with title contender Brazil.

Natasha Kai, a former Kahuku High and University of Hawai'i star, entered the game around the 57th minute and played the rest of the way. She did not have an attempt on goal.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

AMERICAN WOMEN TOP VENEZUELA, 3-1

BEIJING — Tayyiba Haneef-Park had a match-high 17 points as the U.S. women's volleyball team beat Venezuela, 25-17, 20-25, 25-14, 25-18, today to improve to 2-1 in preliminary matches.

Former University of Hawai'i standout Heather Bown had 10 points for Team USA, while Robyn Ah Mow-Santos added three points, including an ace. Kim Willoughby did not play. Lindsey Berg, a Punahou alum, saw action for the U.S.

SOFTBALL

U.S. WOMEN ROLL OVER AUSTRALIA, 4-0

BEIJING — Cat Osterman pitched a no-hitter, Crystl Bustos hit a two-run homer and the U.S. softball team extended its Olympic winning streak to 16 games with a 3-0 win over Australia today.

The Americans are seeking a fourth straight gold medal.

Stacey Porter, a former University of Hawai'i player, went 0 for 3, striking out once, for Australia. Justine Smethurst, a pitcher, who plans to return to Manoa and play for UH in the spring, did not pitch for Australia.

Osterman was locked in a pitcher's duel for four innings with Tanya Harding, who had handed the U.S. team two of its four losses in the Games since 1996.

Osterman struck out 13 as the Americans posted their 14th shutout during the winning streak.