BEIJING — After the Venezuela match, I was not very confident that the USA women could improve their play enough to beat China. Therefore I was prepared to share some other information about "Being in Beijing" without having to dwell on a potential loss.

With the victories, I will just share a bit of info about the streets of Beijing, which are particularly unique with pedestrians having absolutely no right-of-way, even in crosswalks where they are actually better targets for cars. The pedestrians, bikes, motor bikes and autos (about half of which are taxis) all move about as if in a maze of a bumper car ride at a carnival except without any bumping going on. It must somehow be computer programmed to work out safely for all as it is definitely total chaos.

I was invited to (watch the U.S. men's team play) Bulgaria on Thursday and could not have been more impressed with play of the (Americans). I went away thinking how productive it might be for the USA women to substitute a practice or film session with watching the men play. As powerful as they are at the net, they are equally as accomplished with their ballhandling, passing, digging, covering the block and retrieving the off-play loose ball. They are certainly playing at a gold medal contending level.

I guess my thoughts of their play rubbed off on the USA women. Combined with a perfect Hawaiian blue sky on Friday, it all must have been a positive influence on the USA team, in particular the Hawaiian connection. It was a five-game thriller, with USA coming off the mat repeatedly during games and after losses in Games 1 and 3, to win the match.

I do not think Heather will include in her diary that she definitely played one of the best all-around matches of her career. It was not just her superb hitting, blocking and serving, but her passion and fight which motivated her teammates. Robyn played her usual steady game with exceptional setting, saves and digs and pinpoint serving to keep China off balance. Kim W. came in the third and fourth game for Ty (a rare but brilliant sub by coach Jenny) giving the team more offensive and defensive balance. Kim G. (representing Hawai'i as Lindsey's roommate) and Logan elevated their play on the outside and Lindsey came in to set well during the strategic sub situations.

So, within 24 hours it was like winning the daily double at Del Mar with back-to-back USA victories. I think good odds would have been available for that bet. This morning, Lindsey's auntie Steph, who arrived late last night to sub in for her son and grandson who left earlier in the day, joined us to support Team Stanley and the USA men with their victory against China. Another daily double with back-to-back wins over China, this time within 14 hours.

We were to visit the Athletes Olympic Village yesterday after the women's match against Poland. Security, for good reason, is extremely tight, but we should have all of our credentials in place by that time for Lindsey to host us for a couple of hours. We will see you all at the beach venue in the evening for the women's quarterfinal matches.