With Lindsey Berg

Punahou graduate Lindsey Berg is one of four players with Hawai'i ties on the U.S. women's volleyball team. Her father, Dennis, is contributing to The Advertiser's coverage from Beijing.

BEIJING — I have been encouraged by the Joy Luck Club, who spent much of the day buying flowers and stringing leis for the team, to point out that it is an honor and a privilege to participate and represent one's country in the Olympics and that, winning events and finishing high enough to earn a medal is "icing on the cake."

The USA women represented our country well. They participated and competed at an elite level, coming from behind and winning consecutive matches against China, Poland and Italy, advancing to the medal round to sweep Cuba and come up just a bit short of forcing a fifth game against Brazil.

Brazil has been ranked No. 1 in the world since 2005 and they are as tough to beat as catching a taxi outside the venue after a match.

So now it is up to Team Stanley (hi aunty Mare) to provide the support and any magic necessary for the USA men to bring home the gold tomorrow. Whatever the outcome, the Beijing Olympics has been a tremendous success for USA Volleyball.

Mahalo to China for hosting a great Olympics and mei guo jia you (Let's go USA).