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

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 Hawai'i 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.

WATER POLO

U.S. MEN HOLD OFF ITALIAN SQUAD, 12-11

BEIJING — Jeffrey Powers scored on all three of his shots as the United States topped Italy, 12-11, today in a preliminary men's water polo match at Yingdong Natatorium.

Goalkeeper Brandon Brooks, a Punahou alum, did not see actioin for the U.S.

Tony Azevedo added two goals for the Americans, who improved to 2-0 at the Games.

U.S. goalkeeper Merrill Moses struggled today. Aside from the 11 goals allowed, he appeared to be beat on at least two other shots that bounced off the goal posts and one that hit the crossbar.

Punahou alum Brandon Brooks, the backup keeper for the U.S., did not see any action.

MARSHALL ISLANDS

MOVING EXPERIENCE FOR HEINE, JASON

BEIJING — Damien graduate Jared Heine had the honor of being the first in history from the Marshall Islands to compete in the Olympics on Sunday when he jumped in the pool for the 100-meter backstroke. Heine's Olympic dream also included swimming his best time and, though he finished 43rd in preliminaries, his 58.86 equalled his best time down to the 100th of a second. Heine set his career best two years ago at Florida Sectionals.

He told Radio Australia that his Olympic experience has touched him deeply. "My hands were shaking before the race and I knew I would swim well. When I knew I was going to the Olympics my coach would do the countdown each day. These last couple of days it has been hitting me, a couple times I had a hard time breathing, you know, realizing this is it, but I just wanted to make it count."

According to the New York Times, an agreement was recently signed with New Zealand television to bring the Beijing Games to the Marshall Islands. The Times' article featured Anju Jason who, like Heine, lives in Hawai'i. Jason said he plans to visit the Marshall Islands for the first time in three years after the Olympics, in part because kids have been writing him since he qualified, asking questions such as "do you have a girlfriend, can you come and have breakfast with me and would you like to shoot some hoops?"

"I didn't realize how big it was," Jason told the Times. "It made me want to practice more, to do my best for them."

Anju's taekwondo competition (under-170 pounds) doesn't start until Aug. 22 (5 p.m. Aug. 21 Hawai'i time). The other three Marshallese athletes — Roman Cress (100 meters), Haley Nemra (800 meters) and Julianne Kirchner (50-meter freestyle) — compete Friday.