U.S. men hang on to reach volleyball final

By John Ruwitch

BEIJING (Reuters) - The U.S. men's volleyball team squandered an early lead but held on in a tense tie-breaker to beat Russia on Friday and reach the Olympic final, creating the possibility of a U.S. gold medal sweep in volleyball.

Italy and top ranked Brazil battle for the other spot in the final later on Friday.

U.S. player Clayton Stanley's four aces propelled the team take the first set 25-22. He started the second with two aces on the first two serves, helping the Americans win that set 25-21 as Russian fans jeered at a tiny contingent in the crowd chanting "USA! USA!"

Russia was not rattled and came storming back from the brink of defeat to win a tight third set 27-25. Russia then grabbed the fourth 25-22 by effectively denying the United States the chance for point streaks.

With the match tied at two apiece, Russia and America battled to 13-13 before middle blocker David Lee spiked the ball to give the U.S. match point, and then Lee won it with a clutch block.

"I came alive. All match long I don't think I played my best volleyball but at the end I got it done," Lee said.

"We kind of weathered the storm. They served really well, we passed great, and at the end we made a few big points -- a few kills, a few stuffs -- and that was it. Game over."

U.S. men's beach volleyball duo Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser beat Brazil to take home the gold earlier on Friday.

The day before, the unbeatable Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won the women's gold and the United States women's indoor team crushed Cuba 3-0 to reach the final.

(Editing by Alison Williams)