The U.S. women's volleyball team defeated Brazil 3-1 on Monday at the Olympics in an early-round rematch of the Beijing Games final won by the Brazilians.
Destinee Hooker had 23 points and Jordan Larson added 18 for the top-ranked Americans, who won 25-18, 25-17, 22-25, 25-21 to improve to 2-0 in pool play at Earls Court.
It was a preliminary match, but the USA's victory suggests its gold-medal-favorite status is deserved. The U.S. women are ranked No. 1 in the world. Brazil is No. 2. The Americans won by scores of 25-18, 25-17, 22-25 and 25-21.
"Great win by Team USA!" tweeted 2008 Olympic track team athlete Marshevet Hooker, Destinee's older sister. "Great game @destineehooker...you make me so proud!!! sigh...on to the next one!!!"
Jordan Larson scored 18 points, including 16 kills for the Americans, who play third-ranked China on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Central time. The U.S. women never have won Olympic gold. They won silver in 2008 and 1984 and bronze in 1992.
Ricky Hooker, once drafted by the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, is a pastor and Destinee's father. Destinee posted a note he wrote for her before the London Olympics commenced last week on her Facebook fan page.
"The blessing is I see you as a little girl that has grown up into a beautiful young warrior," the note read. "This is the time to put on your lunch pail and play the matches with your heart and soul."
he is the second Olympian in the family. Big sis Marshevet was part of the 4x100 relay team that won gold in Beijing. Hooker is one of seven first-time Olympians on the U.S. team. Outside hitter Jordan Larson, another newcomer, had 16 points in the opener against South Korea.
