Olympic Volleyball 2012: Women's Semifinals Results, Grades, Analysis & More

Can you dig it?

It's the semifinals of the women's volleyball tournament, with two excellent matchups to take place when the United States faces South Korea and Brazil faces Japan. Neither the U.S. nor South Korea have ever taken gold in this competition, while the two-time gold medalists from Japan face the defending gold-medal winners in Brazil.

Be sure to check back here for a recap of all the serves, spikes and bumps, along with grades for a few key players from each side.

United States vs. South Korea

"

#TeamUSA defeated South Korea, winning three straight sets, in women's volleyball.Moving on to Saturday's GOLD medal game!#GoTeamUSA

— US Olympic Team (@USOlympic) August 9, 2012"

United States	25	25	25	x	x
South Korea	20	22	22	x	x

The United States hung with South Korea in the first two sets before pulling away at the end of each, outlasting the South Koreans down the stretch. But in the third set, the United States was in control early, though the South Koreans recovered, and the match hung in the balance at 20-20.

But, once again, the United States was able to finish late, earning a trip to the gold-medal game.

The United States used a major advantage in blocks (11 points off blocks for the U.S. to five for South Korea) and spike percentage (40 percent for the U.S. to 27 percent for South Korea) to take home the win. 

Destinee Hooker: A+

Not surprisingly, Hooker was the top scorer for the United States in the match, finishing with 24 points (21 on spikes, three kills) to lead the Americans to the win.

Whenever the United States needed a big play or a change in momentum, Hooker brought the thunder with a spike. If the U.S. is to earn its first gold medal in women's volleyball, Hooker will need to be a major factor, as she was in this match.

Jordan Larson: A

What doesn't Larson do for the United States team?

She finished with 14 points (one ace, 10 points on spikes, three kills) and also contributed with five digs, generally helping this team in every regard on the court. Hooker may be the big scorer, but Larson had an excellent all-around contest for the U.S. squad.

Yeon-Koung Kim: A

When the South Korean ladies needed a play, Yeon-Koung Kim generally provided it. The South Koreans' big hitter finished with 20 points (18 on spikes, two aces) and seven digs, and did her best to stop the bleeding when the United States went on a run.

Unfortunately, her efforts couldn't stave off the Americans. But she certainly battled.

Song-Yi Han: B

While she didn't have the impact of Yeon-Koung Kim, Song-Yi Han was certainly busy, finishing with 13 points (one ace, one kill, 11 spikes). But while she was able to score, she didn't have the overall impact the South Koreans needed her to provide to overcome the Americans.

Brazil vs. Japan

Brazil	25	25	25	x	x
Japan	18	15	18	x	x

Brazil didn't just win this match, they dominated it, setting up a gold-medal rematch against the United States from four years ago in Beijing, which Brazil won.

They literally killed the Japanese attack, finishing the match with 14 kills to Japan's one. They also were much more efficient on their own attack, finishing with a spike percentage of 47.31 to Japan's meager percentage of 19.13.

It was a team performance for Brazil, and the United States will have a tall task trying to quell the depth and talent on this Brazilian team.

The Entire Brazilian Team: A+

It may seem a cop-out, but this was truly a team performance for the Brazilians. Five players scored double-digit points, highlighted by Fernanda Rodrigues (11 points, 11 digs) and Fabiana Claudino (13 points on an ace, nine spikes and three kills).

It was as complete, team performance from Brazil. It was hard to single out any one player after this one.

Saori Kimura (B) and Yukiko Ebata (D)

After each scored 33 points in a five-set win over China, the two had divergent performances against the Brazilians.

While Kimura was strong, finishing with 14 points on 14 spikes, Ebata mirrored the disappointing performance of the rest of the Japanese side, scoring just seven points on seven spikes.

All is not lost for the Japanese, as they will face South Korea in the bronze-medal match.

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