The United States fell to Brazil in four sets during the women's volleyball gold medal match Saturday to take home the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Despite a hot start, Fabiana Claudino and Brazil ultimately proved too powerful for Team USA.
The United States dominated the first set, winning 25-11. Brazil recorded back-to-back points just once during the set, setting up the U.S. for what looked like an easy victory. The Brazilians roared back, however, showing their strength to win the second set, 25-17.
The third set was much more tightly contested. Still, Brazil never trailed as they took five of the last six points and won the set, 25-20. Broken, the United States dropped the fourth set, 25-17, giving the Brazilians the gold medal.
Claudino led the way for Brazil defensively and offensive, notching 14 points off seven spikes and seven blocks. Sheilla Castro (15 spikes) and Jaqueline Carvalho (18 spikes) were also dominant. Destinee Hooker notched 14 points, 13 off spikes, but Team USA had no one who could match the blocking prowess of Claudino.
The silver is the second straight for the women's volleyball team at the Olympics.
You can find a complete medal tracker at SI.com.
For more on the Olympics, check out SB Nation's London 2012 Olympics Hub. For more on Olympic Volleyball, follow the 2012 Olympic Volleyball section.
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