Japan whips S. Korea to win women's volleyball bronze

Japan whips S. Korea to win women's volleyball bronze

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Yukiko Ebata (L) hugs Saori Sakoda after beating South Korea in straight sets 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 in the women's volleyball bronze medal match at Earls Court at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 11, 2012. Japan claimed their first medal since taking the bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Japan whips S. Korea to win women's volleyball bronze

Japan whips S. Korea to win women's volleyball bronze

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Hitomi Nakamichi, Yukiko Ebata, Mai Yamaguchi, Kaori Inoue, Maiko Kano and coach Masayoshi Manabe (from R to L) run toward their teammates in celebration of their victory against South Korean in straight sets 25-22, 26-24, 25-21 in the women's volleyball bronze medal match at Earls Court at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 11, 2012. Japan claimed their first medal since taking the bronze at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.

Japan humbled by Brazil in women's volleyball semis

Japan humbled by Brazil in women's volleyball semis

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Yukiko Ebata (Back) spikes the ball during the first set of a match against Brazil in the women's volleyball semifinals at Earls Court at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 9, 2012. Brazil beat Japan 25-18, 25-15, 25-18. At front is Brazil's Danielle Lins.

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Yukiko Ebata, Saori Kimura, Erika Araki, Yoshie Takeshita and Hitomi Nakamichi (from L in front row) rejoice after beating China 28-26, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 18-16 in a London Olympic women's volleyball quarterfinal at Earls Court on Aug. 7, 2012. Japan advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1988.

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Yuko Sano (front) dives for the ball during the fourth set of a match against China in the women's volleyball quarterfinals at Earls Court at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 7, 2012. Japan beat China 28-26, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 18-16 and advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1988. At right is Japan's Yukiko Ebata.

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

Japan reaches women's volleyball semis

LONDON, Britain - Japan's Yukiko Ebata (C) spikes the ball during the second set of a match against China in the women's volleyball quarterfinals at Earls Court at the 2012 London Olympics on Aug. 7, 2012. Japan beat China 28-26, 23-25, 25-23, 23-25, 18-16 and advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1988. At left is China's Hui Ruoqi and at right is Xu Yunli.