Aug. 7, 2012

In its fourth consecutive 3-0 sweep, the top-ranked U.S. women's volleyball team (6-0) and former USC standout libero Nicole Davis knocked off 11th-ranked Dominican Republic (2-4) in the Olympic quarterfinals (25-14, 25-21, 25-22) at Earls Court in London on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

The victory pushed the United States ahead into a semifinal bout against No. 15 South Korea (3-3); a team it defeated in four sets to open the preliminary rounds. In the first meeting, Davis led all players with 29 digs. In their quarterfinal, the Koreans upset No. 4 Italy in four sets to advance.

USA and Korea will take the court for the first of two semifinal matches on Thursday, Aug. 9, at 7 a.m. PT (3 p.m. local). In the other semifinal, No. 2 Brazil (4-2) and No. 5 Japan (4-2) play at 11:30 a.m. PT (7:30 p.m. local).

The two semifinal winners will face each other in the Gold Medal Match on Saturday, Aug. 11, at 10:30 a.m. PT (6:30 p.m. local). The Bronze Medal Match is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. PT (11:30 a.m. local). USA is seeking its first-ever gold medal in women's volleyball.

Davis, who helped USC capture the 2002 and 2003 NCAA titles, is appearing in her second Olympic Games. She and her USA teammates won a silver medal at the 2008 Games in Beijing.

Follow Davis and the rest of the 41 Trojan Olympians' quest for gold at www.usctrojans.com/london2012