ATHENS, Greece, August 20, 2004 – Following another disappointing five-set loss to Russia on Friday night, the USA women’s Olympic volleyball team finds itself facing the ultimate challenge come Sunday: it must defeat three-time defending Olympic gold medalist Cuba to advance out of pool play.

Ekaterina Gamova scored a match-high 28 points and Lioubov Shashkova added 23 points as Russia rebounded from a 2-1 deficit after three sets to post a 3-2 victory over the United States at Peace and Friendship Stadium.

Gamova had 22 kills, four blocks and two service aces in the 20-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-18, 15-11 win that improved Russia’s record in Pool B to 3-1. It will play for first place in the pool on Sunday against China (3-1).

Tayyiba Haneef scored 25 points and Logan Tom added 24 points for Team USA, which dropped to 1-3 in Pool B. It will do whatever it can beat Cuba (3-1), salvage fourth place in the pool and keep its medal dreams alive.