Aug. 18, 2008

STANFORD, Calif. - It will be a "Blastoff 2 Beijing" rematch late Monday night on the West Coast between the United States and Australia, as the two nations meet in the semifinal round of the Olympic Tournament at the Yingdong Natatorium. The U.S., featuring a trio of current and former Stanford stars in Jessica Steffens `09, Brenda Villa `03, and Alison Gregorka `07, took three of the four "Blastoff 2 Beijing" contests against the Australians, and will look to advance to the Gold-Medal Game with a win Monday night at 11:20 p.m. PT.

Villa leads the Stanford trio with five goals through the first three contests, as the U.S. topped Group A with a 2-0-1 record. Villa scored in each of the contests, netting her first goal in the tournament-opening 12-11 victory over China, then nothcing a pair in both the 9-9 tie against Italy and the 12-7 victory over Russia.

Gregorka's four goals in the tournament have been evenly split between the tie with Italy and the victory over Russia, just as Steffens' two tournament goals were split between the two matches.

Steffens, one of only two collegiate players on the U.S. roster, has also been a boon for the U.S. defense, coming up with a field block against China and a steal against Russia. her ranging defensive abilities have helped the U.S. defense keep its composure while lowering its goals-against over the three contests.

Gregorka, meanwhile, has also assisted on a pair of goals on top of her four scored.

The U.S. captured the last of the "Blastoff 2 Beijing" contests, 7-5, at Avery Aquatic Center on July 10.

Tonight's contest can be seen live at www.nbcolympics.com.