Undermanned U.S. Loser

Missing two starters, the U.S. women’s volleyball team lost to Cuba 15-11, 15-8, 8-15, 15-13 in the final day of pool play in the BCV Volley Cup.

Team USA, the second-place team in Pool A with a 2-1 record, advances to the semifinal round to face Pool B champion Brazil (3-0), a straight-sets winner over China (2-1). Cuba, which won Pool A by defeating the Americans, faces Pool B runner-up China in today’s other semifinal.

Kris Benson and two relievers shut out Australia 7-0 in exhibition baseball as the U.S. national team picked up its 28th straight victory in Millington, Tenn.