US womens volleyball beats Brazil, to compete for gold at Olympics NBC Chicago [Video]

Karch Kiraly made one request when the decisive fifth set Thursday during the U.S. women’s volleyball semifinal vs. Brazil began: Win or lose, make sure to enjoy the moment.

The coach asked the American women to take in the atmosphere, one of the best for women’s volleyball, with mighty Brazil on the opposite side of the net.

Now, Kiraly’s U.S. women’s volleyball team will get another shot under the bright Olympic lights — a shot to repeat as gold medalists. And it took every extra hustle play by every American on the floor against the experienced Brazilians.

“It’s kind of sad that either team has to lose a match like that,” Kiraly said, “because both programs are legendary in terms of consistently high level of play in good tournaments like the Olympics and world championships.”

As Brazil’s fans waved flags, chanted and sang from every corner of South Paris Arena, the U.S. women edged their fellow world powerhouse in a five-set thriller …