RIO DE JANEIRO -- Never did Karch Kiraly expect the womens volleyball Group B winner to go unblemished.He probably had little idea captain Christa Dietzen would be the one to deliver during the latest impressive U.S. victory, either.Dietzen made the final kill of the third set and provided a big lift off the bench, helping the top-ranked Americans (5-0) put themselves in prime position in this Olympic tournament. They responded from a one-set deficit to beat China 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-19 on Sunday, and now will face Japan in the Rio de Janeiro Games quarterfinals Tuesday at Maracanazinho arena. China must face two-time defending champion Brazil (5-0), which swept Russia in Sundays late match and is yet to drop a set.All along, Dietzen has accepted her role in Rio -- limited or otherwise, like Sunday.I love whatever role Im given, I think its great to come off the bench, to be a starter, said the 29-year-old Dietzen, who has been working closely with team high-performance psychologist Michael Gervais during this trip. Its important for athletes to develop their ability to be their best from any position. When the team needs me, Im ready to go in.Dietzen, nicknamed Mom by her teammates for all her care and used sparingly so far in Brazil, delivered. Her teammates couldnt have been more proud to see it.This team has just so much trust in her as our captain, and with the experience that she has shes a real stabilizing influence, Kiraly said.They joke shes a caged lion, too.We call her mom, and shes more of a mom to me than anybody on the team, Kelsey Robinson said. She has been someone who has taken me under the wing since my first year. Wed go to lunch, shed take me to dinner. ... I love the way she plays, I love the way she fights. For her to be such a great teammate in the role shes been asked to do and get her shot tonight, Im so proud of her.China coach Jenny Lang Ping, who once coached the Americans, and Kiraly are both looking to become the first to win volleyball gold as a player and coach.Kiraly certainly isnt getting ahead of himself. Sure, the U.S. took a nice step forward to the goal of reaching the top of the medal podium for the programs first gold ever.The Americans, silver medalists the past two Olympics behind Brazil, dropped five sets in all.Im more surprised that somebody went undefeated than they didnt, Kiraly said. We got pushed a lot, and that was all good for us.This marked the 11th meeting between the countries since the U.S. beat China for the 2014 world championship title. The Americans have won eight of 12 meetings since then. After a June 12 loss in China, the Americans bounced back with victories on June 26 in Hong Kong and July 8 in Bangkok.On Sunday, Dietzen did the very thing veteran players do when called upon: She had herself ready for the moment when needed.Its very important for her to help their team when shes a substitute for the younger players, and the younger players are probably more calm to play, Ping said. Shes a great blocker, too. Every time, she gives our attack lots of trouble.Earlier, Italy captain Antonella Del Core said a tearful Olympic goodbye.She thanked everyone in the crowd over the public address system after her final match with the team and a straight-set win against Puerto Rico. Her Italian teammates threw her in the air again and again, and had written on their arms, Grazie Cap (hashtag)15 with a heart. Terry Steinbach Jersey . Pirlo limped out of Sundays 1-0 win over Udinese after just 13 minutes. Juventus says Pirlo underwent tests on Monday which revealed he has "a second-degree lesion to the collateral medial ligament in his right knee. Oakland Athletics Jerseys . The Montreal Canadiens announced on Friday that the veteran forward will return to the teams line-up on Saturday night when the Habs visit the Nashville Predators. http://www.athleticsrookiestore.com/Athletics-Kendall-Graveman-Kids-Jersey/ . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Mark McGwire Jersey . Speaking to the Chicago Tribune at baseballs Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Boras called the former home of the Expos a "tremendous environment" for baseball. Glenn Hubbard Jersey . Their 38th instalment is arguably their biggest fight card to date, including three-title fights and a main event which was selected by the fans. The promotion boasts 14-straight years of business and is operated by MFC president Mark Pavelich, who is often overlooked in this country for the foundation hes established for MMA in Canada. A look at whats happening all around the majors Tuesday:---HARR-IBLEThe Pirates have lost seven in a row and fallen below .500, dropping them 4 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild-card spot. Ryan Vogelsong (3-4, 3.56 ERA) aims to end the slide when he starts at PNC Park against the Cardinals, who have homered in a team-record 24 straight games.NICE STARTYankees right-hander Luis Cessa is 4-0 since making his major league debut this season. Hell try to keep New York close in the AL wild-card chase when he starts at home vs. All-Star Aaron Sanchez (13-2) and the Blue Jays.BULLPEN HELPThe Cubs are expected to activate reliever Hector Rondon from the disabled list before their game at Milwaukee. Thee righty has been out since Aug.dddddddddddd 17 with a right triceps strain. He is 2/3 with 18 saves and a 2.47 ERA for the team with the best record in the majors.WELCOME BACKReliever Koji Uehara is expected to join the Red Sox for their game in San Diego. The former closer has been out since July 20 with a strained pectoral muscle. The righty is 2/3 with a 4.50 ERA in 39 games this season.SEEING REDThe New York Mets have won 12 in a row against Cincinnati going into their matchup at Great American Ball Park. Rafael Montero starts for the Mets against Reds lefty Brandon Finnegan. ' ' '