COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The U.S. Field Hockey National Team captured a berth into the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, winning the Olympic Qualifier with the help of former Terrapins Lauren Powley, Dina Rizzo and Kelii Smith. The Americans went 6-0 in the tournament, defeating Belgium, 3-1, in the gold medal game.

Lauren Powley, Dina Rizzo and Keli Smith are veteran members of the U.S. National Team, each boasting at least 70 international caps. The Americans allowed just four goals over the six-game tournament, while scoring 27. Smith was responsible for two of those scores, recording goals against Russia and France.

After a close game in the opener against Belgium, where the U.S. won 3-2, the Americans went on to record dominant shutout victories over Russia (7-0), France (7-0) and India (4-0). The Red, White and Blue closed pool play with a 3-1 win over Netherlands Antilles to secure a spot in the gold medal game.

In a rematch of the opening game, the U.S. had a slow start but scored in the 18th minute to take a 1-0 lead. But the Belgians responded with a goal a few minutes later. The Americans regained their lead a few minutes later, 2-1, and never looked back.

The U.S. was the top-ranked team in the tournament, boasting a No. 11 world ranking. India was ranked 13th heading into the event, followed by France (18), Netherlands Antilles (20), Russia (21) and Belgium (24).

The tournament presented the teams' last opportunity to earn an Olympic berth. The U.S. joins the 12-team field, which includes host China, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands, England, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Africa. Two more spots are still up for grabs at other Olympic Qualifying tournaments. The United States will make its first Olympic Games appearance since 1996 and its fifth overall.

-TERPS-