Latvians at the Olympics

BEIJING- Latvian women's Olympic basketball teamlost the first two games at the 2008 Olympic games. The first match against Russiawas close, but ended in a final score of 57-62.

The second match against Belaruswas also neck and neck but ended with a final score of 57-79. Games areexpected to improve as the Latvian women face Brazil onAugust 13, Australia on August 15 and ending with a final game against Korea onAugust 17.

Men's beach volleyball also had it's upsand downs as Latvia pummeled Team USA in ascore of 2-0.

Thought to be the overwhelming favorites for the 2008 gold, Team USAcomposed of Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser, world champions took a big hitafter winning 21 games in a row. 

Latviawon 21-19, 21-18 in a best-of-three match. Martins Plavins and Aleksandrs Samoilovs former junior world championsare Latvia's first team to qualify for the Olympics.