U.S. Women Remain Undefeated in Win over Italy

By Bill Kauffman (bill.kauffman@usav.org)

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – The U.S. Olympic Women’s Volleyball Team, ranked No. 1 the world, was energized by its bench play Friday after as it defeated Italy 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 during the Olympic Games Pool B being staged at Maracanazinho Arena in Rio de Janeiero, Brazil.

The Americans, now 4-0 in Pool B with 11 points and in first place, conclude pool play against the world’s No. 3 China on Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET. Team USA, though already qualified for the Aug. 16 quarterfinals following its victory over Serbia on Wednesday, is aiming to grab the top seed from Pool B.

Earlier today China lost to Serbia 25-19, 25-19, 25-22 to fall to 2-2 with seven points. Serbia is now in second place with a 3-1 record and nine points. Serbia challenges fourth-place Netherlands on the final day of pool play prior to the USA’s match against China. A Team USA win will secure the top spot in the Pool B heading into the quarterfinals. However, an American loss to China means Serbia can slip into the top seed with a win over Netherlands despite having lost to the U.S. earlier this week.

The top four teams from the two six-team pools advance to the quarterfinals with the top seeds

EXCLUSIVE Actor Spotlight: Brec Bassinger from 'Bella and the Bulldogs'

From Texas comes an adorable, talented fifteen year old young lady by the name of Brec Bassinger. Brec is an actress who has been in TV shows such as 'The Goldbergs' as Zoe McIntosh and 'Haunted Hathaways' as Emma. Currently, Brec will star in the new Nickelodeon series 'Bella and the Bulldogs' as Bella. 'Bella and the Bulldogs' is currently filming with a premiere date sometime in 2015.

'Bella and the Bulldogs' follows a perky head cheerleader named Bella whose life in Texas takes an unexpected twist when she becomes the new quarterback for her school team, the Bulldogs.

This show according Brec has a lot of heart. We can't wait to see it. Recently, we had the honor to interview Brec on her acting career and if she has any other talents. Here is what Brec had to say to us.

When did you start acting?
I began taking acting lessons when I was 10. I started auditioning when I was 13 and everything else happened from there.

Was it your dream to be an actress?
It has always been a dream of mine to be an actress.

Are there challenges pursuing an acting career?