Hansen helps lead Team USA to win over China

BEIJING, China — Kevin Hansen, a Corona del Mar High product, helped the steadfast U.S. men’s volleyball team win in the return of its head coach Hugh McCutcheon this morning in China.

McCutcheon missed three matches with the team following an attack on his in-laws, who were visiting a popular Beijing tourist site. Assistant Ron Larsen was interim head coach in McCutcheon’s absence, and John Speraw, the UC Irvine men’s volleyball coach, remained the lone assistant.

Hansen, a setter, produced 41 assists as the Americans remained undefeated in preliminary pool play with a 25-22, 25-12 25-18 victory over China. They have already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals.

McCutcheon’s father-in-law, Todd Bachman, was fatally stabbed in the attack one week ago. His mother-in-law, Barbara Bachman, was seriously wounded. The Bachmans are the parents of McCutcheon’s wife, former volleyball Olympian Elisabeth “Wiz” Bachman McCutcheon.

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. men wore “TB” and “BB” written on their shoes in honor of the Bachmans.

In men’s water polo, former UC Irvine All-Americans Ryan Bailey and Tim Hutten each scored a goal in Team USA’s 7-5 win over Croatia in Group B play. The Amercians (3-1) face Germany in group play Monday.

— From staff reports