BEIJING • The mother-in-law of U.S. men’s indoor volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon remained in serious but stable condition Monday at a Beijing hospital as details emerged about the attack in which her husband was killed.

Barbara Bachman, 62, of Lakeville, Minn., was walking Saturday with her daughter, 2004 Olympic volleyball player Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon, at the Drum Tower when a Chinese man mobbed Todd Bachman, 62, with a knife, Todd’s second cousin, Dale, told Minneapolis reporters.

Dale said Barbara suffered multiple stab wounds after turning to confront Tang Yongming, a 47-year-old divorced, unemployed man who leapt to his death off the 13th-century landmark.

“That was a strong indication of her love,” Dale said. “She is a fabulous person.”

Before eight hours of surgery, Barbara was listed in critical condition with “serious and life-threatening” injuries, the U.S. Olympic Committee said. Beijing authorities aren’t disclosing details about the condition of a Chinese tour guide, also injured in the attack.

U.S. women’s volleyball players were shaken by the incident because of their closeness to Elisabeth, and Hugh McCutcheon has taken an indefinite leave of absence from his team, which beat Venezuela in Monday’s opener and plays Italy today.

“During this tremendously difficult time, we have been blessed to be surrounded by a tremendous support system of caring individuals and organizations,” Hugh and Elisabeth wrote in a letter released by the USOC. “We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of assistance and generosity that we have received and hope to convey our appreciation to everyone who has supported us and kept us in their thoughts and prayers.”Tennis ‘no-brainer’

Play tennis in the Olympics in hopes of winning a gold medal or skip the Olympics to rest for the U.S. Open in hopes of a big payday?

That was a “no-brainer” for 2000 Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams, who topped Olga Govortsova of Belarus 6-3, 6-1 in her women’s singles opener.

“Of all the trophies I have, the gold medal I have is my favorite,” said Williams, who also will play next month in the U.S. Open. “It’s a life-changing and a life-altering experience to be around so many fabulous athletes that are able to take their games and their various sports to the ultimate level. It doesn’t get better or bigger than this.”Kemper stays quiet

If Colorado Springs triathlete Hunter Kemper has expectations for his Aug. 19 race, he isn’t sharing them.

“I’m not having any goals for medals,” said Kemper, who finished 17th at the 2000 Sydney Games and ninth in 2004 in Athens. “I just want to get the best I can out of myself and let the rest take care of itself. I just want to be relaxed and have a good time.”-CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0256 or brian.gomez@gazettedev.gazette.com. Check out our Olympics blog at gazetteolympics.freedomblogging.com

Olivia Christensen, left, and Katie Ehrlich tried out their locker combinations Sunday during the Palmer Ridge High School dedication and open house. Residents voted for the tax bond on the $46 million building in 2006. Photo by