BEIJING • All that buildup, all that anticipation, all that hype, for one win?

Welcome to the world of the U.S. women’s field hockey team.The No. 11 Americans placed eighth at the Beijing Games, unable to make much noise in their first Olympic appearance in 12 years because of an inconsistent offense and untimely breakdowns on defense.

Their final game Wednesday epitomized their struggles.Dana Sensenig and Angela Loy staked the U.S. to a 2-1 lead early in the second half against No. 7 Spain before Amy Tran allowed the tying goal with less than three minutes left. The U.S. was lifeless in overtime, and Spain won 3-2 on a penalty corner, the soccer equivalent of a corner kick.

“The way the girls played throughout the tournament gave us a belief that we could have come away with some more wins,” U.S. coach Lee Bodimeade said. “The harsh reality is that it’s only our second major tournament in four years. It’s a process that we need to go through, and we’re going to be better from this Olympics.”

Chances also were plentiful for the U.S. in a 4-2 loss to No. 3 Germany and ties against No. 2 Argentina, No. 5 Japan and No. 9 Great Britain. Then again, it lacked the execution in those games that it displayed in a 4-1 victory over No. 8 New Zealand.

None of the U.S. shortcomings are a shock, considering the underdog Americans got to Beijing only after beating Belgium in the championship match of an Olympic qualifier in April in Russia.

“Trying to get more goals on the board is probably the key in this level of competition,” said Bodimeade, whose team scored 11 goals and allowed 11 goals. “We were successful at the Olympic qualifier against our level of competition. Where it really counts, we need to step up.”

Carrie Lingo called the Olympics a major steppingstone for the Colorado Springs-based U.S. Field Hockey Association.

“Everything we can take back pushes the program forward,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe the e-mails we’ve been getting from young kids at home. This has inspired a lot of the younger players.”

Said Kate Barber: “This team has taken a lot of punches along the way, and we continue to get up. We have nothing to be ashamed of. … Continuing to play the top teams in the world on a consistent basis is what’s going to really continue to develop this team.”

Katelyn Falgowski maintains losing provided a learning experience.

“You come to the Olympics in a big game, you need to learn how to win,” she said. “Now we know what to expect. Now we’re definitely ready to do it again.”-CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0256 or brian.gomez@gazettedev.gazette.com. Check out our Olympics blog at gazetteolympics.freedomblogging.com

Colorado Springs police detectives investigate the scene of a homicide the night before outside 720 N. Swope Ave. in the Knob Hill area of Colorado Springs Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008. Photo by (Christian Murdock, The Gazette)

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