"Mentally and emotionally, it's a difficult way to play when it's five sets neck and neck all the way because it comes down to one or two plays at the end of each set," said Lambourne, who posted a team-best seven digs. "Luckily it was our one or two plays at the end of that last set."

Clayton Stanley and Reid Priddy shared U.S.-high honors with 14 kills, while Millar added another four to his team-best seven blocks.

Ivan Miljkovic finished with 23 kills for Serbia.

Best of all, Millar senses a difference with this year's Olympics team vs. the '04 squad.

"There's a bit of a different vibe," he said. "I think this team meshes and jells, especially when we're in the heat of battle."

Wednesday's quarterfinal victory gave the undefeated United States a 6-0 record in Beijing and a 9-0 mark if you include the final three World League matches en route to its first-ever such title.

"This is why the Olympics are so special, because it truly is the ultimate test of volleyball," Millar said. "All the best teams are playing at their best the whole tournament long, and if you're not on your game for one or two matches, you get to go home."

And while Serbia is headed home, the U.S. gets to stick around Beijing and hopes to continue its great run toward Olympics gold.

"We're playing great volleyball at a great time to be playing great volleyball," Millar said.

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E-mail: taylor@desnews.com