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US volleyball player Rachael Adams persevered on road to Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Strong. Capable. Enough.

Those words, written on Rachael Adams' water bottle, serve as a reminder. Along with the words below: "Don't Dare Tell Yourself Differently."

It's her affirmation, a message she heeds each day, and one she would like to share with girls and women everywhere.

Just last summer, Adams wasn't sure she would be playing volleyball at the Rio Olympics. On Saturday, she will play for a bronze medal.

With star player Foluke Akinradewo injured early, the top-ranked Americans (7-1) rallied from a 2-1 deficit before falling in five sets to Serbia on Thursday — 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 15-13.