U.S. women will play for hockey gold medal

VANCOUVER -- The United States' women's hockey team will be playing for the gold medal.

The U.S. team hammered Sweden 9-1 on Monday in the semifinals of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

Monique LaMoureux scored three goals and six other Americans scored, while Jessie Vetter made 11 saves to pick up the win in goal.

The U.S. team, which has outscored its first four opponents by a combined 40-2, will play the winner of the other semifinal between Canada and Finland for the gold medal Thursday.

Photo: Caitlin Catow (8) celebrates her goal with Angelo Ruggiero (4) during the U.S. team's 9-1 victory Monday over Sweden. (Alex Livesey/Getty)