U.S. Junior National Championships conclude with U-16 medal matches – Volleyball news
USA Volleyball (USAV) organised a thrilling competition for young athletes in Atlanta over the past two weeks called the 2011 Girls Junior National Championships. It started off on June 25 and finally reached its end on Monday, July 4. Under-12, U-13, U-14,
U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-18 players participated in the competition. The final day of the Junior National Championships featured the medal matches in 16 Open, 16 National and 16 American Divisions. At the end of the day the final rankings of the event were as
follows:
16 Open:
1st Position (Gold-medal)- Mizuno Long Beach 16 Rockstar - Southern California
2nd Position (Silver-medal)- Northern Lights 16-1 (North Country);
Thrid Position (Bronze-medal)- OVA 16 Asics (Florida) and St. Louis CYC 16 Green (Gateway)
16 National:
First- Blackswamp Cordova (Ohio Valley); Second- NCVC Black 16-1 (Northern California);
Third- Circle City 16 Purple (Hoosier) and Tsunami 16-Jing (Southern)
16 American:
First- A5 Mizuno 161 Gabe (Southern); Second- Austin Juniors Volleyball 16 Mizuno (Lone Star); Third- Mintonette- m.61 Rox (Ohio Valley) and Uno Girls 16 Elite (Great Lakes)
Kristin Sessler from Fremont Ohio was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 16-National Division. She was part of the Ohio Valley Team named the Blackswamp Cordova. She called it a memorable experience for her and shared her thoughts after the match.
Sessler commented, “It is hard being away from our families, but they are watching it at home. It is a great way to end the tournament by being able to go back to them. This will be a holiday that our team and our Ohana, which means family in Hawaiian, will
always remember.”
Her teammate, Morgan Patterson was equally excited about the gold-medal win. She said that winning a gold-medal on the Independence Day, 4th July, was a great way to end the season.
The Competition Committee member of USA Volleyball (USAV), Scott McQueen, felt that the tournament created a great sports environment in Atlanta this year and hopes next year’s tournament will grow even more. Moreover, she appreciated the good playing conditions
and weather of the city. She concluded, “This year’s competition seemed to be more competitive than ever, as proven in the number of three-set matches. The kids seemed to enjoy the competition and hopefully next year’s tournament will grow on the success from
this tournament.”
It was a successful event in all respects for the organizers and the participants. The USAV hopes to continue with the great tradition of creating new opportunities for the young crop of volleyball players in America who which to play on the national level.
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