Indianapolis, Ind. (July 1, 2016) – Carolina Region’s Xcel 18X Select won the 18 American Division today at the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championship at the Indiana Convention Center.
There was a light championship schedule today with just one division contested. Two more days remain in the 2016 GJNCs with a full slate of finals for both Saturday with the 17s and Sunday with the 16s.
Xcel 18S Select (CR) defeated Rockwood Thunder 18 Navy, 26-24, 25-15, to become the 2016 18 American national champions. They won the 18s title with only one 18-year-old on the squad (Taylor Houck); the other eight are 17.
“We started playing together when we were 13,” said Caroline Marsh.
“A lot of us have changed positions. I used to be a middle, our libero used to be an outside. We’ve all changed around, but as a team we’ve grown so much. We always worked so hard because we know that we’re little. We really do have to work hard.
No one had that giant grown spurt that made them the automatic middle?
“Ahhh, yes. Alex Boone, number 10. She grew about two feet when we were 13.
Literally?
“Yes, literally. She grew so much when we were little.”
So winning a national championship with a group of friends feels good.
“It’s the best feeling in the entire world,” said Caroline. “… for our one 18-year-old, being her last tournament, and us, the last time we’ll be together until next season, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
18 American
Gold: Xcel 18X Select (CR)
Silver: Rockwood Thunder 18 Navy (GW)
Bronze: VA Juniors 18 Elite (CH)
Bronze: Club H 18 – Bill (SC)