Statesman Journal

May 14, 2008

Salem-Keizer — Salem Volleyball Club's top U16 team has qualified for the U.S. Junior Olympic Championships, which is hosted by USA Volleyball.

The team, Salem 16 Black, finished fifth out of 88 teams competing in the Regional Power League. The U.S. Championships are set for Dallas, Texas, July 1 to 4.

Next up for Salem 16 Black is the Willamette Volleyball Classic, which was May 10 to 11 at Oregon State University. Also, the team will participate in Seattle's Emerald City Classic on Memorial Day weekend as a tune-up for their trip to Texas.

Area schools are represented on the team.

McNary's Laura Berg, Alison Garrett and Erica Cotton, Sprague's Alexa Brown, Kaleigh Nelson and Emily Oslie, Silverton's Hilary Butsch and Hannah Deede and West Salem's Meredith Coba and Sydney Smith are members of the team.

— Lee Clarkson