Youth movement? - Articles

Kerri Walsh is 37, April Ross is 33, Phil Dalhausser is 36, and Nick Lucena is 36. Where is the next generation of USA stars coming from? Based on the results of the NorCECA qualifier at Manhattan Beach on Wednesday, maybe we have an answer. Young teams figured prominently in the results. At stake: the opportunity to represent the USA in three NorCECA (NORth America, CEntral America, and CAribbean) events in Cuba, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In fact, of the four top seeds on the men's and women's brackets, only one team won their first match of the day (they received first-round byes). USC college stars Sara Hughes/Kelly Claes had the audacity to dismiss their elders and qualify in first place at the tender ages of 21 and 20, respectively. Also in the finals: 24 year old UCLA alumnus Kelly Reeves, partnering with Ali McColloch. Hughes/Claes won in straight sets, 21-12, 21-19. "We felt really good about our play,” Hughes said. “This is our first transition tournament from the collegiate ranks; this tournament is definitely a level above that. It's fun to come out here and get more experience." Added Claes, ”The transition from college to AVP/FIVB is really exciting. We're excited to be out here; the players are bigger, stronger, and more physical. We're ready to compete with them. " In the men’s finals, Miles Evans (26 years old) and Spencer McLachlin (27) were forced to forfeit the final match to Marty Lorenz and Adam Roberts so McLachlin could make his flight to get to...

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