Eastern Iowa Volleyball Team Finishes 3rd in Nation

With updates throughout at 3:25 p.m. on July 7, 2010.

By Denise Melchert/Community contributor

Iowa Rockets 13 Black recently competed at the USA Volleyball Junior National Championships in Reno, NV, capturing third place of 48 teams in the American Division.

In pool play, the Rockets went 4-1, defeating teams from Palm Beach, San Francisco, Illinois and Tennessee.

Undefeated in bracket play, the team narrowly handled San Antonio Magic, TVC and SW Asics.

In quarterfinals of the Gold Division, the Rockets beat Colorado United Black. On the championship court, the Rockets lost to eventual tournament champs, Rockwood Thunder of St. Louis, in three games in the semi-finals.

The team won four tournament championships this season and tied for fifth of forty-one teams competing at the Northern Lights Regional tournament. Ten Iowa Rockets teams competed at Nationals this year, one of the best respresented volleyball clubs in the nation. Teammates competing at Nationals include Rebecca Nunge, Madison Russell, Sarah Rinehart, Johanna Steggall, Amanda Sahm, McKenzie Fuller, Claire Simmons, Morgan Melchert and Laynie Whitehead. The team is coached by Scott Sanders, Denise Melchert and Pat Melchert.

Front Row: Sarah Rinehart, Iowa City; Morgan Melchert, Mt. Vernon, Maddy Russell, West Branch; Kenzie Fuller, Amana; Johanna Steggall, Amanda Sahms, Marion; Claire Simmons, Williamsburg

Back Row: Coach Denise Melchert, Becca Nunge, Iowa City, Coach Scott Sanders, Laynie Whitehead, Iowa City, Coach Pat Melchert Denise Melchert, NBCT Team 6A Harding Middle School