Bartsch, USA win gold at NORCECA
July 28, 2008 | Volleyball
July 27, 2008
Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico - The United States took gold at the North, Central American and Caribbean (NORCECA) Junior Volleyball Championships in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Illinois incoming freshman Michelle Bartsch again played a key role in the medal round of the tournament. Bartsch had nine kills, two blocks and an ace while hitting .818 in the gold medal match and was also selected as the best server for the tournament.
The native of Maryville, Ill., and graduate of Collinsville High School started at middle blocker in all six matches for the United States team. The Americans placed second to the Dominican Republic in pool A, but stormed back through medal round to win three straight and claim the gold, defeating Dominica in the final, 25-21, 25-20, 25-18.
In Sunday's victory, Bartsch served six straight points in the first set, including an ace to turn a three-point deficit into a three-point advantage for the U.S. She also key two rallies with a pair of kills as the American's pulled out the game two victory.
The road to the championship match included a three-set victory over Mexico (25-18, 25-17, 25-21) and a four-set win over Cuba (23-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-19). Bartsch led the Americans in points against both Mexico and Cuba with 12 and 10, respectively.
