Wopats strike gold south of the border

Stanford-bound twin sisters Carly and Sam Wopat of Goleta helped the U.S. Women’s Junior National indoor volleyball team win the gold medal at the NORCEA Continental Championship in Tijuana, Mexico.

The U.S. defeated the Dominican Republic, 25-22, 22-20, 25-20, in the title match on Saturday for its fourth consecutive gold medal at the biennial event. The victory qualifies the Americans for the 20-11 FIVB World Under-20 Championships in Peru.

Carly Wopat scored six points on three kills two blocks and an ace serve. Kelly Reeves led the team with 14 kills and 15 points.

Jane Croson  was named as Most Valuable Player and Best Attacker of the tournament and Haleigh Hampton earned  the  Best Blocker award.

Carly Wopat started all three sets and Sam Wopat came on as a substitute in the second and third sets.

Carly sparked the U.S. in the first game. Down 13-12, she and 6-foot-6 Liz McMahon blocked some Dominican attacks to help the Americans go on a seven-point run.

“We battled so hard for every point,” Wopat said. “This was truly a team win.”

The Wopat sisters, who helped Dos Pueblos High to the CIF-Southern Section 1-A title last year, are members of the Santa Barbara Volleyball Club