Taylor Knoth leads a group of four OJRA players that earned a spot on Team USA, with their performances at the 36th USA Racquetball Junior Olympics in Lansing, Michigan. Josh Hungerford, Amanda Lindsay and Sam Reid will join Taylor when they represent the USA at the Jr. World Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic this December. The top two players in each 2-year Singles age group earns a spot, as well as the top doubles team in each 2-year age group. (Mixed Doubles players do not earn a spot).
Taylor Knoth earned his spot on the team by finishing in 2nd place Boys 18 with a tough win against Danny Lavely (OH) in the semi-finals. Each player won a game, and then Taylor took over the match with an 11-1 tiebreaker victory. Taylor then gave defending Boys 18 World Champion Jose Rojas plenty to sweat about, battling Rojas tight but eventually succumbing 15-11, 15-11 in the final match.
Sam Reid also earned his spot on the team by finishing 2nd place Boys 14 with a dominant semi-final match against Adam Manilla (CO) in the semi-finals. Sam's strong drive serves were the difference. At one point, Sam served 5 straight aces against the left-handed Manilla, 4 to the backhand and then 1 to the forehand. When Sam didn't hit an ace, he was able to force a weak service return, which Sam converted to a clean pass shot or pinch. Sam battled Zach Wertz (LA) in the final match, but lost 15-9, 15-11.
Amanda Lindsay earned her spot on the team, with a first place finish in Girls' 16 doubles, along with partner Jessica Munoz (WA). Amanda and Jessica played tremendously in their doubles title match against Devon Pimentelli (CA)/ Courtney Chisholm (MA). Pimentelli is the current High School national champion, and together Pimentelli and Chisholm were a very formidable team. But Amanda and Jessica were not to be denied, winning in 2 straight games 15-13, 15-14.
Josh Hungerford earned his first spot on Team USA, with a tremendous performance in the Boys 16 Doubles final, with his partner Nick Montalbano (NY). Josh and Nick played nearly flawlessly in the final match against Dylan Reid (OR) / Joseph Lee (LA). Josh and Nick rolled out many shots in their easy 15-6, 15-7 match against Dylan and Joseph.
These four players will be training with the USA Team at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs August 5-12. Kaylea Henderson will also be at the training camp as an alternate, with her 3rd place finish in Girls 18.