SIDNEY, Neb. — Two Nebraska panhandle-based volleyball teams made strong showings at a national tournament in Orlando, Florida, last week, with both the 308 Elite and 308 Exclusive 18’s teams earning top finishes among more than 120 teams.

The 308 Elite Volleyball Club’s 18s squad placed 33rd overall out of 124 teams after four days of competition, advancing to the Ruby Division A bracket—ranking them in the top fourth of all participating teams. The Ruby Division A is the fourth-highest placement overall, behind only the Championship and Consolation A and B brackets.

Elite finished pool play with a 5-4 record: 2-1 on both Day 1 and Day 2, before going 1-2 on Day 3. Teams were then seeded into bracket play based on their performance in the first three days.

“This team didn’t have one practice before Nationals where we had everyone, because schedules were so busy,” Head Coach Natasha Haupt said. “So being able to just adapt and play says a lot about these girls. Every day their pools got harder and more competitive, forcing the girls to advance their level of play.”

Kylie Licking served as the assistant coach for the 308 Elite team.

Meanwhile, 308 Exclusive VBC’s 18s squad claimed a national title in the Crystal Division, finishing the week with a 9-3 overall record. The Crystal bracket was one of 19 at the tournament.

The team posted online, “CHAMPIONS! Our 18s take it all and win the Crystal Division! What a journey — so proud of this team for battling every point, every match, every moment. Thank you to everyone who cheered, supported, and believed in them!”