Molly Sauer and Kenzie Maloney, volleyball teammates at Assumption High School and with the KIVA club team, are two victories away from a title at the FIVB Under-18 World Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

They’re with the U.S. Girls Youth National Team, which will face Brazil in the semifinals today. The winner will face the China-Peru survivor for the championship. No American youth or junior team has ever medaled in the tournament.

Maloney played libero as the American squad beat Poland in the quarterfinals, and Sauer subbed at outside hitter.

— Special to The Courier-Journal