CHULA VISTA, California - The participants of the U18/U20 US Women’s National camp at the Arco Olympic Training Center enjoyed a light day of training Thursday, taking part in two morning sessions before knocking off for the rest of the day.

That likely means the group will be extra fresh for Thursday, when outside competition will be brought in for late scrimmages.

As most national camps do, coach Jillian Ellis has stressed technical skill throughout the camp and so far the team has responded well.

“I’ve been very impressed overall,” Ellis said. “This is a large group and there are quite a few players to sort though. I told them from the beginning, ‘if you’re technically proficient it’s going to be fun this week, if you’re not it’s going to be frustrating.’ Overall it’s about being a balanced player and being able to use both feet. It sounds really simple but it’s what you’ll need at the next level.”

On Wednesday, the team had some fun and let loose with a 7-on-7 tournament, breaking into six different teams. With the fields condensed, it was interesting to see the players who thrived.

Casey Short, of Florida State, was strong and showed good anticipation skills. Outside back Rachel Quon (Eclipse Select), who likes to attack anyway, appeared to relish the freedom that came with the new format.

Kristen Mewis (SC Scorpions) anchored one of the better groups competing as she teamed with Toni Pressley (Space Coast United) and Wendy Taylor Travis (CASL Spartan Elite) to create offense.

In the end, the tournament was won by the team made up of Danielle Brunache, Amber Brooks, Allie Vernon, Zakiya Bywaters, Courtney Jones, Kealia Ohai and Bianca Henninger.

Injuries sidelined Jazmin Ponce (San Diego Surf), Mollie Pathman (Triangle Futbol Club) and Beth West (Real Colorado), who sustained a leg injury on Tuesday.

One of the bright stars of the day and the week thus far has been Chioma Ubogagu, of Coppell, Texas. Her speed and ball skills have allowed her to get anywhere she wants on the field, and she’s gotten a lot of shots on goal as a result.

Ubogagu is enjoying playing with older players, and appreciates the fact that the level of play is such a long way from her high school season at Coppell & New Tech HS.

“It’s just a tad bit different,” she joked. “Being out here really makes me step my game up. I know that everyone here is either better or as good as I am. The speed of the game is different, but a lot of it is about composure. You don’t want to freak out. Sometimes you anticipate the game being faster than it is so you rush things when you could have taken more time. Mistakes are going to happen but you just have to settle down.”

Ubogagu is a player that seems to be settling in, and it’s performances from young players like herself that will catch the attention of Ellis.

“It’s the broad range of ages that makes things easier for us coaches,” Ellis said. “If a younger player can play with a U20 than it obviously helps in the decision making. Some of the players here have the experience of playing with national teams, and the higher up you go the more difficult things get. You have to be committed to this process. Everyone here has special qualities and that’s been my biggest message to the girls: ‘let your special skills show.’ ”