The area of triangle $XYZ$ is 8 square inches. Points $A$ and $B$ are on segments $\overline{XY}$ and $\overline{XZ}$ respectively, such that $XA=\frac{1}{3}XY$ and $XB=\frac{1}{3}XZ$. Altitude $\overline{XC}$ bisects $\overline{YZ}$. The area (in square inches) of the shaded region is