4 on 4 Beach Volleyball

This weekend's event in Chicago will have an interesting new addition to the doubles competition. There will be an all-women's 4 vs 4 exhibition/tournament. I am very excited to be a part of this new venture.

There will be 4 teams consisting of 4 players that will compete. If you are in the Chicago area and are planning to come to the tournament, the first round of 4s play will begin on Saturday. We will play one match and the winners will then compete against each other before the women's doubles Final on Sunday.

We are hoping that it will be a great success. This would be very important for our sport. If it succeeds, it will create more opportunity for female volleyball players. Many times great indoor players come out to the beach and get intimidated because it is so different from the indoor game. It takes literally months to get used to all the external factors like the sand, the wind, only having one teammate, and so forth. The 4s game would be an easier transition because it more closely resembles the indoor game.

Chicago will be a test market. If it gets a really good response, hopefully there will be more competitions. It would be fantastic if it led to a rise in the 4s game and brought it back to the popularity that it was at years ago.

Here is a little inside information on my team. Our setter is Brooke Hanson (my doubles partner), our middle blocker is Dianne DeNecochea, and Angela Lewis and I will play the outside positions. I am really looking forward to competing alongside these great players!

The doubles tournament starts Friday at North Avenue Beach in Chicago. Play will continue Saturday and Sunday. Check out http://www.avp.com/ for more info.

I hope to see you at the beach!

Angie