After 12 weeks of Monday night volleyball at Oakland Beach, 44 teams were whittled down to eight for the four division championship games held August 10.

By Melanie Cane

 

 

After 12 weeks of Monday night volleyball at Oakland Beach, 44 teams were whittled down to eight for the four division championship games held August 10. By the time the sun set, BDR had won the Competitive league, Bottom Shelf topped the Int-A league, Contain This captured the Int-B league, and YOLO won the Recreation league. This was the first time any of these teams has topped its league, although some of the team members have been playing together for as long as a decade.

BDR triumphed despite the fact that three of their teammates were absent. Captain Tom Marcy said, “Having only five players made it challenging, but it was also easier because each player was more alert and energized.”

Sound Shore Youth Foundation President Angel Rosado, who runs the beach volleyball program, said this was one of the best years they have had because the teams were divided into four leagues instead of the usual three. “The change made the competition much more even,” he said.

Oakland Beach volleyball continues to gain in popularity. This summer, Rosado had to turn away over ten teams due to limited beach time and space.