McDonald with Chafed Grundle

All of the speculation about who would be the most sought-after sideout slinger was put to bed on Thursday night when veteran player Mark McDonald was selected by Chafed Grundle to open up the annual draft of bumpers, setters, and spikers at the Pacific Islands Club in preparation of the 7th Annual Miller Lite-Pepsi Four’s Beach Volleyball League.

Other big names rounding out the first round were Kaycee Rengaelur, Quincy Johnson, Johann Noetzel, Nick “the Tricky Setter” Castro, “Spruce” Bruce Berline, Bill Owens, and Dan Westphal, but the list of stars continued all the way through to the final pick of the night.

Seventy-five players threw their hats into the ring for a chance at landing on a team of destiny, and with the exception of three teams representing Marianas High School, all of them ended up being chosen by captains with unique team names.

As is the tradition with the beach volleyball leagues at the PIC, team leadership is responsible for an interesting squad moniker, and the 2006 season is no different, as this year’s list of competitors include the Dirk Digglers, Just Put It In, Last Call, Victoria’s Secret, Sand In My Pants, Ying Yang Clan, Lite U Up, the MHS Dolphin Leapers, MHS Dolphin Divers, MHS Dolphin Splashers, and McDonald’s Chafed Grundle.

Once all of the picks were made and organizers had a chance to view the rosters, several of the cagey veterans agreed that the teams look to be some of the most evenly matched in recent memory.

All of the action gets underway under the sun next Tuesday, May 2, when Lite U Up challenges the MHS Dolphin Splashers in the season opener at 5:30pm, followed by the match-up between the Dirk Digglers and the MHS Dolphin Divers at 6:30pm. The third contest of opening night features Just Put It In taking on the MHS Dolphin Leapers at 7:30pm, and Last call gets its first start their run for glory against Chafed Grundle at 8:30pm.

Each Tuesday and Thursday, four games consisting of three sets up to 11 points apiece will be played from 5:30pm to 10pm. All of the seven-member teams will field four players at a time, with one bumper, setter, or spiker being a female.

According to PIC Sports, Entertainment, and Activities director Jon Cramer, the teams will have to go all out during the regular season for a shot at the playoffs, which fall the week before the Seaside Grill Tournament in late June.

For more information about the 7th Annual Spring Co-ed Four’s Beach Volleyball League at the PIC or to inquire about your team, contact Jon, Evan, or Dennis by calling 235-6231 ext. 5148.