Digging for Queen of the Beach Crown

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Two Palisades High volleyball players participated in the inaugural “Queen of the Beach” tournament last weekend at the Hermosa Beach pier. Founded by 2000 Olympic gold medalist Eric Fonoimoana, the event attracted prep and college standouts from across the country in a round robin format in which players were paired with different partners for every match to accumulate individual points toward being crowned queen.

Sadie Gray, who just graduated from Pali High  and plays club for Elite Beach Volleyball based in Manhattan Beach, was among the 52 girls in the high school draw and won three of her four games in Saturday afternoon’s consolation bracket.

“Eric is my club coach so I heard about the tournament through him,” said Gray, who has committed to play beach volleyball at UC Berkeley. “I definitely prefer beach to indoor. Last summer I attended Cal’s beach camp and when the coach [Meagan Schmitt] asked if I wanted a spot on the team, I wasn’t about to turn that down.”

Alyssa Slagerman, Gray’s partner in the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League in the spring, was the No. 11 seed at the Queen of the Beach and advanced to the second round. Slagerman, who just finished her junior year, plays for the Santa Monica Beach Volleyball Club under coach Dane Selznick, who also coaches Pali High’s beach squad.

“It was awesome playing with Alyssa this season because she’s experienced on the beach and has good ball control,” Gray said. “We almost always won.”

Gray was a starting outside hitter on Pali High’s indoor team, which advanced to the City Section Division I semifinals in the fall.

“My strengths are my hitting and my serving,” said Gray, who is eager to refine her skills on the beach before heading to the Bay Area. “This particular tournament was unlike any I’ve ever played and it had its pros and cons. The bad thing is that if you’re matched with a strong partner you only get to play one game with them, but this system is great if you need to find partners. I’m glad I played.”

Also in the high school draw was Marymount High and Sunshine Volleyball Club star Charlie Robinson, who has committed to play indoor at UC Santa Barbara. She placed fourth in her pool and won two of her three games in consolation play.