Local netters sand blast tourney foes

New Jersey’s governor got burned going to the beach.

Not so La Conner sand volleyball duos.

Nine local players had plenty of fun in the sun, competing at the annual Burlington Beach Bash Tournament last weekend, with La Conner entries claiming top honors in the event’s Gold and Silver divisions.

The Gold standard was set by middle schoolers Ellie Marble and Rachel Cram, who topped a field composed primarily of high school players.

Anna Jane Thulen and Maya Masonholder won the silver division in their sand volleyball debut.

“It was a great tournament for all our kids,” La Conner High head volleyball coach Suzanne Marble said afterward. “For some of them it was quite a learning curve. I’m really proud of my La Conner players and all the girls who played so hard.”

Ellie and Rachel, regulars on Seattle’s Alki Beach circuit, put in overtime on the Burlington sand courts. After dropping a quarterfinal match, they came back from an early 7-0 deficit to win their semifinal contest, then won two straight in the title round.

“It was quite a battle in the semifinal,” said coach Marble, “and then to win two in a row for the championship showed a lot of determination.”

La Conner brought the most players to the 19-team tournament, enough for four teams. Lady Braves returnee Matty Lagerwey was paired with a Lynden High player.

“It was a great opportunity,” Marble said, “for Matty to get out of her comfort zone a bit and play with somebody from a different school. She did a great job.”

The sand tournament at Burlington’s Rotary Park was a nice change of pace from summer hardwood action. La Conner players have attended camp sessions, entered tournaments---including one at Central Washington University---and played several local matches since the end of the school year.

Due to vacation schedules and other commitments, La Conner has rarely had its full roster available at the same time this summer.

Which is actually a good thing, said Marble, a Hall of Famer who has guided the Lady Braves to three State crowns.

La Conner is coming off a third place finish at Yakima last November. The Lady Braves placed second at State in 2015.

“We pretty much have a brand new team, with five seniors having graduated.” Marble said. “So it’s been a good opportunity this summer for us as coaches to play different kids and try different combinations.

“It’s definitely been a fun experience for our kids,” she added.

Especially when sun and sand are involved.