weekfive

The Rockaway Beach Volleyball League was greeted in week 5 with the same weather as week 4 except the wind was blowing a tad more at Riis Park. And wind blowing is not good for non-professional volleyball players. Once again there were way more two balls (and one balls) than classic bumps, sets and spikes. And many serves went directly into, not over, the net, a clear rule violation. Mother Nature still remains undefeated lifetime. However, who can complain about a sunny 75° evening at the seashore? No one, that’s who. The Mighty Crom cruised to a 4-1 victory over Eh-Stay. New sponsors Chris and Sarah of Crom Physical Culture seem to be whipping the squad into shape, evidenced by their 19-6 overall record. The Invisible Girl helped Casino Auto Body eke out a 3-2 win over the Sand Spikers. Katie was a little rusty but worked it out in short order to make numerous diving plays and perfect sets. The towering figures of Rocky and CB combined to play 3 games total and Cement Shoes is wondering if they’ll be in the Boardwalk Division next season due to accelerated aging. Emergency girl Alana was not needed this week so she enjoyed herself watching games around the beach. Coach Rocky was giving the squad some important tips about serving when Joe excused himself since he hasn’t missed a serve since the Clinton administration. And every single one was underhanded. The Riis Park Ladies Golf Club really does it up right. No birdies, no pars, no bogies, just merlot, cab and zin. Now that’s a good score card.

Tori McGuiness did not take long to get back in the sand pit after a hiatus for maternity leave. However, she encountered “Surge Pricing” in a field other than car rides. Try to get a babysitter in Rockaway on a Wednesday night during the summer volleyball season. It isn’t easy, unless you are willing to pay. What’s next, a babysitters union? By the way, she led the Rockaway Gliders to a 4-1 victory over Breezy Point Lumber. The Cape Cod Irish Villagers edged Billy Mac’s 3-2 and are 12-13 on the season. All that is well and good but did you know there sponsor runs his business hundreds of miles away in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and is still quite happy being the benefactor. If you are looking for the Cape Cod Irish Village, it is east of West Yarmouth, west of South Yarmouth and north of West Dennis Beach. Or just bring your GPS. RBNY Physical Therapy won 3 games over All American Spike Latte which may have slightly derailed their July 4th holiday. Led by their captain Tommy, Ray and Tara, back from Texas, RBNY more than held their own winning the three middle games. Meanwhile the All Americans, beset by some of their team seeing the U2 concert in NJ, won the bookend games, highlighted by Jamie’s athletic skills and Big Dan’s power. The Freaky Tiki’s think Coach may be the most generous man in the RBVL and thank him for his thoughtful gifts. Their rebuilding seems to be paying off and Your Name Could Be Here______ won 4 from Star Wars Cantina but more importantly, they want to wish Mary M. a speedy recovery.

The weekly after-party was held in Roxbury at the Hibernian Bar, a new RBVL sponsor. Players were treated to pulled pork sandwiches. And some of the refs ate quickly enough to get back over the Marine Parkway Bridge before it closed at 10 PM. The Riis Park Beach Bazaar edged Atlantic Service Sandsharks 3-2 on the court and was the last team standing at the Hibernian Bar. That makes two wins in one night. Get the magic party scarves ready. Next week the after-party is at the beach where Bay Ridge’s Greatest Tuesday Night Band, Gearth, Wind and Fireman, will be playing. (They are also pretty solid on Wednesday nights.) Come by to here the classic rock sounds of the 60’s and 70’s and one Spanish song and to see volleyball legend, Joe Abbracciamento, play guitar in his RBVL uniform.

Aviator will sponsor a volleyball tournament at Aviator on July 1^st and 2^nd. They are only accepting 20 teams each consisting of a minimum of six players and a maximum of 10 players with at least two females on the court at all times. The entry fee is $325 per team and every team is guaranteed at least four games over the two days. 1^st place walks away with $1,500 cash; 2^nd place receives $500 cash; 3^rd place receives 50% off of their Aviator fall volleyball league entry fee. For more information and to register call (718) 758-7569. Good luck to all entrants.

Captains are reminded that they can have items entered in the weekly Wave article by e-mailing Joe at jmcgivney2@nyc.rr.com by 11 PM on Wednesday night. So far, hardly anyone has submitted items and your articles will get shorter and shorter each week. And that’s OK if that’s your choice. Otherwise, send a sentence or two to be printed. Or, if you know someone in the league interested in writing, let us know. Maria Perez is a reporter/photographer from the Wave and she will be taking pictures at the beach each week. Make her feel welcome at our Wednesday night extravaganza. I’m sure you’ll agree; pictures are nice. If you have any questions along the way please contact Steve Gifford via e-mail at irvman331@verizon.net.

See you on the beach!