The Rally Monkeys and All Sets are Off faced each other Wednesday night to determine who would move on to the finals of the intermediate, B skill level tournament at Dig & Dive in Wilmington, North Carolina.
“Four-man tournament play begins between “Rally Monkeys” and “All Sets are Off” Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
Play was hampered most of the evening by a steady drizzle of rain that made things a bit more difficult for the players to get good control. Once the rain tapered off, play improved with some great shots.
“Rally Monkeys” prepares to serve to “All Sets are Off,” Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
The Rally Monkeys made great use of their serve the entire night scoring numerous points with hard overhand shots.
“Rally Monkeys” concentrates on returning the serve. Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
The Rally Monkeys also did a great job returning serve the entire match. The back line players continually were able to dig the serve so teammates could get under the ball for accurate sets.
“All Sets are Off” goes for the kill shot, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
The kill shots were a big part of the Rally Monkeys success. Most went unblocked and if a defender did attempt the block, the front line players easily poked the ball out of their reach.
“Rally Monkeys” defeat “All Sets are Off” 21-15 21-13 to advance to the tournament finals, Wednesday, Dec.2, 2015, in Wilmington, NC at Dig & Dive. (Photo by: Jeffrey Boulden)”
All Sets are Off kept the score close but in the end fell in defeat 21-15 and 21-13. Their problems returning serve and setting the ball limited their ability to move on to the next round. The tournament will resume next week starting at 6:30 p.m. at Dig & Dive.
Dig & Dive sports bar and volleyball facility will hold a charity volleyball tournament on Saturday October 17, at 9 a.m. The purpose of the tournament is to raise money for Tess. Tess has been diagnosed with leukemia. All proceeds from the tournament will go toward Tess’ medical costs and her family well being.
Cost per team is eighty dollars for a four-man team and fifty dollars for King of The Beach play. Three skill levels will be represented (4C, 4B, and 4BB). Register in person the day of the tournament at 9 a.m. or call Dig & Dive at 910-202-9350.
A cornhole tournament will also be held in conjunction with the volleyball and requires a twenty-dollar buy in. In addition to the volleyball action, there will also be a silent auction, raffle, and live music. Dig & Dive also confirms there will be special food and drink deals for the event.
The Wilmington volleyball scene is a close-knit group and cares deeply about the community. Come out, have fun, and support a good cause for a special little girl. Dig & Dive is located at 3525 Lancelot Lane in Wilmington, North Carolina. For more information, contact Kelly at Kellydiganddive@gmail.com.
The King of The Beach contest continued Friday night at Dig n Dive with four more thrilling matches. This marked week four of the eight-week contest that decides the overall best male volleyball player at Dig n Dive. The players compete in doubles matches and are paired with a different teammate each week. Wins and Losses are earned for each participant and the results are tallied at the end of eight weeks to crown a champion.
The 6:30 matches were Jason V. and Phil W. versus Xavier T. and Kevin B on court number one. Court two pitted John M. and Josh I. versus Chris H. and Nate G. The action continued at 7:30 with Josh I. and Kevin B. versus Chris H. and Phil W on court number one. On court two Xavier T. and Nate G. faced Jason V. and Jon M (Last names of players are not permitted). Jason V., Jon M., Josh I., and Chris H. all got wins tonight and separated themselves from the rest of the competition. This puts them in a four-way tie with four wins apiece. These top players all seem to have a very strong serve that sets them apart from the field. In doubles play a strong serve is even more valuable with the extra space on the court.
Exterior of Dig & Dive in Wilmington, NC.
I got the chance to speak with Kevin B. after his match to get his perspective on the evening. When asked what he most liked about the King of The Beach contest Kevin said, “I enjoy the competition here because you get to play with the best players around.” Kevin B. is one of the older contestants at forty-eight years old. “I’m just glad I can still walk after the night is over. It’s tough trying to keep up with these young guys,” said Kevin. When asked what he thought was the key to doing well in the King of The Beach format Kevin said, “You have to be adaptable to play with different styles of players on your team. You need to be comfortable with the right side or the left side and communicate with your teammate.”
Dig & Dive Sign welcomes players in Wilmington, NC.
The King of The Beach contest always brings out a big crowd every Friday night. This night was no exception. Dig n Dive’s facilities manager is Nakia T. She has been with the company for two years and was excited to see great turn out for the event. “Tonight we had about three hundred and seventy five people show up. We always get really busy for the King of The Beach. Everyone just loves to see the best players compete,” said Nakia. Dig n Dive on a Friday night for King of The Beach is a party atmosphere. Everyone was cheering and shouting words of encouragement to the players. The crowd was a mix of friends and families of the players as well as spectators just looking to have a beer and see some great volleyball action.
The Dig & Dive sand courts lit up for night time play.
Next week is shaping up to be a turning point in the contest. With four players all tied for first place the competition is sure to be fierce. Cash prizes as well as a trophy are on the line as we start the second half of the contest next week. As always, the action will start next Friday at Dig n Dive at 6:30.
*All photos and videos taken by Jeffrey M. Boulden
The Dig & Dive fall tournament series continues this Saturday September 12th, with a triples tournament. Tournament play begins at 2p.m., registration starts at 1p.m. Dig & Dive sports bar and volleyball facility is located at 3525 Lancelot Lane in Wilmington, North Carolina. Besides the exciting volleyball action, the event will also feature prize drawings, giveaways, and live music. Dig & Dive offers a full menu and bar.
The tournament offers competition regardless of your skill level (A, B, and C will be represented). Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes. There will be a sixty-dollar entry fee per team. Tiffany Gainey, head referee at Dig n Dive, advises that, “All games will be played on a doubles court.”
Registration for the tournament will fill up fast so be sure to arrive early. Gainey sums it up by saying, “Come out, have fun, win prizes, and drink beer!” For more information about Dig n Dive or the triples tournament please call 910-202-9350.
