Goodwill Games Entrants Lead Reorganized American Volleyball League

NEW YORK, N. Y. - After the demise of the player's domestic tour, the United States' women's pro beach volleyball competitors have been "saved" by Trident Media Group, Inc. of Carlsbad, Calif.

Lisa Arce, Karolyn Kirby, Liz Masakayan and Holly McPeak, who will be competing next week in the women's beach volleyball competition at the 1998 Goodwill Games at Central Park's Wollman Rink, are the four featured players on the Trident's American Volleyball League.

The AVL will host its first women's professional beach volleyball tournament August 28-30 in Del Mar, Calif.  Recently formed, the AVL has been licensed by Trident to host the women's professional beach volleyball tour in the United States.  The $100,000 Del Mar Open will feature a 32-team main draw double-elimination competition.

"We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the venue at Del Mar and the return of women's professional volleyball to San Diego County," said AVL President Eric Spector. "The players, sponsors and fans are anxious for the U. S. tour to commence, particularly since most top players have been competing internationally at FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour events."

"Our mission at the AVL is to provide a stable environment for our athletes to perform, including world class venues, and substantial prize packages.   This is critical because, as we enter next year, the players need to hone their skills and focus their energies on the upcoming Olympics," said Spector.   "Two person beach volleyball is a new Olympic sport, having made its debut at the Atlanta games, it will be next appearing in Sydney.  Our goal is to provide a highly competitive tour, challenge the skills of our players, and help prepare them to win gold in Sydney."