American Volleyball League Announces 1999 Schedule - 1998 Goodwill Games Entrants to Play

NEW YORK, N. Y. - Trident Media Group, Inc., which announced earlier this month their plans to revive the domestic tour for the women's pro beach volleyball competitors in the United States, have released a proposed 11-event schedule for the 1999 American Volleyball League (AVL) season.

Lisa Arce, Karolyn Kirby, Liz Masakayan and Holly McPeak, who are competing this 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 1999 AVL schedule.

The AVL will stage its inaugural women's professional beach volleyball tournament next month  (August 28-30) in Del Mar, Calif., before launching an 11-event schedule in 1999. 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 from his Carlsbad, Calif. headquarters.  "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."

Spector added that the AVL "is to provide a stable environment for the 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."

1999 Proposed AVL Schedule