Join the Discussion "..we're back to the same ole problem that has plagued the AVP in the last couple years: a lack of communication with their public (the AVP fans). Why is it that one has to look on Ian Clark's web site, who doesn't even appear to playing this weekend, to get any information on the AVP's event in Muskegon." CHILIDOG9

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She has said that this may be her last year playing professional volleyball, but the way Linda Hanley and her partner, Sarah Stratton played this weekend, you might think that this was their last weekend on the tour.  In the longest match of the AVP Sunkist Open, Linda Hanley, 41 years old and having played professional volleyball for 17 years, proved that she has still got what it takes by defeating Lisa Arce and Holly McPeak and capturing her 20th career win.  Hanley and Stratton defeat Arce and McPeak - 12-21, 21-17 and 18-16.  The match lasted 75 minutes and was the last and longest match of the weekend.

Linda Hanley at 41 is thought to be the oldest women to win a professional beach volleyball event and has been a presence on the pro courts around the world since 1984.  Her last first place finish on US soil was back in 1996 when she had her best career year, finishing at the 1996 Atlanta Games where she finished fourth.  She did win in Portugal back in 1998.

Seeded 7th in Muskegon with the tall, 6'2" Sarah Straton of Australia, the pair seems to have what it takes to be champions.  This is only the third match together and they have got what it takes.  Sarah has been playing in and out of the USA since 1994 and has never finished higher than third.   Together, so far they have two fourth place finishes and now have a 1st place win to add, the first for Stratton and the Hanley's 20th. 

Over the years, Linda Hanley has teamed up with some pretty big names in volleyball; Barbara Fontana, Karolyn Kirby, Nancy Reno, Holly McPeak and Gabby Reece are just some of the 22 partners Linda Hanley has had in her 17 year career.  Now just after three matches with Sarah Stratton, a 31-year-old, 6'2" veteran from Hermosa Beach, the two gals have beaten the sure-winners and placed 1st at Muskegon.

The pairing must be the magic formula for Sarah Straton who has never finished higher than 3rd before this weekend.  Sarah, from Australia, first started playing in in 1994 and has spent most of her volleyball career on the FIVB circuit.  Stratton and Hanley first paired up for for the last BVA tour stop in Clearwater where they finished fourth after being seeded 14th.  First on the AVP tour in Straton's hometown of Hermosa, the team finished 4th after being seeded 8th.  While the two 4th place finished were notable, no one expected this 7th seeded team to win in Muskegon.

This may be the last year for Linda Hanley who says that, "this is it."  Whether or not this is her last year, I'm sure professional volleyball will be hearing about Linda Hanley for many more years yet.
 

The Men?

It was hometown boy, Doble and LeGrande all the way.  The pair won all six of their on the Muskegon Pere Marquette Park courts to win  the $14,000 first-place prize.  This,  their second pro beach title together, Doble and LeGrande easily won 21-16 and 23-21 in 49 minutes over second-seeded Canyon Ceman and Mike Whitmarsh in the finals.

Catch the replay July 23, 2001 on FOX Sports Net