week five

For years it was thought that the most interesting thing about not only Rockaway, but all of NYC, was Wednesday nights at the RBVL in the summer. However, we must have been wrong. The Most Interesting Man alive has yet to show. The only explanation is that he must be doing something more interesting. Where have you gone, Cubby DiMaggio? (To an overhand bowling league?) U Got Served won four games in a great match against Epstein’s. Kelly Magee played exceptional in the match, especially her serves. Kenny also was hitting his serves on all cylinders and through in a great backhand ace. No one else served a long streak for them. Despite being a liability, Coach Liable gave an inspirational speech to rally the troops. I hope everything he said was true (sorry for the cheap shot). Amanda Boggiano was magnificent although most of it was when Paskoff was blinking. It’s a good thing that it is a family affair because at least the love was flowing. Please don’t invite me to any more weddings. The Federation had their first sweep of the season despite Maureen suffering from the heavy flu. Perhaps the absence of old players Greg and George helped. The other old timer Brian O’Hagan did something that might not have ever happened in league history. He served 21 straight points. (“You know Susan when you come to the ball park you might see something you have never seen.” John Sterling.)

Freedhand’s swept the Flip Cup All Stars thanks to the usual suspects, Rich, Mark, Marie, Scotty, etc. Kenny Kearns won MVP of the match though despite losing all five. His blocks on all world Rich, and saves with his hand and elbow in the sand kept the Flip Cup All Stars in contention in some of the games. Yea! However, he was called for a rare foot fault. (And some nets play five games without any calls.) Anyway, where have you gone Brian and Gambino? Hope you make it back for the finals. The addition of Trish the Dish did not go unnoticed. Meanwhile her cousin and San Diego roommate, Kathleen, was MVP for the Blackwater Boarders in their 2-3 loss to Connolly’s. The highlight of the match in the losing effort was Serge’s soccer scissor kick, ala Pele, not only saving the ball, but getting an ace for the point. For Connolly’s, George had some nice blocks and hits. Both teams played near perfect volleyball which was obvious in that not one team carried the ball for the first four and a half games. Great job. Bungalow Baranhas won four games over Simba’s Pride, the young mirror image of themselves. Bodie was all over the net, blocking and spiking his team to victory. Both Agoglia’s were dominating at the net and Sue was all over the court doing that thing she does. And Vinny B. really turned 29. The Suns of Beaches celebrated their coach’s 16^th anniversary of her 29^th birthday. Elizabeth guided her team with inspirational birthday karma leading her team to two victories over Serve Pro. Kim had her killer serve working and Bill was hitting it down. Nick was looking pretty which distracted the opponent’s girls, to no avail. The SOB’s and Serve Pro enjoyed each others company. Speaking of birthday’s, Dan Etheridge was also celebrating the second anniversary of his 26^th birthday. Dan turned his birthday magic into two victories for EZ Company as he inspired his team. Ann and TJ were solid all night. Mike Munn was serving through the wind and Owen Quinn had three incredible spikes. Brian and Barbara were Kings of the court. EZ would like to wish JW well in his baby step up the volleyball ladder; multiple ear plugs are available for his new team. EZ Company can now be called EZ peace.

Amusing anecdote from ref Mike P.: During one of his matches he was asked what the score was. “14-14,” he announced. “Who is winning?” the player asked. Ouch. The White Horse Tavern Beach Posse took two of five games against the Stanni with the deciding game five being extremely close. The Posse is so glad Fancy is back. End of school celebration didn’t keep Knuckles from coming out swinging. Zack had fun at the same celebration. Maura, you must wear Das Boot. As always, it was a great night. The Kenosha Kickers took all five tonight behind Craig Kander, Ricky Ehresman, Greg Fillippi, and Rachel Olinyk’s great play. Ryan Kander was hitting like a beast and Larissa was serving great through the wind. Sands Point Physical Therapy was working towards the greatest comeback in the history of the RBVL after going down 2-0. The stage was set for game three and the start of the comeback. Brendan Meade was having a stellar performance up until that “Point.” However, during the historic comeback of game three something unexplainable happened. The team doesn’t know if it was a phone call, a bat signal, alien abduction, but somehow he disappeared. The shock of it all led to a game three defeat for the Point. Somehow without him they had the courage to win game four. The Beach Bums took four. The annual Sal and Mr. G golf outing was held Wednesday night at Riis Park with its usual two players. Sal scored a respectable 75 but G ran away with the title, notching a 68. However, Sal was closest to the pin on 18 so G bought the first round of drinks at the Harbor Light. The Bay Ridge tourist board also dropped of an unnamed fireman for the night in the Rockaway’s. He entertained the ladies for a while but then had to hop on the Bay Ridge Express for his late night return home.

RBVL Wave Division player Alex Moule returned home from a successful trip to the Nationals in Florida where he represented Xaverian High School on the CHSAA All Star team. A few games were won; a few more were lost to unbelievable competitors. But most importantly, good friendships were made and a good time was had by all. And Alex made the whole family happy with the assortment of volleyball clothing he brought home as gifts. Especially proud was glittering “Volleyball Mom” and President Patty. Volleyball will be played on Tuesday next week as the RBVL takes a second seat on Wednesday to the birth of the United States of America, which will celebrate her 236^th birthday on Wednesday, July 4^th. The party is on afterward at founding member Connolly’s bar. The Hamilton Hardware Hammerheads took 4 games from the Beach Orphans with 4 women on the court at all times. Joanne, Cathy, Maribeth and Luz brought their “A” game to the court and made Coach Tom very proud. Joel made some amazing saves and it was a great night for all. Patrons at the Harbor Light drank mucho Corona Light and this week’s model sported a nifty low-cut Corona referee shirt and no one argued with any of her calls. Maybe it is time for new ref uniforms. Who wouldn’t want to see Ed Savage in a soave low-cut number? (Who would?) Tax City Suns of Beaches are up to 16 games for 2012. Servpro NW Brooklyn trails them by one and Wii Not Fit trails them by two in the Star Division. Look at some of the other pennant races as they stand right now. In the Ocean Division, Gatemate.net, West End Tents, Sullivan and Galleshaw and Freedhand's are all within two games of the lead. In the Sun, the Stanii lead by one over the Odd Couples and two over the Land Sharks. It is hard to believe but the Sun Ray Division has four teams (Atlantic Service Sandsharks, Comeback Cats, Bungalow Baranhas and Irish Circle Jerks) within three points of each other from 1^st through 4^th place. The Moon standings are tied at the top between Rathbones and the Social Yachties with several competitors close behind. There is plenty of time left in the season but the 2^nd through 5^th division leaders have opened up some ground on the field. The Kenosha Kickers, Off the Net, ROCK FAM and Sal's Auto Sandstorm will be tough to catch if they maintain their current torrid pace. Stay tuned.

The league has received rosters/waivers from 73 out of 74 teams. Congratulations. The only team that has not submitted a signed roster is Dalton’s. They remain ineligible to win any points without a legal signed roster on file. And it is unclear how much longer the team can be allowed to play without it. If you know someone on Dalton’s, remind them that they better contact Patty ASAP. The RBVL Committee told you they don’t like chasing people for the proper paperwork and they mean it. All six people on your RBVL Committee are willing to help you with any problems that come up; just take care of matters in a respectful manner. For new players, the RBVL Committee is made up of President Patty Moule (The Stanii), Steve Gifford (Connolly’s), Denise Brunner (Thai Rock Island), John Sica (Blackwater Water Boarders) and Rocky and Joe Abbracciamento (Casino Towing). You can find them every week, playing ball on the beach. They are always available to help out on any matters and answer your questions but especially: Steve and Rocky for equipment issues, Denise and Joe for referee items, John, Rocky and Joe for articles for the Wave, Denise and Patty for uniforms and schedules. As always, if you have any questions before then please call Patty at 917-613-0908. (Be sure to call between 10 AM and 9 PM. Remember, Patty has a life outside of VB, too.) Or just check our website at www.rbvl.com. You'll find the answers to most of your questions there, not to mention pretty pictures and funny stories.

See you on the beach!