BRIEFLY IN SPORTS

Blanton, Baxter tie at Chicago Open

Dain Blanton (Laguna Beach High, Class of 1990) and partner Paul Baxter won one match and tied for 17th place in the men’s tournament of the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals’ Chicago Open.

The tournament began Aug. 2 and concluded Sunday with finals play in the men’s and women’s divisions.

Blanton and Baxter, seeded 15th, dropped their first match in winner’s bracket play, losing a hotly-contested match to No. 18 Scott Davenport/Chad Turner, 20-22, 24-22, 21-23.

The loss sent the duo into contender’s bracket play where they eliminated No. 31-seeds Clint Coe/Russ Marchewka, 21-14, 21-17. They were then eliminated from title contention by No. 16-seeds Ryan Mariano/Ed Ratledge, 21-17, 22-20.

The men’s tournament was won by top-seeds Mike Lambert/Stein Metzger who defeated No. 2 John Hyden/Brad Keenan, 21-19, 21-17, in Sunday’s final.

The women’s tournament was won by top-seeds Annett Davis/Jenny Johnson Jordan who defeated No. 6-seeds Angie Akers/Brooke Hanson, 21-16, 24-22, in Sunday’s final.

Davis and Johnson Jordan won at the Chicago Open for the second straight year.

The top three women’s teams on the 2007 AVP Crocs Tour “” No. 1 Misty May-Treanor/Kerri Walsh, No. 2 Rachel Wacholder (Laguna Beach High, 1993)/Tyra Turner and No. 3 Elaine Youngs/Nicole Branagh “” didn’t compete in Chicago.

The AVP’s current tournament, the Manhattan Beach Open, got underway Thursday. Men’s and women’s action continues today and Saturday, leading up to Sunday’s division finals.

Beach volleyball workouts offered

Main Beach Laguna Volleyball Club currently is holding summer evening open workouts in Laguna Beach for all high school-aged players.

Workouts are from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday weekly through Aug. 29.

For more information including cost and directions, call (949) 715-9130, or visit the website https://mainbeachvbc.d4sportsclub.com.”