SLC welcomes AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour

SALT LAKE CITY — Two local teams will compete this weekend in the first stop on the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour in downtown Salt Lake City.

Brenda Whicker and Airial Salvo Sprague will take on three-time Olympic gold medal winner Kerri Walsh and her partner Whitney Pavlik at 1:45 p.m. at Liberty Park. Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson will represent their state on the men's side in the ATP Tour Salt Lake City Open.

After winning the qualifying rounds on Thursday, Whicker couldn't contain her excitement. Despite the daunting task of taking on Walsh and Pavlik, she was looking forward to the challenge of taking on some of the best players in the game. "We have nothing to lose," she said, "but we're pretty excited."

One of the best volleyball players in the history of the University of Utah, Whicker is enjoying teaming up with her cousin Salvo Sprague, a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in high school and star for the Utes and later the Washington Huskies.

"We're hoping for best," Whicker said. "It's a great opportunity to grow the sport in Utah. People aren't used to beach volleyball in Utah — because we don't have a beach," she said with laugh.

Despite a proper beach, the growth of the sport in Utah and the success of local college programs is putting the local volleyball scene on the map.

All tickets to the AVP Salt Lake City Open include three-day admission to Vendor Village, a beach volleyball festival featuring interactive activations and athlete appearances, vendors.

Tickets will be available on-site based on availability at the AVP Box Office during the following event hours: Friday (10am-6pm) - Main Draw Saturday (9am-6pm) - Main Draw Sunday (9am-6pm) - Semifinal and Final Rounds

Photo credit: Wasatch Beach Volleyball.

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