Editor’s note: Photographer Stephen Burns, a regular contributor to VolleyballMag.com, lives in Seattle and last weekend went to Alki Beach and battled the weather on Saturday and kept shooting Sunday as Washington, Hawai’i, Portland, Oregon competed. His best photos follow. Here’s his report:
Ed Chan, my mentor for professional beach volleyball, advised me on the specific camera rain cover that would serve me best as a resident of Seattle. He was not wrong, as I learned this past weekend. It was easily the stormiest weather I’ve ever experienced on Alki Beach while photographing a tournament.
Hawaii had unlucky timing to visit during Seattle’s coldest April on record. Saturday started off cool with high clouds, then with a tiny bit of drizzle and even some sun. I even removed one of my five layers of clothing as the final match between Washington and Hawaii neared.Â
But, as you’ll see in the photo gallery, the dark clouds rolled in while the two teams were warming up. Moments before the match was to start, the wind picked up to 20 miles an hour, the temperature dropped to the low 40s and the precipitation started.Â
Not rain, but graupel (snow pellets). Play began when the precipitation turned to rain, paused when the frozen stuff briefly returned, and by the time it was over Washington secured its first win ever against the Rainbow Wahine. The next day, which was a little warmer and dry, Hawaii defeated Washington in the finals.
What a scene for the Husky Invitational
Washington’s Natalie Robinson hits past Hawaii’s Kaylee Glagau
Washington’s Hannah Yerex attacks with the Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island and the foothills of the Olympic Mountains in the background
Washington’s Chloe Loreen, left, and Natalie Robinson got ready to play as the snow pellets ended and the heavy rain began
Washington’s Paloma Bowman reaches out
Portland’s Grace Zilbert makes the play as Hawai’i’s Kayla Glagau looks on
Hawai’i’s Anna Maidment and Washington’s Ashley Shoot joust
Hawaii’s Brooke Van Sickle does not appear to be enjoying the weather as Assistant Coach Nick Castello helps her clean the rain off her sunglasses
Hawaii’s Kaylee Glagau makes the play as Brooke Van Sickle watches through rain and snow flakes
Portland’s Grace Zilbert goes past the ref stand to chase the ball down
Oregon’s Brooke Nuneviller
Oregon’s Alexa Laita gets the better of Washington’s Scarlett Dahl
Oregon’s Alex Laita falls back trying save the play as Bea Wetton looks on
Referee J Rod (John Rodriguez) came prepared with earmuffs, which he continued to wear on Sunday when the temperatures were in the mid 50’s
Washington celebrates the win by Audra Wilmes and partner Olivia Mikkelsen, giving the Huskies their first victory over Hawaii
Washington’s Chloe Loreen pokes the shots over Oregon’s Brooke Nunviller
Washington’s Maeve Griffin makes the play as Audra Williams looks on
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