Gone are the days when locals would clean up in AAU beach volleyball tourney’s held in the South Bay. Players travel from all over the state and the country to compete.
And they do not just come for a vacation. The playing field has leveled considerably with talent everywhere.
That was evident in the fifth Tachikara Classic held in Hermosa Beach. Just two gold medals were won by locals.
Grace Campbell and Presley Forbes of Manhattan Beach were fortunate to walk away with gold.
Campbell won the U18 division. Forbes won the U16 division.
Both of their partners were from outside the area.
One local boys team won a silver medal, but largely were shutout.