Spike It!

Comments (0) By Russ Evans and Audra Schroeder Thursday, Feb 19 2004

Kick sand in their faces!

I'll huff and I'll puff.

Owls in lederhosen

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SAT 2/21 In the mood for some sand, sunshine, bikinis, and a bit of volleyball? The Florida Beach Volleyball Tour makes its first of three Fort Lauderdale stops for the opening event of the season on Saturday. The tour brings together some of the top players, both male and female, from around the state. Whether you're a participant or spectator, the weekend promises to kick some sand in your face. Each day, check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., with play starting at 9. Competition usually lasts until 5 p.m. Saturday's divisions include men's and women's teams at various skill levels. On Sunday, men's and women's AAA teams -- some of the nation's top-ranked players -- will compete, as will coed teams and juniors divisions for boys and girls. First, second, and third finishers in all divisions win prizes. Registration is $50 in advance, $60 the day of the event, and fans can attend for free by pulling up a chair or beach towel. The volleyball courts are located on the south end of the public beach in Fort Lauderdale on A1A, directly across from the Yankee Clipper Hotel between Sunrise Boulevard and the 17th Street Causeway. Call 954-316-6642 or visit www.flbeachvolleyball.com.

Born to Run

SAT 2/21 You know what you should really do before it starts to heat up, the humidity is unbearable, and you are dripping with sweat just from walking to your mailbox? No, don't go back to your computer to check out NASA's updated amplification of Janet Jackson's boob. Instead, go to Town Center Mall (6000 Glades Rd., Boca Raton) at 7:30 a.m. for the Town Center Classic 5K Run/Walk. Adults and kids can participate in the event, which takes place in the Town Center parking lot and surrounding streets, and cash awards are given to the top three male and female finishers. Kids get mall gift certificates. Registration is $25. Call 561-368-6001.

Play Ball

The Lady Owls get out of the nest

FRI 2/20 If you still have a Marlins hangover, shake it off by making a trip up north to check out the FAU Lady Owls fast-pitch softball squad. The season just started January 31, but the Lady Owls already have had their share of ups and downs. They defeated 16th-ranked Oregon in the FIU DeLong Invitational before falling to seventh-ranked Georgia. Pitcher Candice Freel threw a no-hitter against Iowa State, the second in her career, and she was recently voted the Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Week. You can check out the Lady Owls (currently riding high at 6-3) as they host the FAU Invitational against Michigan and Eastern Michigan on Friday, Long Island and Rutgers on Saturday, and the championship round on Sunday. Games on the campus in Boca Raton start at 5 p.m. each day. Call 561-297-3000.