Sun, sand and ocean is the setting for beach volleyball.

This year, Archer’s varsity beach volleyball team qualified for the Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League (IBVL) playoffs, securing one of 24 spots.

The Panthers had a 3-5 record and finished third in the Westside Division — which includes Marymount, Notre Dame Academy, Pacifica Christian and Wildwood.

Sophie Smyth ’17 and Zoe Pelikan ’17 were the first pair to compete in the playoff against Sierra Canyon on May 10. Archer lost their game to Sierra Canyon which ended their season.

“We fought really hard,” Pelikan said. “We did our best, and I think overall the team grew over the season.” 

Both Pelikan and Smyth have been on the team since Archer created its beach volleyball team in the 2012-2013 season.

“It is really crazy to see how much the program has grown since eighth grade. There were [around] six people on the team in eighth grade,” Pelikan said. “Now there are so many other girls from all different grades and skill levels. It is really like an inclusive sport.” 

Both Pelikan and Smyth also compete on Archer’s varsity indoor volleyball team.

“I love being outside. Its; a very different sport from indoor volleyball because you get to play every single [position]” Smyth said. “You get a lot of experience doing everything, and I really like having that flexibility. It really teaches you how to be a well rounded player.”