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SIESTA KEY - Rachel Meringer sunk her feet in the sugary white sand and charged the net. The volleyball twisted in the morning sea breeze, slowly looping its way out of bounds. But Rachel was not about to give up a cheap point.  The 11-year-old Sarasota girl extended her arms and smacked the multi-colored sphere over the outstretched hands of her two opponents. Rachel smiled and returned to her position, ready for the next serve.  It was going to be a long, hot day for the record number of teams competing in the USA Volleyball Florida Region junior series; a sacrifice Meringer was more than willing to make if it meant taking home a much-coveted medal.

About 175 teams consisting of players 18 and younger participated in Sunday's "Dig the Beach" volleyball tournament at Siesta Public Beach, an event organizers say has gained popularity since coming to Southwest Florida several years ago.  "I'm humbled," said Christopher Colgan, president of Exclusive Sports Marketing, the Boca Raton-based business hosting the series. "This is the most beautiful beach in Florida."

Teams of two spent the entire morning and afternoon playing one another, with the top teams in each age group advancing to a single-elimination bracket.  Event organizers had to set up 10 extra nets early Sunday because of the high turnout.

Parents watched the action from underneath tents erected along the boundaries of the volleyball nets.  "I'm amazed how many people showed up," said Tampa resident Karen Reyes, as she cheered on her 11-year-old daughter, Morgan.  In between matches, teammates would referee other games or practice technique.

Faith Walkup and Haley Matousek, both 13, spent their down time away from the crowds reviewing strategy.  The teenagers, who belong to an indoor club team in Venice, said that, while their first tournament experience had been fun, it would be even more memorable with a medal.  "We want to win," Haley said.

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