Laguna Beach locals Lexi McKeown and Hallie Carballo took silver and bronze medals, respectively, during the 22nd annual AAU Junior National Beach Volleyball Championships held July 11-12 at the Hermosa Beach Pier.
The contest welcomed 300 teams from across the country on 60 courts. The finals were held in Olympic style fashion on center court with official AAU referees, a play-by-play announcer and college recruiters in the stands.
Lexi and her partner Savana Greene from Kaneohe, Hawaii, teamed up for the two day tournament playing in the U15 girl’s division comprised of 40 pairs. Seeded fourth in the pool, they battled their way through the bracket to the championship game. Facing off against Hannah Martin and Emily Napoli from the San Diego area, the teams went point for point with Lexi and Savana ultimately taking the second place finish at 18-21.
Lexi played with a sprained ankle that had been restrained for nine days in a boot. “Her doctor was less than pleased!” her mom said.
Hallie and her partner Jacqueline Sanchez of Huntington Beach, both 13, competed in the U14 girl’s division of 60 teams. Securing two wins in the second and quarter final rounds, they faced off in the semi-finals against Lindsey Kelly of Hermosa Beach and Zoe Almanza from Los Angeles. Hallie and Jacqueline finished third, losing 17-21.