The third annual MudFest mud volleyball tournament benefiting the Douglas High School volleyball program is set for Saturday morning.
Douglas head coach Suzi Townsell said 15 teams have already registered with several more in the process, giving the tournament its third consecutive year of steady growth.
"It's definitely growing, which is a good thing," Townsell said. "Every year it's gotten better. I feel really good about this year.
"We'd love to get even more teams out there. Right up to Saturday morning, if you get a team together we'll fit you in and everyone will get a three-match guarantee."
The tournament serves as the volleyball team's primary fundraiser during the year.
With the continued growth, tournament organizers have continued to refine the process of creating the mud pits at Herbig Park (across from Lampe Park in Gardnerville) for the tournament.
This year, they set about creating an overall higher-quality site for the tournament.
"We dug three new courts this year, hoping to make it more of a permanent site," Townsell said. "North Sails donated some extra sail material for us so we can make sort of a barrier along the bottom of the courts.
"David Curtis (Curtis & Sons Construction) helped us dig the courts with his equipment and Alton Anker donated some new sand and dirt to help fill things in.
"We started setting up the nets and roping things off Wednesday night. It should be pretty fun. It's gotten easier in the logistics every year and we have basically the same people helping us out. The whole process has improved and that's helped to create a very nice event."
Check-in begins at 8:15 a.m. Saturday with games beginning at 9 a.m. The tournament is an open six-player format with no restrictions on male/female ratios.
Cost per team is $200 while student teams may compete for $20 per player. A dress code will be enforced during the tournament, meaning players will not be allowed to play only in bikinis.
Prizes will be awarded for first place, second place and best uniforms.
Raffle tickets will also be sold with a barbecue and Reno Aces tickets being among the top prizes.
Registration forms are available at www.dcsd.k12.nv.us/dhs under the "volleyball" link in the "athletics" tab.
For more information, e-mail dhsmudfest@yahoo.com.
