The Los Angeles Starlites were one of six teams in the

Major League Volleyball Major League Volleyball (MLV) was a women's professional volleyball league in the United States. It was established in 1987 and disbanded during its third season on March 20, 1989. The league was launched in 1987 with six teams consisting of ni ...

(MLV) franchise. The league began in 1987 and ended short of completing a full season in 1989. Players consisted of former collegiate

All-America The All-America designation is an annual honor bestowed upon an amateur sports person from the United States who is considered to be one of the best amateurs in their sport. Individuals receiving this distinction are typically added to an All-Am ...

ns and Olympians. The level of play was highly competitive (above that of even the best Division I college teams) and fast paced, and utilized either a 5-1 or 6-2

offense Offense or offence may refer to: Common meanings * Offense or crime, a violation of penal law * An insult, or negative feeling in response to a perceived insult * An attack, a proactive offensive engagement * Sin, an act that violates a known m ...

. Coached by Pat Zartman, the Starlites placed first in 1987. They also placed first in 1988. Despite their performance, the team's attendance averaged only 800 fans per game, among the lowest in the league in 1987. In 1988, they drew only 3,000 total fans in their 11 home games. The team played its home games at several different venues during the 1987 and 1988 seasons, which may have contributed to its low attendance numbers. The Starlites played their home games at

UC Irvine UC may refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''University Challenge'', a popular British quiz programme airing on BBC Two ** '' University Challenge (New Zealand)'', the New Zealand version of the British programme * Universal Century, one of the ti ...

's Bren Center during the 1989 season. Rules in the late 1980s were a bit different from current

volleyball Volleyball is a team sport in which two teams of six players are separated by a net. Each team tries to score points by grounding a ball on the other team's court under organized rules. It has been a part of the official program of the Summ ...

rules. The ball could not touch the net on a serve, and games were to 15 points, with no rally scoring. In 1988 the franchise changed the rules so that game five would move to rally scoring.

Starlites roster

* Rita Crockett-Royster – outside hitter (1987–1988) * Jeanie Beauprey-Reeves – outside hitter (1997–1988) * Patty Dodd – outside hitter (1987) * Wendy Stammer – middle blocker (1988) * Dale Keough-Hall – outside hitter (1988) * Lisa Ettesvold (1988) *

Debbie Green-Vargas Debbie Green-Vargas (born June 25, 1958) is a former American volleyball player and coach. She is regarded as the greatest American women's volleyball setter of all time. Green-Vargas was a member of the U.S. National Team and won the silver med ...

– setter (1987) * Diane Pestolasi (1988) * Carol Czar – middle blocker (1987) * Tracy Clark – outside hitter (1987) * Michelle Boyette – setter (1988) * Kris Roberts - (1988) * Lori Zeno - 1988 Debbie Green-Vargas is perhaps the most effective American female setter of all time.Wagner, Dick. "Here Are Two Olympic Stars Who Never Stopped Shining." ''Los Angeles Times'' 14 June 1987: C3. Green-Vargas is only 5'4" tall. During an MLV match, Green-Vargas's chronic back problem almost put her out of the game. She stuck it out, although obviously in a great deal of pain, to lead the team to victory. Rita Crockett was awarded a Major League

MVP In team sports, a most valuable player award, abbreviated 'MVP award', is an honor typically bestowed upon an individual (or individuals, in the instance of a tie) whose individual performance is the greatest in an entire league, for a particu ...

award. Even while Crockett was pregnant, with daughter Marrita, it was not uncommon to see her breaking boards at the 10' line. Rita Crockett is reported to have a 42" vertical jump. Patty Arosco married volleyball player

Mike Dodd Michael Dodd (born August 20, 1957) is an American retired professional beach volleyball player who attended San Diego State University. With his partner Mike Whitmarsh he won the silver medal in the men's inaugural beach volleyball tournament ...

. Dodd himself later won the silver medal in beach volleyball at the 1996 Olympics. Hall and Crockett played while they were pregnant. Rita was told not to dive so she played defense cautiously.

References

{{Reflist Women's volleyball teams in the United States Starlites Women's sports in California