Smith-Stoklos Down Hanley-Stevenson, 15-12, for Their 14th Volleyball Win of Year

Sinjin Smith and Randy Stoklos, both of Santa Monica, won their 14th beach volleyball tournament of the year Sunday, defeating John Hanley of Santa Barbara and Jon Stevenson of Manhattan Beach, 15-12, in the Orange County Open at Seal Beach.

The victory pushed the winners’ individual earnings to $58,925 each, tops on the pro volleyball circuit.

Top-seeded Smith and Stoklos advanced to the championship match by beating third-seeded Hanley and Stevenson in the semifinals earlier in the day, 15-10. Hanley and Stevenson moved into the losers bracket and reached to the final by eliminating 1986 world champions and the Orange County Open defending champions, Tim Hovland and Mike Dodd, 15-10.

U.S. National Team member Karch Kiraly suffered a sprained ankle during the quarterfinals. Kiraly, who landed on opponent Smith’s foot after going up for a block, described the sprain as light to medium and hopes to be playing within a week. Kiraly and Ricci Luyties withdrew from the tournament and finished in fifth place.