Tonight in Los Angeles, the AVP made history, with the debut of their all new “AVP League”. With 4 ‘teams’ representing their cities tonight, including the L.A. Launch. Literally, the AVP League Launches in Los Angeles at UCLA, and we’re sharing the videos below. Beach Volleyball in Southern California will continue late into the year. Will you be there to cheer for these incredible athletes?
First up, the New York Nitro, featuring two Olympians fresh from Paris, the Manhattan Beach Open, and the Hermosa Beach Open. Sarah Hughes & Kelly Cheng, USC Beach alumni playing on the UCLA Campus, against two more USC alums. Representing the Brooklyn Blaze, Megan Craft and Terese Cannon.
Looks like the state of New York has two teams, in this brand new league from the AVP!
They decided to change things up a bit. That is one of the reasons the Hermosa Beach Open put their ‘own’ tournament together, as it would not be part of the “Heritage” tournaments for 2024. Playing in this arena like setting, is a great concept. Very bold of the AVP to attempt something different, as they help spread the love for this sport. The very best of the best are in this league, with several deserving beach volleyball players just on the outside, not making the final cuts.
There is a male and female duo on each of these teams. Click here to watch the Men’s Nitro vs. Blaze match on YouTube – Crabb/Sander vs Cook/Caldwell
Four games played in this historic opening night for the AVP League. The two final matches between the L.A. Launch, and San Diego Smash. New York went 2-0 on day 1. Olympians on the men’s side, Chase Budinger and Miles Evans of the San Diego Smash would emerge with the W over the Launch. Went 3 sets – here is game point from the AVP’s Instagram
Tomorrow the teams will switch, and Brooklyn will battle San Diego. The L.A. Launch will take on the NY Nitro, closing out Week 1. Much more beach volleyball below –
Closing out the night, was the LA Launch – Julia Scoles & Betsi Flint, taking on Geena Urango and Toni Rodriguez of the San Diego Smash. Emerging with the win for L.A., both teams would go 1-1 on Day 1 of week 1 for the AVP League. Sound off in our comments and tell us what you think of this new, bold idea from the AVP Tour. We were unable to be there ourselves, but look forward to seeing where this grows to in the coming weeks, months and years.
