AVP League Championship Highlights: Aces and Palm Beach Passion Dominate

Kristen Cruz lunged to the left, aiming to place the ball on an open area of sand. After an intense rally at Oak Street Beach, she needed a breather and hoped for a point in the AVP Women’s League Championship. The ball landed as she intended.

“They were both at the net, and I was at the back line,” Cruz explained. “I aimed for the open sand, and it landed perfectly. It was a crucial moment.” This gave the Austin Aces a 12-11 lead in the second set, thrilling the audience. The match featured several intense rallies, but this point stood out.

Her partner, Taryn Brasher, praised Cruz’s decision-making. “Her instincts and ball control are incredible,” Brasher said. The Aces went on to win four of the final points, claiming the title against the Palm Beach Passion in straight sets.

Despite Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson finishing with the top record, they lost in the championship for the second consecutive year. They had previously won the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in beach volleyball.

The event also featured the AVP Men’s League Championship. Phil Dalhausser, a former Olympic gold medalist, captivated the audience. He returned, after withdrawing from the Manhattan Open due to a calf injury, to partner with Trevor Crabb. Together, they claimed their second consecutive title.

The Palm Beach Passion men’s team defeated Chaim Schalk and James Shaw of the New York Nitro. Dalhausser expressed enduring resilience in his career. “At 46, I’ve played through multiple injuries,” he admitted. Dalhausser, despite his calf injury, delivered six blocks in the championship match.

“This isn’t a solo sport,” Dalhausser said. He applauded Crabb’s service placement, which placed opponents in challenging positions.

In the semifinals, Dalhausser and Crabb defeated the San Diego Smash. Dalhausser was integral to a 9-0 run in their first set, securing a 15-11 win. Crabb noted their initial slow start but credited Dalhausser’s serves and blocks for their comeback.

“I practiced hard on my serves,” Dalhausser said. “I didn’t ace in the final, but our overall play was solid.”

The Aces defeated Miami Mayhem’s Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft in straight sets during the women’s semifinal. They overcame an initial 3-0 deficit, winning the set 15-8, and the next 15-9.

Cruz emphasized their focus during matches. “It’s about taking it point by point, not worrying about the score, and controlling the net. Our defense makes the plays,” Cruz said.

Andy Martinez contributed to this report for the Chicago Tribune.