Jeremy Casebeer (The Lorax) at the 2018 AVP Austin Open - Photo credit: Ralph Arvesen
The first stop of the 2018 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour: Austin Open attracted dedicated crowds to watch the toughest competitors in beach volleyball in today’s Elimination Rounds. Spectators witnessed new team dynamics throughout the day and cheered on their favorite athletes.
Top women’s team April Ross and Alix Klineman locked in their spot after defeating No. 13 ranked Sarah Day and Nicolette Martin in two heated sets: 21-17 and 21-17. Ross and Klineman will play No. 6 ranked Klineman’s former partner Lane Carico and AVP newcomer Karolina Marciniak in tomorrow’s semi-finals at 9:15 am.
“I’m really proud. We came out and played them like any normal team. I think if you come onto the court and expect them to be phenomenal and you don’t play up to their level, you’re putting yourself on a different level,” said Day. “We stayed really headstrong, we got the balls up. I thought our patience throughout the match was what kept up really steady and really helped us in our siding out.”No. 7 seeded Lauren Fendrick and Sarah Sponcil defeated No. 14 seeded Janelle Allen and Kerri Schuh to meet No. 9 ranked Karissa Cook and Katie Spieler as they make their semi-final debut both as players and as a team. They play tomorrow at 10:15 am.
“We’re thrilled we get to keep playing, even more thrilled with the semi’s, and it’s a treat that we’re going to get to play Lauren and Sarah because we get to train with them. Lauren is kind of my training buddy because we’re in Northern California together,” said Cook. “Getting to play against friends who are ultra-talented and kind of your heroes is amazing - it’s going to be so much fun.”On the men’s side, defending Austin Open champions No. 1 ranked Phil Dalhausser and Nick Lucena defeated No. 4 ranked Trevor Crabb and John Mayer to make it through to the semi-finals where they’ll be matched up against new partners and No. 5 seeded Casey Patterson and Stafford Slick.
“Tomorrow, we’re bringing whatever it takes to win,” said Lucena.Taylor Crabb along with new partner Tim Bomgren battled it out against big brother Trevor Crabb and partner John Mayer defeating them in a tight 22-20, 21-18 showdown. Crabb and Bomgren will meet No. 7 Jeremy Casebeer and Reid Priddy in tomorrow’s semi-finals at 12:15 pm.
“We feel great. It’s our first time playing together (Austin) so it was actually kind of nice to go through the contender’s bracket to get some games under our belt and some chemistry. We feel good going into tomorrow and we’re playing well,” said Ta. Crabb. “I always get excited to play my brother and he gets excited to play me. Between siblings, you know there’s a lot of ego out there, but at the end of the day, it’s all good - we’re here at a tournament and everyone is trying to win.”The final day of the AVP Austin Open begins with Semi-Finals tomorrow, Sunday, May 20 at 9 am. Amazon Prime Video will stream all AVP Main Draw Matches and one to-be-determined final live and the other final will air nationally on NBCSN Monday, May 21 at Midnight CT, featuring veteran broadcaster and Olympic gold medalist Chris Marlowe, Kevin Wong (analyst) and Dain Blanton (reporter) calling the action.
Prime Video will also stream the Men’s and Women’s Finals to viewers outside of the U.S. In addition to live AVP coverage, Prime members will have on-demand access to completed matches, including all Finals, highlights and additional content.
About AVP
Established in 1983 and currently headquartered in Southern California, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) is the world's premier beach volleyball organization. The AVP today is comprised of four divisions: AVP Academy, AVPNext, the AVP Pro Tour, and their non-profit 501(c)3 organization, AVPFirst. With a 35-year rich history in creating, staging, and marketing some of the most innovative and engaging sporting events in North America, the AVP has successfully developed an annual circuit that is not just a sporting event, but a lifestyle as well. The AVP has been the home of some of the most respected athletes in professional sports, including: gold medalists Karch Kiraly, Kent Steffes, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh-Jennings, Todd Rogers, and Phil Dalhausser. (Source: AVP)
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