​Long Beach, California – Day 1 of the AVP Long Beach tournament kicked off along Alamitos Beach as players from the sport’s premier beach volleyball circuit arrived to compete and entertain. The Sporting Tribune’s Edwin So was on hand to capture a series of action-packed images from the opening day, highlighting standout moments and the energy that defined the early rounds.
In one notable clash, Miami Mayhem’s Megan Kraft delivered a powerful shot, sending the ball over the reach of Dallas Dream’s Kylie Deberg during a match at Alamitos Beach. The shot’s trajectory showed Kraft’s aggression and precision, forcing Deberg into a defensive stance as the rally unfolded. The scene was captured during the Saturday, July 11 action, underscoring the high-velocity exchanges that have become a hallmark of AVP play at Long Beach.
Another key moment came when Brooklyn Blaze’s Evan Cory rose for a jump serve, planting the ball with authority as Brooklyn Blaze faced Dallas Dream. The height and timing of Cory’s leap were on full display, a reminder of the athleticism that drives competition on the sand during this event. The crowd’s attention followed the serve as Cory navigated the match’s early exchanges, with long exchanges and quick tempo points setting the tone for the afternoon.
Kelly Cheng, representing Miami Mayhem, was seen receiving a serve with steady hands as her team prepared to respond to Dallas Dream’s offense. The sequence captured Cheng’s focus and readiness, traits that have helped Mayhem establish a presence in the early rounds of the tournament. Her reception set the stage for the ensuing rally, highlighting the importance of solid passing in converting defensive plays into scoring opportunities.
Dallas Dream’s Miles Partain was also featured in a dramatic moment as he dove to save a ball, underscoring the grit and determination players bring to the court. Partain’s save memory illustrated the relentless effort that defines AVP beach volleyball, with the ball surviving the scramble and maintaining the rally’s competitive tension. The moment was among the day’s most energetic, illustrating why this event captivates fans with its fast-paced regrouping and second-chance plays.
Before the matchups, Derek Bradford of Brooklyn Blaze posed for crowd photos during player introductions, a customary and well-attended segment that previews the evening’s battles. Bradford’s presence and the crowd’s reception reflected the showmanship and fan engagement that accompany Long Beach’s status as a storied stop on the AVP tour.
The action continued with a close-up on Kelly Cheng as she connected with the wrist of Dallas Dream’s Kylie Deberg during a competitive exchange. The contact was part of a longer rally that showcased the physicality and finesse required to outmaneuver a skilled opponent—elements that keep spectators on the edge of their seats as plays unfold in real time along Alamitos Beach.
In another high-energy moment, Dallas Dream’s Paul Lotman took to the air for a spike, challenging the Brooklyn Blaze defense with a powerful attack. Lotman’s approach demonstrated the offensive versatility that teams deploy to balance their rosters and pressure opposing blockers, an essential aspect of match strategy during the Long Beach event.
Across the day, the AVP Long Beach tournament delivered the kind of dynamic, crowd-pleasing volleyball that has become synonymous with Alamitos Beach. From explosive serves and acrobatic saves to precise receptions and tactical blocks, the day showcased the breadth of skill among the league’s top athletes. Edwin So’s lens captured the competition’s spirit—from the pre-match introductions that set the stage to the decisive rallies that can tilt a set in a heartbeat.
As the sun moved across the sky and the sands of Long Beach warmed, the tournament continued to deliver memorable moments and showcase why AVP events remain a staple for fans of beach volleyball. The mix of veterans and rising stars, combined with the pageantry of introductions and the intensity of play, made Day 1 a compelling prologue to what promises to be an exciting AVP Long Beach weekend. Fans and readers can expect continued coverage of the action as teams push toward the day’s conclusion, with more spikes, dives, and dramatic rallies on the horizon.