​Long Beach, California – Day 2 of the AVP Long Beach League presented Week 5 action concluded at Alamitos Beach, and Edwin So of The Sporting Tribune was on the sand to document the day’s key moments. Among the notable scenes, Miami Mayhem’s Megan Kraft was pictured receiving a serve during a hot matchup against the LA Launch, a clash that unfolded under the sun on Saturday, July 12, 2026, at Alamitos Beach. The Sporting Tribune photographer captured the intensity of the moment as Kraft framed the ball, eyes locked on the serve as fans watched from the stands and the surrounding beachscape buzzed with the energy of competitive beach volleyball.
In another frame from the same afternoon, Kraft and her partner Kelly Cheng celebrated a victory over the LA Launch, a milestone moment for the Mayhem as they clinched the win in a high-stakes AVP Long Beach match. The image underscored the elation and teamwork that define doubles competition, with the pair lifting their arms in triumph as the whistle blew and the crowd roared in appreciation of their performance.
The day’s action also featured the LA Launch in a demanding exchange against the Brooklin Blaze. Edwin So captured Hagen Smith of the LA Launch in mid-dive, fully extended as he attempted to keep a pivotal ball in play. The dramatic reach and instinctive hustle of a defender on the sandy court illustrate the relentless pace of AVP Long Beach competition, where every rally tests reflexes and endurance. In a separate shot, Smith was again on the attack, delivering a powerful spike that cut through the defense and demonstrated the LA Launch’s offensive tempo as they sought to gain the upper hand over Brooklin Blaze.
Derek Bradford of the Brooklin Blaze joined the visual narrative with a grounded effort to return a serve, showcasing the balance and technique required to stay in a rally against a well-prepared LA Launch. Bradford’s commitment to getting low and meeting the ball highlighted the grit that characterizes AVP Long Beach’s daytime battles, where precision on the return can shift momentum and shape the outcome of close sets.
Another dramatic moment from the day featured Hagen Smith once more as he delivered a spike for the LA Launch in their clash with Brooklin Blaze, a signal of the LA squad’s aggressiveness on offense. His approach and contact with the ball illustrated the power and speed that fans have come to expect from this premier pro beach volleyball league, as Smith sought to create opportunities for his team with every swing.
Beyond the individual rallies, the day also captured the camaraderie and shared spirit of the sport. Dallas Dream teammates Paul Lotman and Miles Partain were pictured exchanging a dap after a hard-earned point during their match against the Miami Mayhem. The image captured the mutual respect and supportive energy that teammates display on the beach, reinforcing the sense of community that permeates AVP Long Beach.
Edwin So’s coverage for The Sporting Tribune offered a thorough visual narrative of the day’s proceedings, from the precise serve returns and spectacular digs to the triumphant raises of hands and collective celebrations. The photographs not only chronicled the athletic prowess and strategic execution on display but also the festive atmosphere that accompanies Major League Beach Volleyball at Alamitos Beach.
As Day 2 of Week 5 neared its close, the beach and courts of Alamitos Beach remained a hub of competition. The AVP Long Beach event continued to deliver high-level volleyball, dynamic rallies, and standout performances from teams like the Miami Mayhem, LA Launch, Brooklin Blaze, and Dallas Dream. Edwin So’s images captured the mosaic of moments that defined the day—from intense serves and spectacular digs to decisive spikes and heartfelt celebrations—encapsulating the excitement of this premier beach volleyball tour and adding to The Sporting Tribune’s extensive coverage of the AVP Long Beach Week 5 showdown.