Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Seize Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Beach Open sent a Particular kind of magic, blending earth-class athleticism While using the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Local community. Held September 4–seven near the Hermosa Beach Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt within the competitive circuit—it absolutely was a celebration with the Activity’s origins, featuring Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and native heroes inside of a lover-helpful, no-frills natural environment.
The function had no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. In its place, spectators gathered within the courts, standing while in the sand and sitting down on beach towels as they cheered on elite athletes from just toes absent. Structured with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the Match returned to a purer Edition of the game, wherever community, Opposition, and relationship had been the main focus.
Over the Ladies’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re regarded as One of the best on the earth. Within a dramatic all-USC ultimate, Cheng and Hughes dropped the first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft before roaring again to gain another two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a twenty–eighteen get inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second inside their put up-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into the following AVP and international events.
The Adult men’s ultimate showcased A different Olympic-caliber clash. Previous NBA forward turned Seashore volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to encounter off versus Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved way too potent, successful in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–17. Budinger’s physicality at The online and Evans’ sharp instincts produced them the unstoppable duo of your weekend.
Across 4 times of Perform, a hundred thirty teams competed in the double-elimination structure that held admirers on their own toes and athletes grinding through extended, Sunlight-soaked days. The tournament also incorporated a juniors division, which brought in many youthful gamers wanting to master, contend, and share the sand While using the execs. It absolutely was a scarce opportunity for youth athletes to become Portion of A significant volleyball celebration plus a worthwhile recruiting moment for faculty plans Sodo66 in attendance.
An entire Picture gallery captured the essence on the tournament—from superior-flying spikes and gritty digs to silent moments of focus and laughter between teammates. These photos, widely shared on the net, helped showcase the magnificence and intimacy in the Activity in its most reliable environment.
With its good results, the Hermosa Seashore Open up has sparked dialogue about its potential. Metropolis leaders are Discovering a product comparable to Manhattan Beach, in which the municipality could acquire a bigger job in web hosting the tournament each year. There’s also A much bigger purpose in sight: Hermosa is actively positioning by itself to become a designated schooling web site for your 2028 La Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was extra than simply a Match. It was a statement—evidence that even in an era of massive contracts and global broadcasts, Beach front volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest from the sand, surrounded by Local community.