AVP League Qualifier #2: Expectations Met.
Two of the sport's top teams show up to take their rightful places in the league.
For once, things went as expected. For some teams, this is a welcome relief. Two big name teams are out for next weekend’s final qualifier. For others, the loss represents one less chance they have to qualify. Let’s dive in.
Roughly the same amount of first round upsets for this week. If you’re looking for a first round match to rewatch, Cheng/Kraft versus Graudina/Stivrins is it. The 16 seed was not to be underestimated, and certainly gave the one seed a run for their money. Another rather unexpected result was losing Rice/Urango so soon. Their match with Shields/Tan is a must watch for their second set comeback and eventual third set win.
One Ups from Last Week
Rodriguez/Shaw stepped up to the plate this weekend. Rodriguez in specific looked much more comfortable on the sand than the previous qualifier. Some see this team as a shoo in for the wildcard spot, but I’m thinking that’ll depend on next week since they were out in the first round last weekend.
Newberry/Simo also had a much better showing, though last week’s early out had much more to do with their opponent than it did them (Kraft/Cheng).
Batenhorst/Hughes also lasted one round later than last weekend, before dropping to the ever consistent Loreen/Quiggle.
Look Ahead
As mentioned prior, Kraft/Cheng exiting the talent pool provides some much needed relief for the remaining teams. That’s not to say there aren’t some bombshells among the ranks. [I’ll share my predictions in the preview article]. As of this posting (4/6, 1:45pm), Batenhorst/Hughes are slotted to compete in Brazil this weekend. Social media seems to confirm this as well. Some may question this decision, but the pair has made their intentions clear: Olympics or bust. Mentioned by Sandcast this weekend in their recap post, there’s also the possibility they’re named for the wildcard, given the pair’s popularity and potential.
Leaderboard [this weekend’s result in bold]
Three spots remain, one to be decided by next weekend’s qualifier.
Quiggle/Loreen: 3rd, 3rd
Newberry/Cory: 5th, 3rd
Rodriguez/Shaw: 9th, 2nd
Harward/Hodel: 3rd, 9th
Anderson/Chacon: 5th
Shields/Tan: 5th
Rice/Urango: 5th
Evans/VanWinden: 5th, 5th
Fonoimoana/Sparks: 5th
Batenhorst/Hughes: 9th, 5th
These are arranged in what I’d estimate to be a point system based on finishes only. It’s possible they’d use points for sets like they do in the league (3 points = 2 set win, 2 points= 3 set win, 1 point = 3 set loss). It’s also possible AVP just awards wildcards and doesn’t base anything off these finishes. Time will tell.
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Who’s In?
TKN
Mel/Brandie
Donlin/Denaburg
Flint/Deberg
Cheng/Kraft
The men’s side had only one upset the first round, which represents a significant decrease from last weekend. Canadian’s Pickett/Schachter continued their U.S. tour this weekend, upsetting six seed Cook/Miller and three seed Schalk/Shaw. If not for eventual winners Benesh/Crabb, they would have made the final.
Budinger/Evans looked back to their usual selves, though all but one of their matches went to three sets. They will not return for this weekend’s qualifier, as they’re registered to play in Brazil, along with eventual winners Crabb/Benesh. I echo thoughts shared on Sandcast’s recap, that Budinger/Evans are the common sense wildcard, even with an early out last weekend.
Must Watch Matches:
Budinger/Evans vs Bomgren/Drost
Bradford/Cory vs Basey/Hurst
Budinger/Evans vs Benesh/Crabb
All replays on AVP’s YouTube!
Leaderboard [this weekend’s result in bold]
Four spots remain, one to be decided by next weekend’s qualifier.
Bomgren/Drost: 3rd, 3rd
Bradford/Cory: 2nd, 5th
Budinger/Evans: 5th, 2nd
Caldwell/Harrison: 3rd, 5th
Pickett/Schachter: : 5th, 3rd
LaBouliere/Rivera: 5th
Perez/Priima: 5th, 9th
Field/Wilcox: 9th, 5th
Schalk/Shaw: 9th, 5th
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Who’s In?
Tr.Crabb/Dalhausser
Webber/Smith
Partain/Lotman
Ta.Crabb/Benesh
That’s the scoop! Lots of great volleyball coming up this weekend. Stay tuned for previews of the third and final league qualifier, and the Saquarema Elite.
Rosie R | Pro Volleyball News | Beachside Scoop
A beach volleyball superfan focused on growing the game by making it easier to follow, watch, and love.
Confirmed: Savvy Cory and Devon Newberry will not play this weekend's qualifier.