The beginning of the AVP season is right around the corner. The AVP enters the second season of a seven city tour format with its first top this weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida. While there will be plenty of action to take in this summer, here are a few things to stay on the lookout for:
The AVP begins this season looking to take care of some unfinished business in St. Petersburg. The women’s final was cut short last year and a champion was unable to be named due to a severe storm that cancelled the finals. This year, barring another epic storm, a champion will be named. What tandem is ready to claim victory and be the first female team to win in St. Pete?
Last season saw Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson as the top dogs on the men’s side, winning four of the seven events. On the women’s side, April Ross finished the season with three victories and a tie (at St. Petersburg), two wins with Jennifer Kessy and one with Kerri Walsh Jennings. Will those players be able to continue their winning ways or will another team grab that distinction?
The AVP will return to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for its first full tour stop since 1998. Milwaukee adds a second midwest stop to the tour, in addition to Cincinnati. After competing, the AVP pros can grab some cheese curds and watch the fireworks during this Fourth of July weekend tournament.
Who will take home the awards? Jake Gibb and April Ross are the reigning MVPs, while also being named as part of the Teams of the Year. April added onto her spectacular year with also being named Best Server and Best Offensive Player. Theodore Brunner took home Best Blocker while finishing the year with 182 blocks, 40 ahead of second place Phil Dalhausser. Younger teams will try and make their impact like Tri Bourne and Lane Carico did last season, as they were named Newcomers of the Year.
Mix in young talent, proven veterans and exciting event locations with the summer weather and you get the recipe for a first-class AVP season.