Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
Hermosa Beach Open Recap: Olympians Capture Titles in Return to Roots
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The 2024 Hermosa Beach front Open up shipped a Specific type of magic, blending environment-class athleticism with the down-to-earth spirit that defines the Seaside volleyball Group. Held September 4–7 near the Hermosa Seashore Pier, this calendar year’s tournament wasn’t only a halt on the competitive circuit—it had been a celebration with the Activity’s origins, showcasing Olympians competing shoulder to shoulder with increasing stars and local heroes in the lover-welcoming, no-frills surroundings.
The function experienced no stadium seating or flashy supporter zones. Instead, spectators gathered across the courts, standing inside the sand and sitting on Seaside towels because they cheered on elite athletes from just ft away. Organized with grassroots help and backed by sponsors like Wedbush Securities, the tournament returned to some purer version of the game, where community, Opposition, and connection had been the focus.
On the women’s facet, Olympians Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes reminded everyone why they’re considered Amongst the finest on the earth. In a very remarkable all-USC last, Cheng and Hughes dropped the very first established to Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft in advance of roaring back again to get the next two. The determining set arrived right down to the wire, with Cheng and Hughes edging out a 20–eighteen acquire inside a thrilling complete. The victory marked a triumphant second in their article-Olympic campaign and underscored their dominance heading into another AVP and Global occasions.
The Adult males’s closing featured A different Olympic-caliber clash. Former NBA ahead turned beach volleyball standout Chase Budinger teamed up with Olympic veteran Miles Evans to facial area off in opposition to Miles Partain and Alex Ranghieri. Budinger and Evans proved too highly effective, winning in straight sets, 21–14 and 21–seventeen. Budinger’s physicality at the net and Evans’ sharp instincts designed them the unstoppable duo from the weekend.
Throughout 4 days of Enjoy, 130 teams competed in a very double-elimination format that saved followers on their toes and athletes grinding by way of very long, Sunshine-soaked days. The Match also provided a juniors division, which introduced in numerous younger gamers eager to find out, contend, and share the sand with the pros. It had been a exceptional option for youth athletes to become Section of A serious volleyball party along with a worthwhile recruiting minute for faculty courses in attendance.
An entire photo gallery captured the essence from the tournament—from large-flying spikes and gritty digs to peaceful moments of target and laughter amid teammates. These photographs, commonly shared on the net, served showcase the natural beauty and intimacy of your Activity in its most reliable placing.
With its results, the Hermosa Seashore Open has sparked conversation about its long run. City leaders are exploring a model similar to Manhattan Beach, in which the municipality could just take a larger function in hosting the Event per year. There’s also A much bigger objective in Sodo66 sight: Hermosa is actively positioning alone to be a designated training site with the 2028 L. a. Olympics.
The 2024 Hermosa Seashore Open was a lot more than just a Match. It was a press release—proof that even within an era of huge contracts and worldwide broadcasts, beach volleyball’s coronary heart even now beats strongest inside the sand, surrounded by community.