Misty May-Treanor earned her 106th career beach volleyball win at the Fort Lauderdale Open, the AVP season opener, during the weekend. Competing with a new partner for the first time since 2001, May-Treanor and new teammate Nicole Branagh played the finals in pouring rain Sunday, April 18, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
May-Treanor and Branagh defeated Angie Akers and Tyra Turner 21-14, 21-17 in the final round. May-Treanor and Branagh swept six matches, winning each by 2-0.
Misty May-Treanor Returns to AVP Beach Volleyball, Wins Tournament
The 106th win marks a triumphant return for May-Treanor, who did not compete during the 2009 beach volleyball season due to a tear in her Achilles' tendon. May-Treanor sustained the injury while participating on Dancing with the Stars in 2008.
It also marks the first time that May-Treanor, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion, has competed without former teammate Kerri Walsh since 2001. Walsh is pregnant with her second child. Each of May-Treanor's Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles came with Walsh, and together, the pair hold the longest winning streak for a women's team at 112 matches.
So playing with Branagh for the first time was a bit different for May-Treanor, but it turns out, the outcome was the same. Branagh is an accomplished player herself, having also competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games with then-teammate Elaine Youngs. Branagh was named the AVP most valuable player in 2009.
May-Treanor and Branagh Team Up in AVP Pro Volleyball Tournament Win
May-Treanor and Branagh have been practicing together since January 2010. The pair became the first to win their debut tournament together since Holly McPeak and Youngs accomplished the feat in 2002.
'We got more confident as the tournament went along,' Branagh told the Miami Herald. 'It was a great experience for us in our first tournament playing together. We're thrilled with the win.'
In the men's competition, Olympic gold medalists Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser were pitted against Matt Fuerbringer and Nick Lucena. The two teams were named co-champions of the Fort Lauderdale Open tournament after AVP commissioner Mike Dodd canceled the men's final due to worsening rain and outdoor conditions.
Related Articles:
Misty May-Treanor Returns to Beach Volleyball Without Kerri Walsh
References:
Neuendorf, Kevin. Volleyball: May-Treanor Wins First Competition Since Injury in 2008. Olympic Sports Scene for April 19, 2010. teamusa.org. Accessed April 19, 2010.
Pelegrin, Pete. May-Treanor, Branagh strike gold in AVP Volleyball debut. Miami Herald, April 19, 2010. Accessed April 19, 2010.
Kristen Nichols - Kristen is a freelance reporter and copywriter covering Olympic and Paralympic sport for Suite101.com. Kristen's love of sport developed ...
