Beach Volleyball Forever

Manhattan Beach Delivers Early Drama as 17-Year-Old Thais Treumann Shines on the AVP’s Biggest Stage

The 2026 Progressive AVP Manhattan Beach Open has already produced major upsets, compelling storylines and the emergence of an exciting teenage talent.
Held beside the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier from August 14–16, the tournament features 32-team men’s and women’s main draws in a double-elimination format. First staged in 1960, the Manhattan Beach Open remains the most prestigious event on the American beach volleyball calendar, with champions earning a permanent place on the celebrated Volleyball Walk of Fame. AVP event information⁠�

A 17-year-old steps into the spotlight

One of the weekend’s most inspiring stories belongs to 17-year-old Thais Treumann.
Partnering with Devanne Sours, the teenager secured her place in the Manhattan Beach Main Draw by winning the 2026 AVP Denver Open Heritage Contender. Their success was particularly impressive because Treumann showed remarkable composure against far more experienced opponents.
Seeded 16th in Manhattan Beach, Sours and Treumann opened their campaign with a victory over No. 17 Hailey Harward and Xolani Hodel. They then faced two-time defending champions and top seeds Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, who prevailed 21–14, 21–14.
Dropping into the contenders bracket, the young partnership responded superbly. Sours and Treumann defeated Kennedy Coakley and Ashley Pater 21–18, 21–19 to keep their tournament alive.
Treumann’s athleticism, defensive range and confidence have already attracted attention from the AVP, which highlighted her performance on its official social media channels. At only 17, simply competing in the Main Draw of the sport’s most historic American tournament represents a significant achievement. Winning matches there makes her breakthrough even more impressive. AVP’s feature on Thais Treumann⁠�

The No. 32 seeds shock the men’s draw
The biggest surprise of the opening day came in the men’s tournament.
No. 32 seeds Ric Cervantes and Jonah Seif stunned top-seeded Chase Budinger and Trevor Crabb in three sets. After dropping the opening set 21–18, the lowest-ranked team in the field fought back to take the next two, 21–16 and 15–8.
The result immediately disrupted the winners bracket. Budinger entered Manhattan Beach as the defending champion, while Crabb was chasing a fifth title at the event. Instead, the leading seeds were forced into the elimination side of the draw after their very first match. AVP match report⁠�
Olympic stars fall in another major upset
The women’s competition also delivered a dramatic result as No. 14 seeds Abby Van Winkle and Torrey Van Winden defeated third-seeded Canadian stars Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes.
Van Winkle and Van Winden held their nerve in an intense three-set battle, winning 21–19, 19–21, 15–13. Taking down one of the strongest defensive-blocking combinations in international beach volleyball was one of the most significant victories of the opening rounds. AVP result and score⁠�

Meanwhile, top seeds Brasher and Cruz remain firmly in pursuit of a historic third consecutive Manhattan Beach crown. Megan Kraft and Kelly Cheng, seeded second, are also seeking their first victory at this legendary event.
Everything remains open
Saturday’s elimination rounds will reduce the field and determine which partnerships advance toward Championship Sunday. The semifinals and finals are scheduled for August 16, when four athletes will earn the ultimate AVP distinction: their names immortalised on the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Yet whatever happens next, the opening stages have already sent a clear message. Rankings offer no guarantees at Manhattan Beach—and in Thais Treumann, American beach volleyball may be witnessing the arrival of an exceptional new talent.

Watch the Manhattan Beach Open Live
Fans can follow Saturday’s elimination rounds and Sunday’s decisive matches live through the official platforms:
AVP YouTube Channel – Live courts⁠�
https://youtube.com/?si=bIKD9mAqvBxjhn-H

Bally Sports Live – AVP Beach Volleyball⁠�
https://www.ballysports.com/channels/5-avp-beach-volleyball?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=invite&utm_campaign=channel_invite

Official brackets and tournament updates⁠�
https://avp.com/event/2026-manhattan-beach-open/

Saturday’s coverage begins at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time — 5:00 p.m. in France. The semifinals and finals take place on Sunday, August 16.

AVP Beach Volleyball The World’s Premier Professional Beach Volleyball League. 🏐 Established in 1983, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is the original and still the best. With a professional season that runs spring through summer, and our world-class women and men athletes (we are the home court for many Olympic m...

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