2005 AVP Santa Barbara Open: Pro Beach Volleyball Returns with Major Player Movement

The West Coast swing of the AVP season begins as 150 of the World’s Greatest Pro Beach Volleyball players descend on West Beach for the 2005 Santa Barbara Open.

Player swaps lead the headlines as several top teams have split with hopes that new partnerships will bring greater success. Competition will be fierce with $175,000 in prize money up for grabs. Tickets are still available for Santa Barbara so log on now to http://avp.com to get yours.

The AVP Men’s top team in 2004’s has split as MVP Mike Lambert and three-time gold medalist Karch Kiraly put an end to their successful run. Lambert has teamed up with 2000 Gold Medalist Eric Fonoimoana. Lambert and Fonoi have played together once before winning the 2004 Santa Barbara Invitational. They will return to Santa Barbara as the reigning champs. Kiraly has found a new running mate in hard-hitting lefty Adam Jewell.

The AVP Women have seen several player swaps as well as two of the top six teams split with hopes of winning in Santa Barbara. All are gunning for 2004 Gold Medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May. Walsh and May are undefeated in 2005, but have been pushed in both the Tempe and Austin Open finals.

New teams feature Nancy Mason & Dianne Denecochea, Carrie Busch & Elizabeth Masakayan, Angie Akers & Nicole Branagh, and Jen Pavley & Heather Lowe. These four new duos will join Jen Kessy & Holly McPeak, and Elaine Youngs & Rachel Wacholder on West Beach as they battle to dethrone May and Walsh

So grab your sunscreen and head on down to the biggest beach party all year as the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour comes to Santa Barbara, California. Can’t make it to the beach? Catch all the action LIVE on Fox Sports Net and OLN. Log on to http://avp.com for tickets, TV Schedule, Official AVP Gear, Fantasy Volleyball Game, and the latest AVP Pro Beach Volleyball news and information.