Ross wins AVP title

HOUSTON, Texas — Newport Harbor High product April Ross teamed with partner Jen Kessy to win their first Assn. of Volleyball Professionals women’s beach volleyball tournament title Sunday at the Houston Open.

Ross and Kessy, the No. 2 seeded unit, defeated top-seeded Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh, 21-17, 18-21, 15-12, to end a streak of nine winless AVP finals.

Ross and Kessy have won three international events.

It also ended a 19-match win streak for Youngs-Branagh, who have assumed the mantle vacated by the absence this season of former Newport Harbor star Misty May-Treanor (torn Achilles tendon) and partner Kerry Walsh.

It was the first time this season that Youngs and Branagh were defeated in an AVP event.

The tour continues Thursday through Sunday with the Huntington Beach Open.

— From staff reports