Beach Volleyball: Ross collects gold

MASON, Ohio — Costa Mesa resident April Ross teamed with Kerri Walsh Jennings to win the Federation Internationale de Volleyball Cincinnati Open presented by the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals on Saturday.

Ross, a Newport Harbor High product and the 2012 Olympic silver medalist in women’s beach volleyball, joined Walsh Jennings, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, in defeating China’s No. 13-seeded Chen Xue and Xinyi Xia, 20-22, 21-14, 18-16, in a 66-minute final at Linder Family Tennis Center.

The top-seeded American duo, who officially qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil by competing in the tournament, went 7-0 in the event, including a 21-14, 21-15 semifinal win over Spain’s Liana Fernandez and Elsa Baquerizo.

Ross and Walsh Jennings split $11,000.

Ross had 22 kills, 16 digs and six aces in the title match, while Walsh Jennings had 12 kills, four digs and four blocks.

It was the ninth FIVB gold medal won by the American partnership, which formed after three-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor, another Newport Harbor High product, retired following the 2012 Summer Games in London.

It was Ross’ 19th FIVB tournament victory and the 53rd for Walsh Jennings.

The FIVB tour continues in Russia with the Moscow Open, Tuesday through Sunday. The AVP Seattle Open is scheduled June 2-5.

— From staff reports