Laguna Open volleyball tournament crowns new champions on Main Beach

Top-tier volleyball returned to the sand at Main Beach last week with the completion of the 71st Laguna Open.

Andy Benesh and Taylor Crabb, the top-seeded tandem in the men’s draw, dropped one set in five main-draw matches en route to winning the tournament.

Men’s division champion Andy Benesh jumps back to save a ball during the final of the Laguna Open on Sunday.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

The winning duo swept Chase Budinger and Trevor Crabb, 21-15, 25-19, in the championship match on Sunday. Taylor and Trevor are brothers.

Alaina Chacon and Madelyne Anderson claimed the women’s title in defeating Thâmela Coradello and Victoria Lopes, 21-19, 21-15.

Women’s division champions Madelyne Anderson and Alaina Chacon, from left, celebrate a point in the Laguna Open on Sunday. It was Anderson and Chacon’s first win as a team.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

Beach-goers and fans of the sport alike got up close and personal with the athletes, some enjoying the comfort of a beach chair, while others looked over the crowd from the boardwalk.

The Laguna Open, an Assn. of Volleyball Players event, began in 1955.

Women’s division champion Madelyne Anderson makes a key block for a point during the final of the Laguna Open on Sunday.

(Don Leach / Staff Photographer)