Misty wins at ‘home’

Misty May-Treanor’s return to Long Beach this past weekend ended with a championship.

May-Treanor, the former Newport Harbor High star who played for Long Beach State, won the AVP NIVEA Tour Long Beach Open with Nicole Branagh Sunday.

May-Treanor, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, and Branagh defeated Annett Davis and Jenny Johnson Jordan, 21-16, 21-19, in the women’s final.

May-Treanor, who won the NCAA championship with Long Beach State in 1998, and Branagh earned their second tour win of the season. May-Treanor is no stranger to winning professionally in Long Beach, having won the Long Beach Open in 2007 and 2008 with Kerri Walsh.

“It feels good. It puts a smile on our faces,” May-Treanor told AVP.com. “I went to school here and (I) have a house in the city. I love this city, the people, the fans. I love playing in front of a home crowd.”

May-Treanor and Branagh have been working on some adjustments to their game. May-Treanor moved to the left side, with Branagh going to the right.

April Ross, also a former Newport Harbor High standout, and partner Jennifer Kessy had won four straight title on the AVP Tour. They did not play the Long Beach Open, instead competing in the Marseille Open on the FIVB Tour, where they finished fifth.

— From staff reports