AVP Qualifier San Francisco preview - Articles

AVP San Francisco Qualifier Preview No American teams are competing on the FIVB World tour this weekend, resulting in a rare occurrence in an Olympic year: A full field in AVP San Francisco. Only Tri Bourne/John Hyden and Lauren Fendrick/Brooke Sweat are missing. As a result, a few teams accustomed to the main draw have been relegated to the qualifier, creating the most challenging qualifier of the year. Let’s take a look at the top four teams per gender: Men: Q1: Hudson Bates/Mark Burik: Bates/Burik are on an upward trend, finishing ninth in New York after a 13th in Huntington Beach. Last weekend they lost a squeaker to a hot Avery Drost/Bill Kolinske 18-21, 21-23. “I’m just happy my wife let me leave town again!” said Bates. “I’m just glad to be competing. I look at the extra matches as some much needed practice. Looking forward to some good competition.” The team has plenty of intensity and chemistry, having played together since 2007. Their section of the bracket has a number of dangerous teams, but if Bates/Burik take care of their side they should advance. Q2: Ty Loomis/Marty Lorenz: Loomis/Lorenz have only played one event together, but did quite well at Mason last year, finishing third. Lorenz has been in the main draw in all four events this year, finishing as high as seventh with Adam Roberts. Loomis has made the main draw in two of three events this year, with a ninth-place finish. Lorenz’ blocking is greatly improved of late. Their quarter of the draw...

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