AVP League: San Diego Smash Secures Playoff Spot with Stunning Comeback

In a dramatic turnaround, the San Diego Smash surged from last place to clinch the final playoff spot in the AVP League, capping off an incredible late-season run. After languishing at 2-6 for four weeks, the Smash roared back to life in the final two weekends of the regular season, finishing 8-8 and securing the fourth seed in the semifinals.

A Remarkable Resurgence

The Smash’s duos—Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, and Geena Urango and Toni Rodriguez—delivered standout performances when it mattered most. During Week 7 in Anaheim, California, the Smash won three of their four matches, reigniting their playoff hopes. They carried that momentum into Week 8 in Frisco, Texas, where they went 3-1 to seal their postseason berth.

“We knew we had to step up, and we did,” said Rodriguez, whose dynamic play and infectious energy were key to the Smash’s success. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re not done yet.”

Key Moments in Frisco

The Smash’s playoff push was fueled by several clutch performances:

• Urango and Rodriguez edged out the Dallas Dream’s Hailey Harward and Kylie Deberg in a thrilling three-set match (12-15, 15-11, 16-14), showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
• Budinger and Evans fell to the Dream’s Miles Partain and Andy Benesh but rebounded with a dominant 15-11, 15-8 win over the LA Launch’s Tim Bomgren and Troy Field.
• Urango and Rodriguez delivered again, defeating the Launch’s Betsi Flint and Julia Scoles in another three-set battle (15-13, 12-15, 15-11) to eliminate LA from playoff contention.

Rodriguez’s stellar play, including eight aces over the weekend, was a highlight, while Budinger’s veteran poise under pressure proved invaluable.

Dream and Nitro Lead the Pack

The Dallas Dream, led by the undefeated duo of Miles Partain and Andy Benesh (8-0), secured the No. 2 seed with an 11-5 record. Partain and Benesh have been a model of consistency, finishing the regular season without a loss.

“It’s been an incredible season,” Benesh said. “We’ve played the best teams in America, and to go undefeated is really special. We’ve had some luck along the way, but we’ve also played our best when it mattered.”

The New York Nitro, boasting a 12-6 record, claimed the top seed. Their duos—Taylor Crabb and Taylor Sander, and Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes—have been dominant all season, setting the stage for a high-stakes semifinal clash.

Semifinal Matchups

The AVP League Championship semifinals, set for November 9 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, feature the following matchups:

• No. 1 New York Nitro vs. No. 4 San Diego Smash
• No. 2 Dallas Dream vs. No. 3 Miami Mayhem

The winners will advance to the championship match on November 10, while the semifinal losers will compete in a third-place match.

Golden Set Tiebreaker

In a unique twist, the AVP will use a “Golden Set” tiebreaker in the postseason. If teams split their two matches, a 15-point Golden Set (win by two, no cap) will determine the winner. The higher-seeded team will choose whether the men’s or women’s pairs start the set, with a switch at eight points.

Klineman’s Farewell

The playoffs will also mark the end of an era, as Olympic gold medalist Alix Klineman announced her retirement from competitive volleyball. Klineman, who partnered with April Ross to win gold in Tokyo, will make the AVP League Championship her final event.

“I’m retiring to focus on my family,” Klineman shared in an emotional Instagram video. “This has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every moment.”

Looking Ahead

As the AVP League Championship approaches, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of beach volleyball. With the Smash’s Cinderella story, the Dream’s undefeated duo, and the Nitro’s dominance, fans can expect high-stakes drama and world-class competition under the California sun.