Briefs: Four in a row for Ross

It’s official: April Ross and Jennifer Kessy have become the women’s team to beat on the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals Nivea Tour.

Ross, the former Newport Harbor High standout, and Kessy won for the fourth straight time on the AVP Tour after capturing the Hermosa Beach Open championship Sunday.

Kessy and Ross, the top-seeded team, beat the No. 3-seeded team of Elaine Youngs and Rachel Scott, 21-17, 21-14, in Sunday’s final. Kessy and Ross dropped just one game in five matches. They split the winners’ share of $20,000.

Misty May-Treanor, also a former Newport Harbor standout, and Nicole Branagh finished tied for fifth. They split $6,000.

On the men’s side, Matt Fuerbringer, an Estancia High product, and Nick Lucena were tied for fifth. Costa Mesa resident Jake Gibb and Corona del Mar resident Sean Rosenthal finished tied for ninth.

The AVP NIVEA Tour continues this week with the Long Beach Open Saturday and Sunday.

— From staff reports

Breakers lose again

The Newport Beach Breakers appeared to have some momentum after winning at home against the St. Louis Aces Thursday night.

But after three road matches, the Breakers are in last place in the Western Conference with no hope for the playoffs. The only news that will matter today is that Maria Sharpova will be playing as the Breakers’ marquee player against the Kansas City Explorers tonight at 7:15 at The Tennis Club Newport Beach.

The Breakers were shut out in the five sets against the Springfield Lasers, 25-13, Monday night.

The Breakers will close out the regular season at home against John McEnroe and the New York Sportimes Thursday at 7:15 p.m.

— From staff reports

Team USA finishes fifth

Tim Hutten, a UC Irvine product, scored two goals to help lead the U.S. men’s national water polo team to a fifth-place finish after a 7-6 win over Spain at the FINA World League Super Final Saturday in Nis, Serbia.

Ryan Bailey, also a former UCI standout, added one goal.

— From staff reports

CdM whiffle ball eventful event

Team Volleyball, led by all-tournament performer and captain Sam Stafford, defeated the defending champion Grandors, 14-13.5 to win the 40-team Corona del Mar High Whiffle Ball tournament, completed in June.

Stafford finished the tournament, contested in the school’s auxilary gymnasium, with 19 home runs.

Weston Nielsen had 14 homers for the champions, who also included Joey Booth (13 homers), John Christian (seven) and Ashley McCarthy (three).

The Gandors’ Beau Attyah led all students with 23 homers (teacher CK Green had a tournament-best 26), and also had a tournament-best 60 hits on his way to all-tournament recognition.

The Gandors also included Jake Starnes (13 homers), Dillon Campbell (11), Josh Starnes (eight), Parker Stone (five) and Riley Lazar (three).

Other all-tournament honorees were Michael Borchard (22 homers), Chris Freeman (a tournament-best .765 batting average with 39 hits in 51 at-bats), Josh Harrison (15 homers and a .745 average) and Kelli Feeley.

Ryan Pond won the top defensive player award. He also hit 22 home runs.

Lisa Rodomsky (nine homers) was named the tournament queen.

Danny Busch received the annual $1,000 scholarship award.

The Toilet Bowl (consolation) champion was the Bombers, including tournament founder and Sea Kings wrestling coach Gary Almquist, Dawn Kerrigan, Matt Reise, Kayden Ebbiga, Taylor Lopp, and Michael McLaughlin.

— From staff reports