MVP April Ross highlights AVP awards

April Ross, who along with partner Kerri Walsh Jennings dominated the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals beach tour, was named Most Valuable Player and Best Server at the AVP awards banquet on Tuesday in Costa Mesa.

Ross, a Costa Mesa resident who starred at Newport Harbor High, and Walsh Jennings were also named the top women’s team, after going 36-0 and capturing all seven AVP tournament titles. Ross and Walsh Jennings lost only four games all season.

Ross, the MVP in 2013 as well, led the tour in kills (554) and aces (94) and recorded 372 digs.

Brooke Sweat, a Costa Mesa resident, was named Best Defender among the women. She amassed 443 digs to earn the honor for the second straight season.

Brad Keenan, a Costa Mesa resident who played at Orange Coast College, was named Best Server for the men, after posting 58 aces.

Jake Gibb, a former longtime Costa Mesa resident, was the men’s MVP and teamed with Casey Patterson to repeat as Team of the Year.

Gibb, who now lives in Huntington Beach, was also MVP in 2013 and 2005.

— From staff reports