If you’d have polled the fans attending the Men’s Final of the AVP Long Beach Open, few would have bet against reigning champions Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers.
But armed with momentum and a hometown advantage, Jake Gibb and Sean Rosenthal used a confusing attack and high energy to stun the #1 beach volleyball team in the world and win the Long Beach Open. Rosenthal hails from nearby Manhattan Beach and boasted his own cheering section, “Rosie’s Raiders,” who rocked the arena and mocked the opponents with great intensity (and a lot of Bud Light).
The women’s final will take place at 1:00pm today.
Long Beach is ready for its close-up.
Phil Dalhausser is one of the tour’s most intimidating players, and is part of the heavily favored Dalhausser/Rogers duo.
The energy was on Jake Gibb’s side all day.
Gibb (left) and Dalhausser battled at the net for point after point.
“Rosie’s Raiders” cheering their patron saint.
Jake Gibb basks in the moment.
Rosenthal and Gibb celebrate their unlikely two-game victory.
The mula.
Thanking the faithful with a celebratory champagne spray.
Local hero Sean Rosenthal celebrates with one of the many fans supporting the Manhattan Beach native.
The Raiders.