![\"USAvFIN\"](\"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/USAvFIN.JPG\")
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The 2015 Asics World Series of Volleyball event in Long Beach. Photo by Stephanie Rivera.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n If you happened to miss the epic beach volleyball battles served up at the 2016 Rio Olympics, fret not, for the Asics World Series of Volleyball<\/a> (AWSOBV) will bring more than a few heavy hitters to Long Beach to throw down once again during the F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) tour\u2019s kick off Grand Slam event this week.<\/p>\n RELATED<\/small> <\/p>\n The women\u2019s matches this year will certainly be exciting to watch, with Germany\u2019s Kira Walkenhorst<\/strong> and Laura Ludwig<\/strong>, who took the gold at the games and the bronze at last year\u2019s event, set to scuffle and defend their recent victory against the world\u2019s top-tier teams. Larissa Franca<\/strong> and Talita Antunes<\/strong>, also from Brazil, who lost the bronze in an epic battle to Kerri Walsh-Jennings<\/strong> and April Ross<\/strong> of the United States, are also expected to be heavy hitters at this year\u2019s world series and are likely looking to redeem themselves after their valiant effort in Rio.<\/p>\n Expect Walsh-Jennings, who was handed her first ever Olympic loss by Brazil\u2019s Agatha Bednarczuk and Barbara Seixas earlier in the semifinals, to land at AWSOBV ready to bring it, alongside Olympic teammate Ross. The two were able to claim the bronze at Rio. Also representing the United States is top defensive player Brooke Sweat<\/strong> and beast blocker Lauren Fendrick<\/strong>, a dynamic duo who upset many a top team during 2014\u2019s FIVB season.<\/p>\n On the men\u2019s side, Brazilian team Alison Cerutti<\/strong> and Bruno Schmidt<\/strong> will head to Long Beach after winning Olympic gold during the deciding match against Italy. Americans Phil Dalhausser<\/strong> and Nick Lucena<\/strong>, who were defeated by the top-seeded Brazilian duo in the quarterfinals, will take to the sand to play the top-tier teams of the tour.<\/p>\n Alexander Brouwer<\/strong> and Robert Meeuwsen<\/strong>\u00a0of the Netherlands, who won bronze at the Olympic games, may also be looking for another shot to best the winning Brazilian team. Olympic hopeful Casey Patterson<\/strong> and two-time Olympian Jake Gibb<\/strong>, also Americans, will team-up against the best of the best to represent the stars and stripes in Long Beach this week.<\/p>\n While times are approximate and subject to change depending on seedings and results, watch on Tuesday the Women\u2019s Qualifications from 9:00AM to 2:00PM and the Men\u2019s Qualifications from 2:00PM to 7:00PM. The Women\u2019s Main Draw will take place Wednesday from 9:00AM to 8:00PM with the men\u2019s from 10:30AM to 6:00PM. On Thursday, Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Main Draw will begin at 10:30AM and last to 9:00PM with the Junior Beach Tour and Kid\u2019s Day to take place alongside the matches.<\/p>\n Legends\u2019 Night, honoring USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal, is free to attend and will take place on Friday starting at 7:00PM featuring a screening of Walsh-Jenning\u2019s documentary Grit before Gold<\/em>, live music and a $20 dinner provided by local eatery Restauration. Prior to the evening activities the Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Playoffs will start at 10:00AM and end at 7:00PM, with the Women\u2019s Quarterfinals slated to start at 7:00PM.<\/p>\n On Saturday starting at 8:45AM the Men\u2019s Quarterfinals will be underway with the Women\u2019s Semifinals set for 12:00PM and 4:30PM (catch the first Semifinal live on NBC at noon). The Men\u2019s Semifinals will follow starting at 3:15PM. Set to take the stage for Saturday\u2019s live music are DJs Thomas Jack<\/strong>, Jillionaire<\/strong>, Branchez<\/strong>, Team Ezy<\/strong> and Filthy Gorgeous<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Sunday will feature the Women\u2019s Bronze and Gold matches at 10:00AM and 1:30PM and the Men\u2019s Bronze and Gold matches at 11:00AM and 3:30PM. Watch Team Josh Hutcherson and Team Terrell Owens participate in a celebrity match of their own during Battle on the Beach at 12:15PM.<\/p>\n If you can\u2019t make it to the beach, NBC and NBCSN will be showing the event. Click here<\/a> for the full television schedule.<\/p>\n Make sure to follow @wsobv on Twitter<\/a>, Snapchat, Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>\u00a0for the latest updates, athlete interviews and more.<\/p>\n
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