A Canadian contingent of seven players invaded Hermosa Beach for the 2019 AVP First National Championship including Markus Law-Heese (Aurora, ON) who put a maple leaf atop the USA national championship podium.

Law-Heese, competing in the 16U boys category, partnered with Adam Hartmann of Cooper City, Florida. The duo cruised through their pool play, earning the top billing and a first-round playoff bye before prevailing in the three-set final 21-17, 18-21, 15-8 to clinch the title.

Ben Moffatt (Kingston) and Ken Mann (Burlington) were also in the 16U division and finished their pool play in the third position. The pair found their stride in the playoffs, nearly turning the podium red and white, falling just short in the bronze medal match 21-14, 21-17.

On the girls' side, Kaylee Glagau (Mississauga) and Ava Mann (Burlington) finished second in their pool in the 18U division. Glagau (University of Hawaii, beach) and Mann (UC Berkley, beach) started their playoffs on a winning note, before coming out on the bottom end of a 21-16, 21-17 score against the eventual champs in their second-round match.

Mikayla Law-Heese (Aurora, ON) and partner Grace Seits  (California, USA) also finished second in their pool to advance to the playoff rounds in the same division. The Brock University Badger and her partner also began the playoff rounds with a victory, before their tournament ended in a loss to the eventual silver medalists.

Rounding out the event was Maddie Law-Heese (Aurora) and Isabella Giarla (Lakewood, CA) who competed in the 12U category. The pair finished third in pool play, before being eliminated in the second round of playoffs by the eventual silver medalists.

Congratulations to all who travelled and represented Canada in Hermosa Beach. 
(photo credit: AVP First Instagram)