The AVP League’s Week 5 matches brought an electric atmosphere to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, but the impact was felt all the way to Southwest Riverside County. Area residents, who understand the spirit of Southern California volleyball, found plenty of reasons to get excited for the latest round of high-level competition featuring athletes with local roots.
It wasn’t just another match on the calendar. The opening set between the L.A. Launch and the San Diego Smash captured the attention of fans from Temecula to Murrieta. Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon, who made their names at USC, met Geena Urango and Devon Newberry, both with collegiate careers from the region, in a tightly contested match that highlighted just how much volleyball means to Southern Californians.
The crowd energy intensified as the match stretched to a third set. The Launch eventually pulled off a 15-13 win after splitting the first two, much to the delight of fans who cheered each rally and point. Friends, families and former teammates filled the stands and celebrated with every play. In communities like Menifee or Wildomar, where volleyball is part of everyday life, seeing local talent succeed on a national stage is a reminder of just how strong the region’s volleyball culture really is.
The AVP League continues to innovate, blending the region’s longstanding love for the sport with new approaches. While classic events such as the Manhattan Beach Open remain an annual highlight, the league’s indoor series at state-of-the-art venues like the Intuit Dome introduces the game to fresh audiences. The move indoors brings volleyball to fans year-round, making it more accessible than ever for families and young athletes across the Inland Empire and Southwest Riverside County.
Hagen Smith, another standout in the L.A. Launch lineup, brought the noise during his match. His opening spike triggered an eruption of cheers. Smith and the Launch secured a decisive victory that further ignited the crowd. Smith’s performance is a point of pride for fans, especially those back home who see him as a representative of the area’s vibrant volleyball community.
Competition was fierce in every match, but the spotlight also shone brightly on internationally recognized athletes. Trevor Crabb and Phil Dalhausser, representing Palm Beach Passion, held their own with focus and consistency against the Miami Mayhem. Dalhausser, an Olympic gold medalist, delivered a series of game-changing plays, demonstrating the skill that continues to inspire players throughout Southwest Riverside County.
For aspiring athletes, there’s genuine motivation in watching Olympians like Dalhausser and world-class competitors take the court. Young volleyball players in Temecula, Lake Elsinore and neighboring cities can see firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level and how hard work can pay off. Their achievements aren’t just on display for those in the dome—they resonate throughout local volleyball clubs, parks and community courts.
The ongoing AVP League events also bring people together, uniting communities both at the arena and across Southern California. Intuit Dome’s state-of-the-art facility is an exciting destination, but the real magic of these matches occurs in the ways they inspire those watching from afar. Southwest Riverside is a region known for its love of sports, and the AVP’s approach to engaging fans from diverse backgrounds fits right in with the area’s traditions. Residents can witness professional volleyball at its very best, while still appreciating the local games and tournaments that take place year-round.
Opportunities for involvement in volleyball are plentiful throughout Southwest Riverside County. Local clubs and high school programs continue to nurture new talent, while casual matches at parks and recreation centers bring people of all ages together in the name of sport. These AVP League games, broadcast and talked about across the region, encourage more people to get involved and enjoy volleyball as participants and supporters.
With each week of the AVP League, the excitement grows. The league’s continued focus on both tradition and new possibilities ensures that fans have much to look forward to. Nearby tour stops add to the anticipation. There’s a growing sense of regional pride as community members support players, whether they’re at the professional level or just getting started.
Volleyball, with its roots in the sand and its new home in places like the Intuit Dome, remains a popular and unifying force in Southwest Riverside County. As the season continues, fans, players and families across the area will no doubt keep their eyes on the league for more moments to remember.
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