It’s funny how the best celebration shot...

It’s funny how the best celebration shot I was able to capture from

the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals Huntington Beach Open last

weekend didn’t come from a team winning the championship, or even a

semi-final match game. Instead, it came after winning a single,

hard-fought point between two teams trying to earn a spot in the

finals.

This particular celebration came after a rally that saw all four

players dive and scramble to keep the ball alive. Once the ball

finally hit the sand, two players were victorious, and two were

exhausted.

In this case, Mike Lambert, who made the final diving save, raises

his arm into the air like a beach volleyball god, while his partner,

Karch Kiraly, arguably the greatest beach volleyball player of all

time, bows in praise of his teammate’s effort to win the point.

In the background, Jake Gibb and Stein Metzger lay on the sand,

tired and in disbelief that their efforts were fruitless. The rally

for that one point was one of the most exciting rallies between two

teams I have ever had the privilege of photographing and watching.

-- Mark Dustin