Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz win the 2026 AVP League Championship in Chicago

Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz secured the 2026 AVP League Championship title on September 6 at Oak Street Beach in Chicago. Playing for the Austin Aces, the pair defeated the No. 1-seeded team of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson with set scores of 15-10 and 15-12. Earlier that morning, Brasher and Cruz reached the final by eliminating Kelly Cheng and Megan Kraft 15-8, 15-9. The championship win follows the duo's third consecutive Manhattan Beach Open title captured in August. The partners credit their sustained performance to a focus on consistency and executing their own game plan rather than relying on scouting reports. This result bolsters their standing as a top contender as they look toward the 2028 Olympic cycle.

• 1:16 PMYahoo Sports — Taryn Brasher And Kristen Cruz Win AVP Chicago Championship