Gibb, Rosie win first Manhattan title

MANHATTAN BEACH — Costa Mesa resident Jake Gibb and Corona del Mar resident Sean Rosenthal won their first Assn. of Volleyball Professionals Manhattan Beach Open title as a team Sunday.

Gibb and Rosenthal, the Beijing Olympians and third seeds, beat the No. 5-seeded team of Matt Olson and Kevin Wong, 21-17, 23-21.

“This was the biggest win of our partnership, and my career, hands down,” said Gibb, who won the Manhattan Beach Open in 2005 with Stein Metzger. “To have my name with his on the pier forever is amazing.”

Gibb and Rosenthal beat the No. 8-seeded team of Brad Keenan and Nick Lucena, 16-21, 21-14, 15-13, in the semifinals.

Reigning Olympic gold medalists Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers were upset in the semifinals and failed in their attempt to become the first team in nearly 25 years to win four straight Manhattan Beach titles.

Olson and Wong beat Dalhausser and Rogers, 21-19, 21-23, 15-10.

“It’s so tough to win this tournament and everyone wants it,” Rosenthal said. “Jake and I played great and it’s great to celebrate with him.”

— From staff reports