Misty, Branagh bounced

Misty May-Treanor, a former Newport Harbor High standout, and Nicole Branagh had their way in their first professional event as a team when they won in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. last week. But their debut in international competition did not fare as well.

They finished ninth at the FIVB Tour’s stop in Brasilia, Brazil Thursday. The ninth-place finish is May-Treanor’s lowest finish on the FIVB Tour since 2000, which does not include forfeits due to injury.

Austria’s Barbara Hansel and Sara Montagnolli, the No. 10 seeds, took out May-Treanor and Branagh, 21-16, 21-18.

April Ross, also formerly of Newport Harbor, and Jen Kessy, the reigning world champions, went undefeated in four matches and advanced to today’s semifinals.

On the men’s side in Brazil, Matt Fuerbringer, a former Estancia High standout, and Nick Lucena are still alive, despite losing once. The pair lost to Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser.

That was the matchup that was slated for last week’s Assn. of Volleyball Professionals final in Florida, but it was rained out.

— From staff reports