SoCal Cup: The Open Championship Event Recap
Garet Crenshaw · January 28, 2026

SoCal Cup: The Open Championship Event Recap

LIV Volleyball Club swept two divisions and claimed overall honors at the MLK weekend showdown in Utah, showcasing top boys' volleyball talent from across the nation.


The Salt Palace Convention Center was electric this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend as the SoCal Cup ‘The Open Championship’ drew premier boys' volleyball talent to Utah from January 17-19. In an intense three-day showcase, LIV Volleyball Club emerged as the weekend's biggest story, securing two division titles and earning the title of overall tournament-winning club.


18 Open: Apex 18U Elite Claims the Title

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Apex 18U Elite channeled veteran poise to claim the top spot in the 18 Open division. The team was powered by MVP Hendrix Lepp, whose dominant play set the tone for their championship run. Alongside Lepp, All-Tournament selections Thomas Verwey and Nathaniel Jarret provided the clinical execution needed to stave off a deep field of competitors.


18 Club: Bravo 18-X Takes the Gold in 18 Club

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Despite a lean roster of eight players, Bravo 18-X showcased incredible grit to win the 18 Club bracket. MVP Tanner Samosky led the charge with highlight-reel plays, supported by the stellar play of Patrick Tajo and Indy Ledford. Their balanced attack and defensive tenacity proved to be too much for opponents in Salt Lake.


17 Open: SBVC 17 Molten Dominates

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SBVC 17 Molten proved they are competitive among the country's elite volleyball teams by capturing the 17 Open title. MVP Matteo Burdick anchored the squad with a championship-caliber performance. He was joined on the All-Tournament team by Keanu Nguyen and Hayes Costner, both of whom were instrumental in the team's overall performance.


17 Club: LIV 17’s Royal Begins the Sweep

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The first of two titles for the LIV organization came in the 17 Club division, where LIV 17’s Royal stood tall. Tournament MVP Ayden Luu delivered a masterclass in skill and technique. The championship effort was rounded out by All-Tournament honorees Peter Pham and Lawrence Gibb, who helped solidify LIV's reputation as the club to beat this weekend.


16 Open: Salt City 16 Salty JJ Defends Home Turf

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In a thrilling performance for the local team, Salt City 16 Salty JJ secured the 16 Open championship. MVP Mars Killen was a force at the net, while Thomas Beutler and Elijah Barnes provided the consistency and energy required to keep the tournament trophy in Salt Lake City.


16 Club: 118 16-Danny Claims Victory

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The 16 Club division saw 118 16-Danny rise to the occasion, playing with an "all-in" mentality to take first place. MVP Derek Fanger led a high-octane offense, with Mateo Hernandez and Colby Moss also earning All-Tournament honors for their relentless play throughout the three-day grind.


15 Open: Borinquen Coqui 15M Edwin Brings the Heat

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Traveling from afar to make a massive statement, Borinquen Coqui 15M Edwin dominated the 15 Open field. MVP Fernando Alvarado spearheaded the effort with incredible leadership. The team’s success was further bolstered by the standout performances of Jeriel Vidro and Luis Sanchez, who were both named to the All-Tournament team.


15 Club: LIV 15 Royal Win Big

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Capping off a historic weekend for their club, LIV 15 Royal took home the 15 Club title. MVP Wayatt Aldous and teammate Theodore Tran displayed chemistry well beyond their years, while Liam Kim’s defensive contributions earned him a well-deserved All-Tournament nod.

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