The Empire State Strikes Again: Beach Volleyball's NY Nitro Tops the Austin Aces, Furthering New York's Winning Streak Over Texas

by Warren Rosenberg, MetroSports Magazine July 19, 2026

The rivalry between New York and Texas added another chapter on Sunday as the New York Nitro defeated the Austin Aces in AVP League professional beach volleyball action, giving Empire State fans another reason to celebrate. The victory came after Saturday's matches were postponed by weather, with the teams returning Sunday to settle the score on the sand.

Above: The AVP Beach Volleyball Court on Central Park's Wollman Rink during Sunday morning's play with the NY Nitro players wearing blue tops and the Austin Aces wearing red. Buildings of the NYC skyline appear in the background.

In fact, on Friday night at around 3:00 a.m., 30 tons of sand were trucked in for this event and spread on the site of Central Park’s Wollman Skating Rink, used during the summer months for pickleball.

For New York sports fans, the result of the AVP matchup of the Nitro and Aces felt familiar. From the opening serve to the final point, New York played with confidence, composure, and the kind of chemistry that championship teams are built on.

Above: Fans in one section of the sold-out crowd cheering on the Nitro after a score.

Just weeks after the New York Knicks captured the 2026 NBA championship by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games for the franchise's first title in 53 years, another New York team knocked off a Texas opponent on a national stage. Playing for the NY Nitro were Toni Rodriguez and Molly Shaw on the women's team and Chaim Schalk and James Shaw on the men's team. Competing for the Austin Aces were Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz on the women's team and Troy Field and Ryan Wilcox on the men's team.

From Madison Square Garden to the beach volleyball court, New York has enjoyed a memorable stretch against Texas opponents. The Knicks ended decades of championship frustration by overcoming San Antonio, and now the Nitro has kept the Empire State's winning run alive with a victory over the Austin Aces. For the Nitro, the win was about more than two points in the standings. It was another reminder that this squad is becoming one of the AVP League's toughest team

Above and Below: Members of the New York Nitro Men's and Women's teams fighting their way to 3-2 game victories against their Austin Aces opponents. While the NBA championship was claimed by "Knicks in Five", this victory was secured by "Nitro in Six".

For New York fans, it's becoming a trend worth celebrating: when New York meets Texas, the Empire State has been finding ways to win.

There must be something in the New York air, because Texas just can't seem to catch a break.

Above: AVP's Beach Volleyball arena looking south in NYC's Central Park.