Other U.S. beach volleyball team fine being under radar

LONDON – The celebrities come out to see Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, whose matches are scheduled for 11 p.m. London time to maximize their exposure on American television.

And fellow Americans April Ross and Jennifer Kessy are just fine with that.

“We’re happy that Kerri and Misty are there taking all the spotlight,” Kessy said Thursday after beating Spain in three long sets to remain unbeaten in pool play and advance to the knockout round of the Olympic beach volleyball tournament. They will play Switzerland today in the round of 16.

More important, they wound up on the opposite side of the draw from May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings. Kessy and Ross could have to beat both Brazilian teams to win a medal, though.

Ross and Kessy are first-time Olympians caught in the shadow of one of the most successful women’s beach volleyball teams.

“When you win two gold medals, you deserve the spotlight,” Ross said. “They’re a legendary team.

“They’re going to go down in history no matter what happens here. I’m just glad they’re on the U.S. team.”