The USA beach volleyball team of April Ross and Alix Klineman got the win in pool play to get things started. They beat the Chinese team of Xue Chen and Wang Xinxin. Ross and Klineman took set one by a score of 21-17, and set two 21-19.
The Team Itself
The American duo dubbed the “A Team” came in ranked the #2 team in the world. Ross has solidified herself as one of the greats while Klineman is making her Olympic debut. They played with great chemistry and reminded everyone what USA beach volleyball is capable of. Ross’s experience has been a huge help to Klineman. They are in a loaded pool with China, France, and the Netherlands. A very good tandem will not make it out of pool play.
The Elusive Gold
Ross has won silver and bronze before. But, the top prize has alluded her so far. With a gold medal game victory, she will become the first beach volleyball Olympian to win each medal. Some feel that Ross will walk away from the sport for good if they team can pull off the win. She is 39 years old, so she is closer to the end than the beginning. The US has rich tradition with the sport with Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May Treanor being the faces of the program. While it is still early, they looked very good in their opening match and will need to keep the momentum going if they want to keep moving forward in the games and continue the rich history of beach volleyball in the United States.
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