SoCal’s Kessy and Ross Beat Spanish Duo, Win Pool

In a closely contested beach volleyball match Thursday, Southern Californian’s April Ross and Jennifer Kessy came out victorious, beating Spain’s Liliana Fernandez and Elsa Baquerizo 21-19, 19-21, 19-17.

Down 14-12 with the match on the line, Ross and Kessy scored two straight points to draw even.

The lead seesawed back and forth until Ross and Kessy sealed the match with two successful attacks, culminating a 7-3 run.

Undefeated in pool play, Ross and Kessy will be the No. 4 seed when the round of 16 begins Friday.

"We have a good amount of confidence," Ross told NBC after the match. "I think it’s gone up with every match we’ve played. Every match has been super tough and we’ve really stuck together. It’s been a growing experience these last three matches for me and Jen."

At the time of this report it's not yet clear which team the duo will face next.

Ross and Kessy will not have the opportunity to play Americans Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh-Jennings unless they reach the gold-medal match.