Kerri Walsh Jennings, a native of Santa Clara and Stanford University graduate, and April Ross topped Australia’s Louise Bawden and Taliqua Clancy 21-14, 21-16 to advance to the semifinals of the Olympic beach volleyball tournament.
Walsh Jennings/Ross are now 5-0, dropping just one set in their quest for Rio gold. The U.S. women will face off against second-seeded Brazilians Agatha and Barbara in the semifinal round.
On the other side of the bracket, top-seeded Brazilian duo Larissa and Talita will take on Germany’s Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst. Larissa/Talita narrowly beat 17th-seeded Heidrich/Zumkehr of Switzerland 21-23, 27-25, 15-13 to advance to the semifinals.
The men’s quarterfinal round will take place on Aug. 15 followed by the women’s semifinals on Aug. 16.
