Back a-gain…
For new readers, "quick set" is my term for a short post. A quick set in volleyball is just that — a fast set with a low apex and trajectory, almost always to the middle blocker, done with the aim of surprising or overwhelming the other team. It's a common tactic.
Now, short does not mean skippable, any more than any other post is. Quick sets are not empty calories. They will still contain valuable information. They just won't be very long posts.
Now then. We all knew this was coming sooner or later, and perhaps the "home" tournament is the most logical time. Three-time Olympic gold medallist Kerri Walsh Jennings will return to action at the Long Beach Grand Slam, held from 22 to 27 July. She'll partner with Whitney Pavlik.
The journey of a thousand steps to Rio and an unthinkable fourth gold medal starts in Long beach. Pavlik isn't exactly the first player I'd have guessed she'd return with, but Kerri's likely first choice (Nicole Branagh) appears to have retired (no formal announcement, though) and it also looks like Lauren Fendrick and Brittany Hochevar may be forming a regular partnership. That wouldn't leave a whole lot of options. Kerri no doubt had her pick of the litter, and in further 'no doubt' territory, the duo will surely get a wildcard (should they need one) to be able to forego qualification.
What can we expect from arguably one of the greatest players ever to play the game in her return? Well, don't expect the world. I'm sure she trains like a demon, but this is still just three months and change removed from having her daughter. It'll be humble beginnings. I wouldn't be shocked to see them be swept out of pool play (but neither would I be shocked to see them advance). I don't expect they'll be playing on Sunday, let's just put it at that.
But it'll be a big moment, when Kerri returns to the court. I sure won't miss it, and I encourage you to be there as well. We don't get players like Kerri Walsh Jennings too often, so enjoy every moment she gives while she's still an active player.
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