Which was why they were recently in Manhattan Beach, a spiritual home of beach volleyball, at their usual practice spot at the end of 14th Street. There were two hitting partners (Jon Dazé and Gustavo Rocha), a coach (Marcio Sicoli) and no audience. The Rio Games were two months away.

“Yes, April!” Walsh Jennings called out as she prepared a passing shot with her forearms. She will be 38 on Aug. 15, days before the scheduled gold medal match in Rio.

“I’m here, Kerri!” Ross called back. She set the ball into the air, where the morning fog was just burning off. Walsh Jennings pounded it across the net and into the sand.

Bristling at Comparisons

They were as polite and deferential as teammates could be. And having established themselves as a powerhouse duo on the international beach volleyball circuit the past couple of years, they are favorites to win the gold medal at the Rio Games. Such expectations on such a stage might be seen as more pressure on Ross, as the replacement part, than on Walsh Jennings, who has done it many times before.

Ross bristled when asked about how she compares to May-Treanor. (“My favorite,” she said, sarcastically, when the question came.) She said she did not know May-Treanor well and had not played against her often.

“I think I’m a more aggressive player,” Ross said. “She was more finesse and feel.”

She said it with little conviction, ready to change subjects. But Sicoli agreed. A native Brazilian, Sicoli coached Walsh Jennings and May-Treanor in London and will coach Walsh Jennings and Ross in Rio.

“There’s a little more physicality out there with April,” he said. “Misty’s a little bit more creative, a little bit more crafty. That’s what made her so successful.”