Kessy, Ross All Smiles About Winning Silver in Front of Prince Harry

The Orange County team went through the world's best to earn silver medals in front of a royal fan

By Jonathan Lloyd and Robert Kovacik

| Thursday, Aug 9, 2012 | Updated 8:18 AM PDT

Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor Win Third Gold Medal

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Jen Kessy (L) and April Ross with their silver medals after the women's beach volleyball final at Horse Guards Parade in London.

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Judging by the looks on the faces of April Ross and Jen Kessy, it appeared they had won their match-up Wednesday in women's beach volleyball.

They had lost to the sport's dynastic duo, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings, but walked away with silver medals after a run that went through the world's best teams in their first Olympics.

"I can't believe we have a silver medal in the Olympics," said Kessy. "I can't wait to wear it for a week or two."

The performances of Kessy and Ross even attracted the attention of Prince Harry, who attended several beach volleyball events, including the final.

"It's just really exciting he was there," said Ross. "To have a Royal think beach volleyball is worthwhile to go see, it's great for the sport."

The Orange County team's road to Wednesday's final at Horse Guards Parade included a semifinal win over world No. 1 Juliana and Larissa, of Brazil. Kessy and Ross dropped the first set, but rebounded to make it an all-Southern California final.

May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings won their third Olympic gold, 21-16, 21-16.

"I don't think anyone saw them coming on so strong," said Ross. "They really peaked last night. We tried to stop them, but we couldn't."

But during the medal ceremony, Ross and Kessy were all smiles as they wore a U.S. flag and their silver medals. They will carry that momentum when they leave for a grand slam event in Poland one day after the closing ceremony.