Earlier today, I discussed the imminent return of Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh to the beach as part of the AVP Tour, and shared the good news that her partner – at least temporarily – would be none other than long-time MarlinBlog fave Rachel Wacholder (how much of a fave, you ask? Just search for her at right …). Considering this is Friday, and I owe you some weekend eye candy, it seems perfectly logical that the obvious candidates would be none other than Team Mom!

Anyone have a problem with that? I thought not …

For those of you who might not remember, or just don’t recognize them from this particular angle, that would be Rachel winding up on the left and Kerri putting on a block at right. Of course, like all good athletes, the girls have their names on their uni’s – they’re right where you’re already looking …

In all seriousness, it should be interesting to see how this partnership gels. Rachel does well matched up with a big blocker like Kerri (remember when she and Elaine Youngs paired up?), and has skills similar to Misty’s – and a couple of extra inches on her. As for Kerri, there’s no one on the beach that can get it by her on a consistent basis. Both need to get their fitness levels back up – Kerri claimed that her first time back on the beach was like walking in quicksand – but that should come quick enough. With a lot of new teams working out the kinks this season, this might be the perfect time for these two. And personally, I’d like nothing more than watching ex-partners Rachel and EY face off in a couple of finals … catfight!