Misty May has chosen her new partner. The most coveted spot in the sand goes to 2009 MVP Nicole Branagh.

With Kerri Walsh preggers and Misty returning after a year, Misty had to pick someone. But Branagh's former partner, the MacEncroe of the Beach, Elaine Youngs has gotta be pissed.

With Misty out of the way last year, EY was free to trample the tourney circuit. And with Branagh by her side she was damn near unstoppable. This leaves the court legend scrambling for someone new.  Diggers worthy of EY's partnership are few. After their previous doomed partnering, Rachel Wacholder (the most eligible partner on the beach) is out.  Boss and Ross are stuck like glue. Angie Akers, an explosive player, may be prove to be TOO kinetic. Most likely this is EY's last season (although I have said that for many years) so she can go with an old pal or the new kid on the block. So 2009 Rookie of The Year, Raquel Caulkins.or 2009 Best Blocker Lisa Rutledge would fit that bill.

This may also be a shortsighted move by Branagh. Misty will most likely re-pair with Walsh in search of the 2012 Olympic Gold. Branagh will then have to scramble to take the second team spot. With Jen Boss and April Ross gunning for it as well, she will scramble for her Olympic partner. It will be highly doubtful that EY, 40, will be still be playing at that time. Also, the EY/Branagh pairing for the Olympics was an under-performing mess.

So we will see, it could be that May/Branagh could grow on each other for the next year.