Orlando puts up valiant effort in 2-3 (26-24, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25, 12-15) loss to Vegas
The Orlando Valkyries came up short in a 2-3 (26-24, 15-25, 25-22, 21-25, 12-15) loss to the Vegas Thrill on Wednesday night at Lee’s Family Forum.
Opposite hitter Azhani Tealer led the Valkyries with 19 total points (11 kills and eight blocks) in the contest. Full statistics for the match can be found here.
| SCORE BY SET | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | Final |
| Thrill | 24 | 25 | 22 | 25 | 15 | 3 |
| Valkyries | 26 | 15 | 25 | 21 | 12 | 2 |
Set 1
The first set went to deuce and the Valkyries won 26-24. Orlando got an early 10-7 lead and Vegas tied the set at 14-14. The two teams were tied up at 23-23 and Orlando made the key plays to close out the set. The Valkyries’ defense shined bright in the set with six blocks to Vegas’ one. Tealer had four blocks and four kills in the set.
Set 2
The Thrill dominated the second set and won 25-15. Vegas scored the set’s first three points and jumped out to a 9-3 lead after scoring six points in row. With the Thrill leading 14-10, they scored four consecutive points to build an eight-point advantage. Vegas would lead by as much as 10 in the set. The Thrill had five blocks to Orlando’s one. Valkyries middle blocker Kaz Brown’s five kills led both teams in the set.
Set 3
Orlando came from behind and took the third set 25-22. The two teams trade points early and then Vegas built a five-point lead at 12-7. With the Thrill leading 18-12, Orlando scored five straight points to get to within one. The Valkyries would tie the set at 19-19 and then take a 20-19 lead. Orlando went on a 10-1 run and led 22-19. Vegas tied it up at 22-22, but the Valkyries closed out the set strong. Orlando had seven blocks to Vegas’ one. Tealer led both teams with six points (three kills and three blocks) in the set.
Set 4
Vegas took the fourth set 25-21. Orlando scored the set’s first two points and jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Vegas tied the set at 5-5 and then proceeded to go on a 6-1 run to build a five-point advantage. With the Thrill leading 21-16, the Valkyries scored three straight points to get to within two. However, Vegas was able to shield off Orlando to end the set. The Valkyries uncharacteristically had six service errors in the set to the Thrill’s four. Orlando outside hitter Courtney Schwan led both teams with four kills in the set.
Set 5
The Trill took the final set 15-12. The two teams traded points and were tied up at 10-10. Vegas built a two-point lead with consecutive kills by outside hitter Hannah Maddux. And the Thrill were able to shiel off the Valkyries to close out the set. Maddux led both teams with four kills in the set and finished with a match-high 20 points (16 kills, three aces and one block).
The Valkyries (7-15) are back in action on Thursday, May 9, against the San Diego Mojo at 7 p.m. at Addition Financial Arena. For more information on how to get tickets for the match, contact the Orlando Valkyries sales department at (321)-244-4600 Ext. 113, via email at Tickets@OrlandoValkyries.com or click on OrlandoValkyries.com. Fans can also visit the Addition Financial Arena box office, or the Ticketmaster website.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is the present and future of professional volleyball in North America. The League began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players joined by elite standouts from around the world. Seven teams have taken the court in the first season, with 10 teams scheduled for the 2025 campaign. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players and the entire fan experience is world class and the best offered anywhere. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT ORLANDO VALKYRIES
The Orlando Valkyries, proud member team in the Pro Volleyball Federation — the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The Valkyries, which began play in January 2024, plays out of Addition Financial Arena, located in the heart of the University of Central Florida campus. Tickets are on sale now. For more information on how to get tickets, contact the Orlando Valkyries sales department at (321)-244-4600 Ext. 113, email Tickets@OrlandoValkyries.com, click on OrlandoValkyries.com, visit the Addition Financial Arena box office or go to the Ticketmaster website: Ticketmaster.com. Fans can follow the team on Facebook or via X, Instagram and TikTok — @ORLValkyries or visit OrlandoValkyries.com.
* Orlando Valkyries, Pro Volleyball, DIG IT! *