Vegas Storms Back for Reverse Sweep Against Grand Rapids

HENDERSON, Nev. - In their 2025 season opener, the Vegas Thrill [1-0] recorded the second reverse sweep in franchise history with a 3-2 triumph over the Grand Rapids Rise [0-1] on Friday night at Lee's Family Forum. Grand Rapids charged ahead early for a 2-0 lead before Vegas notched the final three sets. This last time Vegas collected a reverse sweep was against Grand Rapids last season.

Thrill outside hitter Charitie Luper scored the first point of the match with a kill, but the opening frame belonged to the Rise, who took it 25-20. Grand Rapids carried its momentum into the second set, winning it 25-20. Vegas responded well in the third set and made it 7-3 after an ace by Lauren Jardine, the team's first of the match. After Vegas was up 20-16, the Rise notched two straight points to make it a 20-18 contest. Vegas took control and made it a 23-19 match, ultimately taking set three, 25-22.

The fourth set was all Thrill as they were up by as much as four with a 13-9 lead. The Rise climbed back to make it a two-point match, 19-17. After a Luper kill made it 22-19 Thrill, the Rise scored back-to-back points, cutting the deficit to one. Vegas forced a fifth and final set by scoring the final two points for a 25-21 win.

In the fifth set, Vegas' Alisha Childress collected her first kill of the match that made it 7-3 and it was a nail bitter after that. The Rise would storm back to tally a 12-10 lead. After Grand Rapids bumped the lead to 13-11, Luper tied it up 13-13 with her 17th kill of the night. The Louisville product would then tie it up 14-14 and after another point for Vegas and Vegas would win 16-14, earning the reverse sweep.

The Thrill were led by Luper's 18 kills and 15 digs. Hannah Maddux collected a double-double of her own with 13 kills and 10 digs, while setter Alisha Childress dished out 72 assists. Lauren Jardine joined the double-double club with 13 kills and 11 digs.

The Rise were paced by opposite hitter Sherridan Atkinson's 17 kills, eight digs and three blocks. Outside hitter Carli Snyder was the lone Rise player to garner a double-double as the seventh-year pro collected 16 kills and 12 digs. Libero Jena Otec shared the team lead with 12 digs, while setter August Raskie captured a double-double of 48 assists and 10 digs.

NEXT FOR THE THRILL: Vegas will be back at the Lee's Family Forum for a match-up against the Atlanta Vibe on Sunday at 5 p.m. PT.

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ABOUT VEGAS THRILL
From the city that never sleeps, known for its high energy and even higher stakes, Vegas Thrill embodies the spirit of Las Vegas as its new generation of professional athletes and world-class entertainment. The Vegas Thrill is one of eight professional volleyball teams in the second season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, priding itself on respect for athletes and providing fans with the world-class experience for which Vegas is known. For more information and to stay up to date on the latest news, please visit VegasThrill.com.