The Valkyries [6-4] return home to Addition Financial Arena on Saturday, February 15, seeking redemption against the Grand Rapids Rise [4-4]. The Valkyries dropped their first meeting in five sets versus the Rise back on January 30 in Grand Rapids.
In their first meeting, Grand Rapids held Orlando to a .194 hitting efficiency, out blocking them 18-11. Since that loss, Orlando has rattled off four wins in a row. During that stretch, Orlando has upped the defensive intensity, holding opponents to a .183 hitting efficiency, and recording 32 total blocks to opponents’ 23.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Kaz Brown (Middle Blocker): After recording 11 blocks through the first six matches, Brown has tallied nine in her last four, providing much needed energy at times where Orlando has needed it. The Valkyries will need that same energy facing a Grand Rapids team that leads the league in blocks per set (2.75), as the blocking matchup could prove to be the difference, just like it was earlier in the season.
Courtney Schwan (Outside): Coming off her second double-double of the season versus Columbus on Wednesday night, Schwan will look to play a huge role in upending Grand Rapids this time around at home as she matched a career-high 11 kills against the Rise earlier this season.
By the numbers: Orlando is 4-1 on the year when recording a hitting efficiency over .300; a 2-3 record when they hit under .300.
Rise Players to Watch:
Erika Pritchard (Outside): Pritchard recorded a career-high 21 kills and five blocks in the first meeting with Orlando. Hitting at a .340 hitting efficiency, Grand Rapids will look to get her going early and often.
Marin Grote (Middle Blocker): Recording a season-high five blocks against Orlando, Grote’s presence up front will be a key matchup to watch facing the likes of All-Star Kaz Brown and reigning player of the week Natalie Foster. Grote currently ranks fifth in the league in blocks per set (.59).
By the numbers: Grand Rapids has a 3-1 record when recording 10+ blocks; a 1-3 record when tallying less than 10.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is the leading professional volleyball league in the United States. PVF sets the standard for the sport, offering the largest number of franchises, unmatched attendance, extensive broadcast coverage and substantial championship prize money. It combines top-tier talent, including NCAA stars and international athletes, with cutting-edge production and technology to provide fans with an unmatched viewing experience. As a vital link between collegiate volleyball and the professional stage, PVF is dedicated to shaping the future of the sport and increasing visibility for its athletes. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
ABOUT ORLANDO VALKYRIES
The Orlando Valkyries are a 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, enter their second season in the league and will once again play out of Addition Financial Arena, located in the heart of the University of Central Florida campus. Season Tickets are on sale now. For more information on how to get all tickets, 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! *