Fresh off a perfect record in February where they won seven in a row, the Valkyries (9-4) will begin March with the best record in the PVF. They’ll welcome the Atlanta Vibe (6-7) to Addition Financial Arena with a chance at history on the line, as they go for eight wins in a row. The last time these two teams met, Orlando swept the Vibe in Atlanta on February 6.
Keys to the Match:
In their last matchup, Orlando out-hit Atlanta .340 to .116, in what was Atlanta’s worst hitting performance of the season. Orlando also out blocked Atlanta 9-3, suffocating Atlanta throughout the entire match.
On a two-match losing streak, Atlanta will need to continue their strong defensive presence. Ranking second in the league in opponent efficiency, Atlanta will need all hands-on deck versus Orlando, for what will be one of the most exciting matchups on display throughout the PVF on Saturday.
For Orlando, they’ll need to control the serving game. The Valkyries average 1.23 service aces per set, while Atlanta averages 1.06 per set, ranking second in the league. The leagues top two servers, Natalie Foster and Leah Edmond, are both on a race to break the single season service aces record, set by Bethania De La Cruz with 32. Foster is currently at 28, while Edmond is at 26.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Natalie Foster (Middle Blocker)- The leagues top ranked server, Foster, boasts an incredible jump serve at a high velocity that has simply been hard to stop this season. Pair that with a .385 hitting efficiency and 22 blocks on the year, Foster has been a mainstay for Orlando’s lineup. Whether it’ll be with her serve, her quick kills or momentum stopping blocks, Foster will provide a spark in any way she can.
Adora Anae (Outside)- Even though Anae has only averaged seven kills in the past four matches, she can turn it on at any point. With 152 kills on the season, including a 27-kill performance against San Diego on January 16, look for Adora to get going against the Vibe. In the last meeting against Atlanta, she tallied 13 kills on a .390 hitting efficiency.
By the numbers: Orlando is 5-2 on the season when they have more than four service aces.
Vibe Players to Watch:
Leah Edmond (Outside)- Edmond is the Vibe’s go-to player, having been crowned MVP of last season, and off to another strong start this year with 186 kills, good for second in the league. She has recorded 10+ kills in 11 straight matches and will have to continue that streak for Atlanta to keep up offensively with Orlando. Atlanta is 3-1 on the season when Edmond records 17 or more kills, but 3-6 when she tallies less than 17.
Khori Louis (Middle Blocker) – An All-Star in her rookie season, Louis has been one of the best Middle Blockers in the league. Drafted in the first round with the sixth pick out of Florida State, Louis exploded on the stage, leading the league with a .402 hitting percentage and top ten in blocks with 21.
By the numbers: Atlanta is 2-6 on the season when they record less than nine blocks in a match
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! *