Orlando’s nine service aces too much for Indy to overcome
The Orlando Valkyries [5-4] notched their third win in a row over the Indy Ignite [4-4] with set scores of 26-28, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20.
In the record books: Middle Blocker Natalie Foster tied a Pro Volleyball Federation record with six service aces in a four-set match.
Natalie Foster led the Valkyries with 20 total points recording six service aces, 12 kills and two blocks in the contest. Full statistics for the game can be found here.
| SCORE BY SET | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final |
| Ignite | 28 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 1 |
| Valkyries | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
Set 1
Looking to continue their strong start to matches this season, Orlando battled evenly with Indy in a tightly contested first set. Neither team could really get out to a sizeable lead, until Orlando briefly pulled ahead 15-12. Just as Orlando was looking to pull away, three passing miscues led to a 4-0 Indy run. Orlando would call timeout looking to regroup and get back to playing their brand of ball. Out of the timeout, Adora Anae took over, delivering three consecutive kills to tie the score to 21-21. The teams traded points down the stretch, but Indy ultimately secured the set with a 28-26 victory. Nina Cajic led all scorers with eight kills.
Set 2
After leading the Valkyries in kills during the first set, Adora Anae set the tone early in set two. After dropping their first opening set of the season, Orlando would respond, jumping out to a 5-2 lead after a service error by Leketor Member-Meneh. Indy would trim the deficit to 11-9, but Orlando answered with 3-0 run of their own, highlighted by a service error, a smart push by Kaz Brown, and a perfectly placed ace to the back right corner by Natalie Foster as they extended their lead to 14-9, causing Indy to call timeout. Orlando continued to ride the momentum as Courtney Schwan delivered a powerful block, and Foster added another ace as Indy used their second timeout as Orlando’s lead grew to seven. The Valkyries would close out set two with a 25-19 win. Kaz Brown led Orlando with four kills.
Set 3
After a second set victory, the Valkyries would go on a roll, getting up to a 6-1 lead, where the most dynamic duo of middle blockers in the league in Natalie Foster and Kaz Brown went to work, as Foster nabbed two service aces and Brown delivering a thunderous block that got the entire crowd out of its seats. Sporting a .500 hitting percentage up 10-3, the Orlando offense was hitting on all cylinders. Not only was the hitting on point, but the serving game played a massive role, as Kaz Brown delivered back-to-back aces to extend the Valkyries lead to 16-8. Orlando would go on to win set three 25-21. Kaz Brown would lead the Valkyries with five kills on a .625 hitting percentage.
Set 4
To avoid a dreaded fifth set, Orlando emphasized starting off set four strong by taking a 4-2 lead. Indy never backed down, as they relied on Azhani Tealer, who notched up to six kills with the set tied 13-13. One of the most impressive moments of the night saw Leketor Member-Meneh deliver two powerful swings, both dug by Nalani Iosia, led to a massive point, putting the Valkyries up 19-16. The Valkyries would push through, taking set three 25-20. Brittany Abercrombie led set four with four kills for Orlando.
The Valkyries are back in action on Wednesday, February 12, against the Columbus Fury at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
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, DIG IT! *