HEAD COACH ÁNGEL PÉREZ
Opening Statement …
“They had one of their best games they’ve played this season and we just couldn't find a way to break them. You know, I thought we had a good start. Like the first three points of the game and I thought that would carry on through the match, but we just were not good enough today to battle against a team like that. That came here with a purpose. Last time we were here we beat team 3-0 and they wanted to give us back what we gave them and you know, credit to them. They play out of our game. They held themselves in reception and they were very disciplined on block defense, and we just couldn't find holes in the court. Again, a learning experience and we keep growing from this. Hopefully, we get a better outing next week.”
On the addition of Nootsara Tomkom …
“Everybody knows what she brings to the table. You know, she got here two days ago so it's gonna be a matter of time. It's a completely different game the way she plays the game. So, it's gonna take some adjustment for everybody to play at her rhythm and at her pace. I thought we saw glimpses of what she can bring to the team. I think our middle blockers will be excited once they get in the rhythm to play with her. You know, I think we gotta rethink our team at the moment, we need to give her better reception so that's one of the reasons why Paula [Cerame] came in early and then we put Megan [Lush] in because she's coming back from a tough injury and sickness and everything. But we feel that we need to give her space to come back to what we believe she can be for us. And you know, again, these are our two best receivers and we need them in the court as much as we want if we want to really take advantage of Nootsara, if that makes sense. So, I think it's a matter of time for us to get better. We got three, four days here before our next game. So hopefully we will put in some good trainings to get going.”
MEGAN LUSH, #17, OH
On the addition of Nootsara Tomkom …
“I mean the longer that you play volleyball, I don't think you get physically, you can sometimes get physically stronger. You can learn more shots but the overall experience of the game doesn't come unless you've played and that just comes with repetitions of playing the game. And I think what she brings is a completely different outlook on volleyball as well. So, not only is she experienced, what she's played at the highest level across the world. Um, she's not a very intimidating specimen of a human being. She's the nicest human being at like five, five or something like that. And so, the fact that she's been able to be successful with her stature just speaks to volumes of who she is as a player and what she brings. And she's constantly just giving people feedback telling people to be calm. She is very calm but she has like a killer mentality as well that she carries and so just from me being a captain on such a young team to have her kind of be my mentor at this point is just a very, I'm very excited to get to play with her and get to work with her more just to learn more about myself and my game and my leadership tactics and anything I can and bring more to the team for this year or next season or seasons to come down the road. But she's a person that knows volleyball because she's just played it for so long. It's just very wise words that come from someone that's played against the best players in the world for a very, very long time. So, just having open ears, and open arms to whatever she has to say is awesome.”
PAULA CERAME, #20, L
On maximizing the remaining home games …
“I think bringing someone in this late is an adjustment, but I think we're doing a good job. I think it's someone that like Megan [Lush] said, we're gonna make the most of it. So, I think the fans will appreciate that a lot, and I think us as players on the court, will be appreciate that a lot and learn from the best. The fan base will be amazing in the next three home games. I think we just have to kind of build so much from what we've got right now. So, building a little by little good on good, just till the end of the season. I think will be a good stretch.”
For media inquiries and interviews, contact Kyle Jackson at kjackson@columbusfury.com.
ABOUT THE COLUMBUS FURY
The Columbus Fury is a professional volleyball team in Columbus, Ohio and a founding member of Pro Volleyball Federation, the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The Fury are one of eight teams in the league, joining the Atlanta Vibe, Grand Rapids Rise, Indy Ignite, Omaha Supernovas, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill for the 2025 season. The Fury play their home matches at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus. Tickets for all Columbus Fury matches can be purchased by visiting ColumbusFury.com or by calling the ticket office at (614) 380-FURY. The Fury will begin play at Nationwide Arena on January 11, 2025. For more information about the Fury and season tickets, visit www.columbusfury.com and @columbusfury on social media.
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.
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For more information contact: Kyle Jackson (kjackson@columbusfury.com)