After dropping their second match in a row, the Orlando Valkyries (11-6) will travel out West, as they embark on a two-match road trip, taking on the San Diego Mojo (6-11) on Wednesday before heading to Atlanta to face the Vibe on Friday night. Orlando, who had their nine-match win streak snapped versus San Diego at home on March 13, will be out for revenge as they look to take the season series.
Keys to the Match:
In Thursday’s match, the Mojo held Orlando to a .170 hitting efficiency and recorded 11 blocks to Orlando’s eight. With timely blocks and excellent first ball contact, San Diego only allowed Kaz Brown to record higher than a .300 hitting percentage. They’ll need to replicate that on Wednesday, because Orlando’s offense is lethal enough to be explosive on any given night.
For Orlando to steal a road win, they’ll need to do a better job of hitting around the block. Whether that’s with tips or implementing slides, Orlando will need to create mismatches to open up lanes for their dominant hitters to get going.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Natalie Foster (Middle Blocker): Despite recording her second lowest hitting percentage of the season against San Diego, Foster will play a big role in determining how this match goes. With 38 service aces on the season, she is always a threat to steal a few points. Getting the offense back in rhythm will be a huge focal point for Wednesday, so watch Foster to be involved early and often.
Kaz Brown (Middle Blocker): Both Valkyries’ middle blockers will be the difference makers on Wednesday, as Kaz Brown has been playing her best ball as of late. With back-to-back matches recording more than nine kills and five blocks, the reigning middle blocker of the year is starting to make her presence known more and more. Orlando’s pins have been the main offensive focal point of the season, but their middles always provide a big energy boost in any facet of the match.
By the numbers: Orlando is 11-2 on the season when they record higher than a .200 hitting percentage.
Mojo Players to Watch:
DaYeong Lee (Setter): One of the unsung heroes for the Mojo this season has been their setter, DaYeong Lee. Ranked fourth in the league with 629 assists, she is coming off a season-high 54 assists versus Atlanta. Even though San Diego is hitting .185 as a team this season, her ability to get everyone into advantageous matchups has been big for the Mojo as of late.
Ronika Stone (Middle Blocker): Stone tied a career-high with six blocks versus Orlando, including two clutch back-to-back blocks to ice the five-set win. Known for being aggressive on her slide attacks, she can also cause lots of problems on the defensive side. If San Diego wants to come away with a win, they’ll need to get the Valkyries into a slugfest.
By the numbers: San Diego is 5-1 on the season when they notch 11 or more blocks in a single match.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
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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.