After officially clinching a spot in the playoffs, the Valkyries will head north to face the Indy Ignite on April 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET, as the Ignite look to snap their four-match losing skid and become the fourth and final team to clinch a playoff berth. Indy currently holds the season series 2-1 and the last time these two teams faced off against each other, Indy won a five-set thriller in Orlando back on March 30
Key to the Match for Orlando:
Passing game: Prior to their recent match against Columbus, Orlando was 2-6 in their last eight matches, failing to reach an efficiency of over .250 six times during that stretch. One of the reasons why the offense was able to get back to their old self was because of the passing game, which allowed them to hit at a .333 efficiency.
Serving aggressively: Going up against a team that leads the league with 1,387 kills, finding a way to steal more points is a must and no other team does that better than Orlando, who averages 1.19 service aces per set. Led by Natalie Foster and Kaz Brown, the Valkyries serving pressure could lead to some opportunities that they take advantage of.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Natalie Foster (Middle Blocker): Having one of the better seasons any rookie has ever seen, Foster continues to show the world just how special she is, as she tied a league record with six service aces in a three-set match against Columbus on April 18. She also grabbed nine kills on a .900 efficiency. Foster also ranks fourth in kill percentage, third in efficiency, first in service aces and tenth in total points.
Brittany Abercrombie (Opposite Hitter): Abercrombie has simply been a force all season, setting a league record for most kills in a single season at 399. Her last match against Columbus was outstanding, posting 20 points that includes 19 kills on a .500 hitting efficiency and 12 digs.
By the numbers: The Valkyries are 6-4 when they record more than five service aces in a match.
Ignite Players to Watch:
Caitie Baird (Outside Hitter): Since joining Indy in late March, Baird has been incredible, recording over 13 kills in all five matches she’s played, including a 17-kill performance in her first match that helped Indy outlast Orlando in five sets. From recently playing professionally in Turkey, Baird is a big part of what Indy likes to do offensively.
Sydney Hilley (Setter): Leading the league in assists, Hilley is one of the best there is in spreading the ball around and making sure her teammates are in great position to succeed. She has recorded 50 or more assists nine times this season, a testament to how potent Indy’s offense can be.
By the numbers: Indy is 3-5 in five-set matches this season
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! *