With three matches left to go in the regular season, the Valkyries will embark on their final week starting on Sunday, when they take on the Columbus Fury for their home finale, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Orlando currently holds the season series 3-0 and the last time these two teams faced off against each other, Orlando swept Columbus on the road on April 18.
Key to the Match for Orlando:
Blocking on both sides: On Friday night the Valkyries put up a season-high 14 blocks, suffocating an Indy offense that can score points at will. That will have to be the same mentality against a Columbus team that has played much better as of late despite their record. Not only will their blocking be a point of emphasis, but the way they attack can be a huge difference maker.
Columbus was able to out block Omaha 13-10, forcing the number one seed into a five-setter. Orlando will need to be ready, as Columbus could stall the Valkyries hitting approach and get them into a slugfest, which is what Columbus will try to do.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Kaz Brown (Middle Blocker): Brown has recorded at least one block in 20 consecutive matches, as well as recording 2 or more in the last four. Brown always looks to provide some type of energy to her teammates any way she can. Whether with a block, service ace or a kill, look for Brown to continue being a huge part in the Valkyries’ success on both sides of the net.
Brittany Abercrombie (Opposite Hitter): Leading the league in points, kills, and kills per set, Abercrombie is making a great case for league MVP. In six straight matches, she has recorded more than 11 kills, filling up the stat sheet and helping her team in any way she can. The last time she played Columbus, she put up 19 kills on a .500 efficiency.
By the numbers: The Valkyries are 6-4 when they record more than five service aces in a match.
Fury Players to Watch:
Janice Leao (Middle Blocker): In the five setter against Omaha, Leao was a force to be reckoned with, posting a career-high eight blocks in the match. If Columbus is going to pull off the upset win on Sunday, Leao will be a key point in trying to slow down Orlando’s offense
Kaylee Cox (Outside Hitter): Cox is coming off a 16 kill performance on a .262 efficiency against Omaha, as she played a massive part in pushing the match to five sets. Columbus will need a similar performance offensively to get in a rhythm early and often on Sunday. It was the ninth match this season where Cox put up 10 or more kills in a single match.
By the numbers: Columbus is 5-7 when they record 10 or more 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! *