To cap off a remarkable regular season that has seen a nine-win improvement from a year ago, the Valkyries will head west on Friday to take on the Vegas Thrill, with the match beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET. In three matches this season, Vegas owns the season series 2-1 over Orlando.
Key to the Match for Orlando:
Slowing down Vegas’ attack: Despite being ranked sixth in hitting efficiency, Vegas has the firepower to compete with anyone on any given night. One of the issues Vegas has run into is their inability to limit mistakes, leading the league with 307 attack errors. The Valkyries are coming off a record breaking 111 digs in their match against Grand Rapids, as they look to continue that success in Vegas.
Valkyries Players to Watch:
Pornpun Guedpard (Setter): Guedpard is one of the focal points for this well-balanced offense that is rolling at the right time. In the last meeting against Vegas, Guedpard recorded a double-double with 10 digs and 32 assists in just three sets.
Brittany Abercrombie (Opposite Hitter): In three matches against Vegas this season, Abercrombie has been dominant, posting a total of 69 kills and hitting over .300 in all three matches. Abercrombie loves facing Vegas, for she even set a career-high with 30 kills back on January 30. Leading the league in kills (440) and points (481), Vegas will need to find a way to slow down Abercrombie and force Orlando to beat them in other ways.
By the numbers: The Valkyries have a record of 2-4 in five set matches this season
Thrill Players to Watch:
Hannah Maddux (Outside Hitter): In both wins over Orlando this season, Maddux recorded north of 17 kills, including a 22-kill performance. However, in their only loss to Orlando, Maddux was only able to put up nine kills. Vegas will need a similar performance from Maddux just like she did in the first two meetings. Maddux also provides big time juice from the service line, ranking fifth in the league with 18 service aces.
Layne Van Buskirk (Middle Blocker): In order to slow down Orlando, you need tall, lengthy blockers up front who can get some touches on the ball. Enter Layne Van Buskirk who has been playing well down the stretch, posting 10 blocks in the last four matches and a career-high 14 kills in a five-set win over Indy. Look for her to be involved both offensively and defensively early on tomorrow night.
By the numbers: Vegas has a 6-2 record 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! *