Score By Set 1 2 3 4 5 Final
Grand Rapids Rise 20 25 25 23 4 2
Orlando Valkyries 25 21 20 25 15 3
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Valkyries, 2025 Major League Volleyball champions, opened their title defense Friday night in front of an electric home crowd at Addition Financial Arena. Before first serve, the Valkyries unveiled their 2025 championship banner and received their rings, setting the stage for a dramatic five-set comeback victory over the Grand Rapids Rise.
“Playing in front of our home crowd to open the season was special,” head coach Amy Pauly said. “This group showed a lot of toughness and composure, and I’m proud of the way they competed. Shoutout to the fans for sticking with us until the very end.”
Valkyries’ newcomer Charitie Luper made her presence known, finishing with 22 kills and 25 digs, while also hitting .293 for the match, in a career night for the second-year pro out of Louisville.
Orlando featured seven returning players from last year’s championship roster. The Valkyries were led offensively by reigning league MVP and team co-captain Brittany Abercrombie, who recorded a match-high 24 kills and surpassed the franchise’s all-time career kills record.
After falling behind 2–1 in the match and trailing 21–18 in the fourth set, Valkyries head coach Amy Pauly turned to first-round pick Bre Kelley late. Kelley responded with a key serving run that fueled their comeback, rallying to take the fourth set, 25–23.
In the decisive fifth set, the Valkyries put on a clinic. Led by Brittany Abercrombie, who delivered 10 consecutive points from the service line, Orlando surged to a dominant 15–4 win to secure the match, 3–2. The Valkyries 15-4 win in set five was the largest margin of victory in a fifth set by any team in MLV history. The previous record was set by Columbus just a year ago, when the Fury topped Vegas, 15-5, on May 4, 2025.
Post-match stats can be found here.
Notes:
- Brittany Abercrombie moved into No. 1 in all-time kills in franchise history with her 17th kill of the match
- Charitie Luper posted her first career 20/20 in a single match, tallying 22 kills and 25 digs
- Bre Kelley and Brittany Abercrombie tied for most aces on the team with two
- Orlando recorded 64 kills to Grand Rapids 59
- Grand Rapids out-blocked Orlando 19-15
- Both teams committed eight attack errors
Next Match: Orlando Valkyries (1-0) @ San Diego Mojo (0-0) | Sunday, January 11, 7:00 p.m. ET | Viejas Arena
ABOUT ORLANDO VALKYRIES
The Orlando Valkyries are a premier professional volleyball franchise competing in Major League Volleyball (MLV). Crowned MLV Champions in 2025, and one of the league’s most dynamic and fast-rising teams, the Valkyries have captured national attention with their elite performance, passionate fanbase, and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Driven by competitive fire, innovative partnerships, and a deep connection to the Orlando community, the Valkyries are redefining what it means to be a professional sports organization.