A record-setting block party sent the Omaha Supernovas back to the postseason.
The Supernovas (14-13) rode a franchise-best 21 blocks to a 25-21, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20 victory over the Columbus Fury (5-20) on Friday night on Kiewit Court at the CHI Health Center in front of 11,035 fans, clinching their third straight postseason appearance.
With a third consecutive win, the Novas’ blocking total marked a new MLV season high, resulting in Omaha holding the Fury to an opponent season-low .099 hitting percentage.
“I mean, what a relief. To be thrown into this position was a lot of pressure, but we wanted it so bad for the players,” interim head coach Thomas Robson said. “Coming to my first presser and then dropping the first match and then the second match, but not for one second did this team question the trajectory we were on. They trusted each other, they trusted the training, and that showed tonight.”
Outside hitter Sarah Parsons continued her dominant play against Columbus, posting a season-high 26 points on 21 kills, four blocks, one ace and nine digs while hitting a Supernovas career-best .452.
Brooke Nuneviller added 11 points on nine kills and two blocks. Opposite Emily Londot played a key role in closing out the Fury by producing 10 points in relief, totaling seven kills, three blocks and eight digs after entering for Merritt Beason (five points).
Janice Leao anchored the block with five stuffs to tie for match-high honors, adding four kills and two digs. Off the bench, Toyosi Onabanjo contributed three kills on seven swings and three blocks in two sets. Kiara Reinhardt, who started the match, recorded two kills and one block.
The Supernovas will make their third straight postseason appearance in the MLV semifinals on Thursday, May 7, at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas. The Supernovas cannot finish higher than No. 3, which means Omaha is set to face either the Indy Ignite or host Dallas Pulse.