Home Woes Continue as Valkyries Fall to Grand Rapids

 

ORLANDO, Fla. — Coming off a four-set road win over Dallas on Friday, the Orlando Valkyries came back home looking to stack momentum. Instead, the same home-court problem showed up again.

Grand Rapids Rise walked into Addition Financial Arena and took the match 3–1, handing Orlando another tough night in Orlando: 22–25, 24–26, 25–21, 18–25. The loss drops the Valkyries to 1–6 at home this season.

Score by Set

• Set 1: Rise 25, Valkyries 22

• Set 2: Rise 26, Valkyries 24

• Set 3: Valkyries 25, Rise 21

• Set 4: Rise 25, Valkyries 18

• Final: Rise 3, Valkyries 1

The story of the night: rhythm never really arrived

Friday night in Dallas, Orlando’s offense looked sharp. This one went the opposite direction. The Valkyries finished with a .137 hitting percentage, their second-lowest mark of the season, and it felt like every time Orlando tried to settle in, Grand Rapids had an answer — especially at the net.

The Rise controlled that part of the match with a 15–9 blocking advantage, and those blocks didn’t just score points — they broke up Orlando’s timing and kept the Valkyries from getting into a comfortable flow.

Bright spot: Naya Shime keeps producing

Even in a rough offensive night, Naya Shime continues to be a steady source of production. Filling in and making the most of her opportunities, she led Orlando with 15 kills — her fourth straight match with double-digit kills (10+). When Orlando needed a swing to stop a run or spark energy, Shime was often the one taking it.

“High highs and really low lows”

After the match, head coach Amy Pauly pointed to the biggest theme right now: consistency.

Orlando sits third in the standings at 7–7, but the ride has been uneven. February ended 2–4, and in four of those six matches, the Valkyries didn’t reach .200 hitting efficiency. The ceiling is there — we’ve seen it — but the week-to-week (and set-to-set) swings are what have kept this team from separating.

Outside hitter Lindsey Vander Weide echoed the belief that this group can still go on a run, the way they did last season. Nobody’s satisfied with where things are right now — but the confidence isn’t gone.

Notes

• Grand Rapids out-blocked Orlando 15–9

• Naya Shime led Orlando with 15 kills

• Orlando fell to 1–6 at home this season

• Only two teams in MLV currently have winning home records (San Diego and Indy)

Up next

Orlando Valkyries (7–7) vs Columbus Fury (3–9)
Thursday, March 5 — 7:00 p.m. ET
Addition Financial Arena | Roku Channel

This is the spot in the season where teams either drift or respond. Orlando’s still right in the mix — but the next step is simple and hard at the same time: bring the road energy home and make it repeatable.

Orlando’s Sunday Rollercoaster: Set 3 Surge Not Enough vs Columbus

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Valkyries, reigning 2025 Major League Volleyball champions, fought through an up-and-down Sunday night but fell at home to the Columbus Fury 1–3 (27–29, 26–28, 25–18, 17–25) — per the game recap text you provided and the scoreboard screenshot you shared.

Back at Addition Financial Arena after a three-match road stretch where Orlando went 1–2, the Valkyries looked to carry momentum from an impressive road sweep over Omaha. Charitie Luper returned to action, but Orlando was still without Guedpard and Abercrombie — per your provided recap text.

Columbus arrived desperate, riding a five-match losing skid, and played with urgency from the opening serve. The Fury earned their first win since January 22, taking the match 3–1 and holding Orlando to .160 hitting on the night — per your provided recap text and consistent with the Orlando team totals shown in your stat screenshot (Eff% .160).

What decided the match

Columbus leaned into what it does best. Leading the league in blocks, the Fury kept Orlando out of rhythm early, recording eight blocks in the first two sets, per your provided recap text. The tone was set in those first two overtime frames: close volleyball, but Columbus finishing cleaner in the highest-pressure points.

Orlando’s bright spot: Set 3 response

Even with a tough offensive night overall, Orlando’s best stretch came in Set 3, when the Valkyries hit .308, driven by Kaz Brown, Naya Shime, and Bre Kelley — per your provided recap text.

From your stat screenshots, the efficiency from the middle was real:

• Kaz Brown: 10 kills, .333 hitting, plus 3 blocks

• Bre Kelley (rookie): career-high 12 kills, .478 hitting

• Naya Shime: 13 kills (14 total points shown)

Fury’s closer: Raina Terry

Columbus’ engine was Raina Terry, who leads the league in points and delivered a double-double: 19 kills, 14 digs, hitting .250 — per your provided recap text. (Your stat screenshot also shows her 21 total points and 19 kills, aligning with that impact.)

Coach Amy Pauly on Bre Kelley’s growth

Head coach Amy Pauly highlighted what the box score backed up — a rookie making real strides:

“It’s difficult for a rookie to come straight out of college and adjust to the pro game, but I’m so proud of how much Bre has grown throughout the season… Her work ethic has been phenomenal and her drive to want to be the best has shown up.”
— quote from the recap text you provided

Notes:

• Orlando out-blocked the Fury 11-10
• Naya Shime led Orlando with 13 kills, including one of the craziest kills you’ll ever see 
• Bre Kelley finished with a career-high 12 kills

 

Next Match: Orlando Valkyries (6-6) vs Dallas Pulse (8-4) | Friday, February 27, 8:00 p.m. ET | Comerica Center| CBS Sports Network 

 

Orlando se puso en salsa: así arrancó Gilberto Santa Rosa en el Kia Center

 

El "Caballero de la Salsa" no vino a cumplir, vino a reinar. El pasado viernes 20 de febrero, el Kia Center de Orlando se transformó en una enorme pista de baile para recibir a una de las voces más elegantes del género: Gilberto Santa Rosa. Aunque la convocatoria marcaba las 8:00 p. m., el misticismo se hizo esperar hasta las 8:40 p. m., momento en que la orquesta rompió el silencio y la energía en la arena cambió por completo.

El show desde el foso: Tres canciones de alto voltaje

Como fotógrafo acreditado, la experiencia de vivir un concierto desde el pit es un privilegio de adrenalina y precisión. Mi ventana de cobertura fue breve, pero contundente. Bajo el estricto protocolo de prensa, documenté el arranque del show a través del lente durante los tres primeros temas que definieron el tono de la noche:

1. “Déjate querer”: El rompe hielo perfecto para establecer la conexión con el público.

2. “Qué manera de quererte”: Un clásico que elevó los decibeles de inmediato.

3. “Cartas sobre la mesa”: El toque contemporáneo que demuestra que Gilberto sigue vigente en el gusto de todas las generaciones.

"Desde el pit, la percepción es distinta: las luces te golpean con más velocidad, la sección de vientos se siente en el pecho y logras captar esos gestos de complicidad que Santa Rosa lanza a su banda. Es el control total del escenario disfrazado de naturalidad".

Elegancia y Sabor

Lo que vi en esos primeros 15 minutos fue una cátedra de presencia escénica. La mezcla de elegancia y sabor que caracteriza al boricua estaba intacta; el público de Orlando no necesitó calentamiento, la conexión fue instantánea.

Aunque mi labor terminó temprano, la sensación que quedó flotando en el Kia Center fue clara: Gilberto Santa Rosa sigue siendo el estándar de oro de la salsa. Orlando estaba listo para bailar, y el maestro no los hizo esperar más de la cuenta.

New Look Lineup Shows Depth as Valkyries Come Up Short vs. Vibe

 

The Orlando Valkyries, reigning 2025 Major League Volleyball champions, were tested again in a five-set match Saturday night, ultimately falling to Atlanta Vibe, 2–3 (18–25, 25–19, 19–25, 25–21, 9–15) at Addition Financial Arena.

Head coach Amy Pauly pointed to the value of early-season adversity and the growth of a reconfigured lineup, highlighting the contributions of younger players and the team’s ongoing effort to establish its identity.

Match Recap

Set 1 – Atlanta 25, Orlando 18

Orlando faced an early deficit and never fully recovered in the opener. Atlanta hit efficiently in the first set while Orlando struggled to find rhythm offensively.

Set 2 – Orlando 25, Atlanta 19

The Valkyries responded with improved defensive intensity and a steadier attack. Orlando’s pressure reduced Atlanta’s efficiency and helped level the match at 1–1.

Set 3 – Atlanta 25, Orlando 19

The third set swung on a mid-set Atlanta run that created separation and put Orlando in chase mode. Atlanta maintained control late to regain the lead in the match.

Set 4 – Orlando 25, Atlanta 21

Orlando answered again, using a key run to flip the set and build momentum. The Valkyries finished strong down the stretch to force a deciding fifth.

Set 5 – Atlanta 15, Orlando 9

Atlanta took an early cushion before the side switch and carried it through to the finish. Orlando continued to compete, but the Vibe closed out the match in the final set.

Player Highlights

• Hannah Maddux: Career-high 27 kills, leading both teams
• Natalie Foster: 4 service aces, her third match this season with 3+ aces
• Team note: Orlando hit .175 as a team (third match this season under .200)
• Defense: Atlanta edged Orlando in digs 65–62

Next Match: Orlando Valkyries (5–3) vs. Omaha Supernovas (6–3) — Sunday, February 8, 3:00 p.m. ET — Addition Financial Arena — MLV YouTube

Theme: Mental Health Awareness Night

Orlando’s Fast Start Fades as Pulse Complete Reverse Sweep

 

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Valkyries looked in full control early Sunday at Addition Financial Arena, sprinting to a two-set lead behind crisp first-half offense. But the Dallas Pulse flipped the match after the break, storming back for a five-set reverse sweep to hand Orlando a 26-24, 25-22, 15-25, 23-25, 9-15 loss.

Orlando debuted a different look in the lineup, giving rookie first-round pick Bre Kelley her first start of the season and using both liberos in the same match for the first time this year. Head coach Amy Pauly said the changes were part of the early-season process to evaluate different combinations and strengthen the team’s blocking presence.

Match recap

Set 1 (Orlando 26–24)
Orlando set the tone immediately, playing fast and efficiently at the net and closing the set late to grab the early edge.

Set 2 (Orlando 25–22)
The Valkyries stayed in rhythm and doubled down with another strong offensive set, taking a 2–0 lead into halftime and putting themselves in position to finish.

Set 3 (Dallas 25–15)
Dallas came out of the break with a different level of pressure—more physical at the net and sharper defensively—dragging Orlando’s offense out of system and swinging momentum hard.

Set 4 (Dallas 25–23)
Orlando responded with energy and fought through a tight set, but Dallas won the most important points late. The Pulse edged the Valkyries down the stretch to force a fifth.

Set 5 (Dallas 15–9)
Dallas carried the momentum into the decider and closed the comeback, sealing the reverse sweep and walking out with a road win.

After the match, outside hitter Lindsey Vander Weide pointed to the team’s need for greater urgency coming out of halftime, noting the shift in rhythm once Dallas increased the pressure.

Player highlights

• Brittany Abercrombie: 17 kills, .300 hitting

• Naya Shime: 7 kills, .400 hitting (best match of the season)

• Bre Kelley (first start): 4 kills, 2 blocks, .300 hitting

Closing note

Next match: Orlando Valkyries (3–2) at Grand Rapids Rise (2–2) — Thursday, January 29, 7:00 p.m. ET, Van Andel Arena (MLV YouTube)

Indy Controls the Net, Downs Orlando 3–1

 

The Orlando Valkyries suffered their first loss of the season Thursday night, falling to the Indy Ignite in four sets in a rematch of last year’s championship showdown. Indy controlled the net throughout the night and won 25-18, 23-25, 27-25, 25-18 at Addition Financial Arena.

Orlando battled back after dropping the opening set, taking the second 25-23 to level the match. But the third set became the turning point, with Indy’s blocking swinging key rallies late as the Ignite escaped with a 27-25 win. Indy carried that advantage into the fourth, closing the match with another 25-18 frame.

Charitie Luper led all players with 15 kills and added 17 digs, recording her third consecutive double-double to open the season. Brittany Abercrombie followed with seven kills for Orlando.

The difference came at the net, where Indy held a 16–6 blocking advantage, disrupting Orlando’s rhythm and forcing difficult swings. Orlando finished with a .100 hitting percentage, the lowest in franchise history, and totaled six blocks, its lowest mark of the season.

Orlando returns to action Sunday at home against the Dallas Pulse.

Banner Night Thriller: Valkyries Rally Past Rise in Five to Open Title Defense

 

ORLANDO, Fla. — Under the lights at Addition Financial Arena, the Orlando Valkyries began their 2026 campaign the way champions are expected to: with ceremony, noise, and a final-set statement. Before the first serve, Orlando unveiled its 2025 championship banner and received rings in front of a home crowd that didn’t sit quietly for long. 

Orlando dropped into trouble after Grand Rapids pushed ahead, taking a 2–1 match lead and pulling in front 21–18 late in the fourth set. With the opener slipping, head coach Amy Pauly went to first-round pick Bre Kelley, and the change paid immediate dividends: a serving run flipped momentum as Orlando closed the fourth set 25–23 to force a fifth. 

The decisive frame was one-way traffic. Led by Brittany Abercrombie—who delivered 10 consecutive points from the service line—Orlando surged to a 15–4 win in the fifth to seal a 3–2 comeback over the Grand Rapids Rise.

“Playing in front of our home crowd to open the season was special,” Pauly said. “This group showed a lot of toughness and composure… Shoutout to the fans for sticking with us until the very end.”

Orlando’s 15–4 fifth set was noted as the largest margin of victory in a deciding set in MLV history, topping the previous record of 15–5 set by Columbus against Vegas on May 4, 2025.

Notes (from the team release):

• Abercrombie moved to No. 1 in franchise all-time kills with her 17th kill of the match.
• Luper: 22 kills, 25 digs (first career 20/20).
• Kelley and Abercrombie led Orlando with 2 aces each.
• Orlando: 64 kills | Grand Rapids: 59.
• Grand Rapids out-blocked Orlando 19–15.
• Orlando errors: 17 | Grand Rapids errors: 25.

Next match: Orlando (1–0) travels to face the San Diego Mojo on Sunday, Jan. 11 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Viejas Arena. (That’s 4:00 p.m. PT locally in San Diego.)

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.