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)
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