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