The Orlando Valkyries returned home looking to build on their four-set win over the Columbus Fury, but the Dallas Pulse proved too strong Friday night, handing Orlando a straight-set loss, 25-23, 28-26, 25-19.
Orlando showed promise early and competed well in the opening set, hitting an efficient .292, but the Valkyries were unable to keep that rhythm going as the match progressed. Dallas tightened up defensively and controlled the action at the net, helping hold Orlando to hitting percentages of .080 and .161 in the second and third sets. By the end of the night, Orlando finished hitting .162, while Dallas posted an impressive .317 as a team.
Dallas rookie outside hitter Mimi Colyer once again led the way offensively, recording a match-high 18 kills while hitting .400. On Orlando’s side, the middle blockers carried much of the offensive load. Natalie Foster and Kaz Brown each finished with seven kills, while Foster hit .500 and Brown hit .278. Charitie Luper also added seven kills as Orlando’s balanced attack looked for answers against one of the league’s top offenses.
The Pulse also made their presence felt defensively, out-blocking the Valkyries 11-6. After the match, Orlando head coach Amy Pauly pointed to Dallas’ size and discipline at the net as a major factor in disrupting the Valkyries’ offensive flow. She noted that while Orlando had some positive stretches, the team never fully established the rhythm needed to swing momentum in its favor.
Despite the loss, the Valkyries remain in third place at 8-8 with 12 matches left in the regular season. Pauly’s postgame message was focused and clear: the team still has plenty in front of it. Orlando knows there are areas to clean up, but the belief inside the locker room remains strong as the Valkyries push toward the stretch run of the season.
There was also a notable milestone watch on the night. Natalie Foster recorded one service ace and is now just two away from becoming the first player in MLV history to reach 100 service aces.
Orlando now turns its attention to a major road test against Indy Ignite, who enter at 12-2. The Valkyries will look to regroup, sharpen their execution, and respond on Thursday night.
Match Notes
Dallas out-blocked Orlando 11-6
Mimi Colyer led all players with 18 kills
Kaz Brown, Charitie Luper, and Natalie Foster led Orlando with seven kills each
Natalie Foster is now two aces away from 100 in MLV history
Next Match
Orlando Valkyries (8-8) vs. Indy Ignite (12-2)
Thursday, March 12 | 7:00 p.m. ET
Fishers Event Center | Roku
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