Fishers, IND – The Grand Rapids Rise staged a dramatic comeback victory against the Indy Ignite on Saturday night. The match, held at the sold-out Fishers Event Center, saw the Rise rally from a 2-1 deficit to secure a crucial five-set win. This victory marked the Rise’s first-ever win against the Ignite, and it significantly boosted their playoff aspirations in the Pro Volleyball Federation. The final set scores were 25-17, 22-25, 21-25, 25-18, and 15-11.
The match was a tale of contrasting fortunes. After dropping the first set, the Indy Ignite found their rhythm, winning the second and third sets. Azhani Tealer was a dominant force for the Ignite, leading the team with 19 kills and contributing significantly on defense with 14 digs. Caitie Baird, in her first home match for the Ignite, also delivered a strong performance with 17 kills and 14 digs. Sydney Hilley had a double-double with 55 assists and 23 digs.
However, Grand Rapids demonstrated resilience and defensive prowess. The Rise’s blocking game proved to be a key factor in their comeback, with the team recording a Pro Volleyball Federation single-match record-tying 24 blocks. Middle blocker Ali Bastianelli was a standout, leading the way with a team-record nine blocks, along with 10 kills. The Rise’s defense was further bolstered by libero Elena Oglivie, who had a team-high 24 digs.
Grand Rapids’ defensive intensity increased as the match progressed, disrupting the Indy Ignite’s offensive flow. While the Ignite had strong individual performances, they struggled to maintain consistency against the Rise’s improved blocking and passing. The Rise’s Erika Pritchard returned from injury and made her first start since March 5th, contributing to the team’s offensive efforts.
Ultimately, the Grand Rapids Rise’s ability to adjust their defensive strategy and capitalize on key moments allowed them to seize victory in a hard-fought, five-set thriller. The win was vital for Grand Rapids, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot. The Indy Ignite, despite the loss, remained in fourth place in the standings, but the defeat made their upcoming matches even more critical.
