LOVB professional volleyball game between Austin and Atlanta at the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas on January 15, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Through just five matches, League One Volleyball has already proven to be a league where every contest is a battle, and anyone can step up to shine in the clutch. It’s clear that in this league, no outcome is guaranteed, and surprises await at every turn.
Wednesday night at the HEB Center in Cedar Park, LOVB Atlanta rebounded from its season-opening loss by earning a hard-fought victory over the home team, LOVB Austin, with set scores of 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, and 25-21. The match showcased a blend of grit, determination, and standout performances that are quickly becoming the hallmark of League One Volleyball.
Three-time Olympian Kelsey Cook earned Player of the Match honors, delivering an all-around stellar performance with 15 kills, two aces, 10 digs, and two assists. However, it was opposite hitter Tessa Grubbs who led Atlanta in scoring, hammering down 17 kills while hitting .256. Grubbs also contributed an ace, a block, and seven digs to round out her impressive outing.
"Tonight, we were able to find our personality," Grubbs reflected after the win. The fifth-year professional, who has previously played in Slovenia, France, and Switzerland, had struggled in the season opener, managing just one kill in Atlanta’s four-set loss to LOVB Salt Lake. But on this night, Grubbs found her rhythm and inspired her team to do the same.
Cook highlighted the team’s growth in confidence compared to their first match. “In practice, we really focused on the things we needed to improve, and tonight, it paid off. Honestly, Tessa led the way," Cook said. "She came in with the mindset, ‘Hey, we play gritty,’ and she swung with determination on every play. That energy was infectious, and you could feel the team playing more aggressively and confidently.”
Another standout for Atlanta was setter Rachel Fairbanks, who stepped into a prominent role after Madi Bugg started the match. Fairbanks, a late addition to the Atlanta roster and a setter who guided Pittsburgh to four consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances, tallied 43 assists, 11 digs, a kill, and a block in her breakout performance. Despite limited action in the season opener, her connection with the team was on full display.
"After the week of practice we've had, you can see she’s building great chemistry with the hitters," Cook added. Atlanta's offense was well-balanced, with McKenzie Adams contributing 12 kills, an ace, three blocks, and 14 digs. Middle blockers Tia Jimerson and Kayla Haneline also shone, with Jimerson tallying eight kills on error-free hitting, five blocks, two digs, and an ace, while Haneline recorded eight kills in 15 swings with one block. Libero Piyanut Pannoy anchored the defense, making 17 digs and adding five assists. “Tia played amazing in the middle,” Cook said. “She’s just a gamer.”
For Austin, the home-opening loss dropped their record to 1-2. Anna Haak led the team with eight kills, an ace, three blocks, and 10 digs. Madisen Skinner and Chiaka Ogbogu added seven kills apiece, with Skinner contributing three blocks and seven digs, and Ogbogu hitting .500 while recording an ace, a block, and four digs. Logan Eggleston chipped in six kills with just one error in 21 swings, along with two aces, a dig, and two assists.
Before the match, longtime Texas volleyball coach Jerritt Elliott set the tone for the night’s festivities by delivering the ceremonial first serve. All nine former University of Texas stars on Austin’s roster took the court in front of their home fans, creating an electric atmosphere in Cedar Park.
LOVB Austin started strong, dominating the first set and building a lead of up to eight points. But the momentum shifted in the second set, with Atlanta battling back from a late 22-21 deficit. A service error tied the score, and Cook delivered a critical kill to put Atlanta ahead. After Austin’s Juliann Faucette staved off one set point, Cook sealed the set with another kill.
The third set was a nail-biter, tied at 24-24 before an Austin service error gave Atlanta the lead. McKenzie Adams then tipped the ball for the set-winning point. Cook and Grubbs combined for 11 kills in the set, helping Atlanta inch closer to victory.
In the fourth set, Austin built a 13-8 lead, but Atlanta methodically chipped away at the deficit. Grubbs tied the score at 16 with a kill, and the teams battled to a 19-19 deadlock before Atlanta surged ahead to close out the match. Despite the loss, Austin head coach Marco Bonitta remained optimistic. “We have time now to watch this game and discuss what we have to do,” he said.
Atlanta’s victory leaves LOVB Madison as the only team still searching for its first win. Madison will look to break into the win column Friday night when it hosts LOVB Salt Lake at the Wisconsin Field House. The match, set for 8:00pm and will be televised on ESPNU and streamed on ESPN+.
Next game
Next game is at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha, Nebraska on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
About LOVB
League One Volleyball (LOVB, pronounced "love") is a first-of-its-kind community re-imagining the future of volleyball. LOVB champions every stage of an athlete's journey: nurturing youthful passion into action, celebrating fierce and unbridled professional talent, and developing coaches to lead future generations. They are launching their professional league, LOVB Pro, from the grassroots up, built from our foundation of junior volleyball clubs and led by the world's best professional players. This is just the beginning. The future is LOVB.
Fan reviews:LOVB
We need more women's pro volleyball! We had an amazing time, were blown away by the athletes and the level of play! We are so proud of these women and are so excited to bring our youth athletes to watch them.
Really good experience watching the new pro volleyball team!
Fun time, will be back to see another. Had a great time with my daughter and we will definitely be back later this season.
I really enjoyed the game and the program that’s behind it.
We love LOVB! So excited for this league! To have all of these volleyball legends playing stateside and getting to see them play in person is a dream come true.
Match and crowd were electrified! Match was great! Absolutely love these professional athletes skills and determination! So happy to see women’s professional volleyball in the United States!
LOVB is the next major league! My 14 year old had an amazing experience. It’s great to see the rise in the sport and for the women to be able to stay in the US and play at the next level.
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