LOVB professional volleyball game between Austin and Omaha in Omaha, Nebraska on January 25, 2025. (Photo from different game: Ralph Arvesen)
It appears that no team will emerge from the inaugural League One Volleyball season unbeaten, thanks to LOVB Austin's recent performance. On Saturday, LOVB Austin broke any illusions of an unbeaten streak by triumphing over LOVB Omaha in a gripping match. They clinched the first two sets with scores of 25-23 and 25-20, respectively. Their dominance was especially evident in the third set, where they led by as much as 11 points before closing it out with a decisive 25-15 victory.
For Omaha, this defeat came on the heels of a grueling four-set win against LOVB Madison the night before, bringing their record to 3-1. Austin, after a 10-day break from play, now stands at 2-2 for the season. Madisen Skinner shone brightly as an opposite hitter, notching 10 kills with an impressive .450 hitting percentage, along with two blocks. She was deservedly named the player of the match.
Logan Eggleston, a former Texas teammate, contributed nine kills, two blocks, and seven digs. Veteran Juliann Faucett also impressed with nine kills, a .500 hitting percentage, and two digs. Anna Haak was reliable, achieving seven kills with only one error in 14 attacks, hitting .429, and adding a block, an assist, and six digs. Middle blocker Molly McCage recorded three error-free kills in seven swings, supplemented by an ace, two digs, and four blocks. Chiaka Ogbogu, the other middle blocker, made her mark with six kills (no errors in 13 attempts), four blocks, and two digs.
The statistics underline Austin's strength: a 13-3 blocks advantage and five aces compared to Omaha's two. Austin's overall hitting percentage was a remarkable .409, thanks to setters Saige Ka'aha'aina-Torres and Carli Lloyd, who collectively managed 37 assists, four aces, and seven digs. Libero Kotoe Inoue added 10 digs and five assists to the team's effort. Reflecting on the match, Madi Skinner praised the setters for their offensive distribution, noting that it prevented the team from being overly reliant on any single position, thus keeping the opponents on their toes. “People were producing across the board,” she said.
Coach Marco Bonitta echoed these sentiments, applauding his team's preparation and execution. "Last week we practiced really well and approached this match with great attention to detail," Bonitta stated. "We knew the key was the first set, especially since Omaha had played a lengthy match the night before. Winning that first set 25-23 was crucial, and I congratulate my team for their performance."
On the opposing side, Omaha's setters, Laura Dijkema and Gabby Blossom, managed only 27 assists as the team hit a meager .180. Coach Suzie Fritz described the performance as "uncharacteristically inconsistent" for Omaha. Canadian national team member Vicky Savard made her season debut, leading Omaha with 10 kills (hitting .286), along with two aces and two digs. "It was really fun to be out there with the girls," Savard said. "Next time, I will bring more consistency."
Candelaria Herrera continued to excel in the middle for Omaha, recording seven kills in 12 errorless attempts (hitting .583), a block, three digs, and an assist. Jordan Larson contributed seven kills, five digs, and an assist, while Emily Thater added five kills, two blocks, and an assist. Libero Justine Wong-Orantes provided nine digs and three assists.
Reflecting on the loss, Coach Fritz acknowledged the challenge of back-to-back matches but also praised Austin's play. "We leave that one disappointed," she said. "It's tough to prepare for two opponents and then come back strong on the second night. But credit to Austin—they played incredibly well, possibly the best we've seen them play. Their use of a 6-2 system gave them extra physicality, which we struggled against."
Looking ahead, LOVB Austin's next match is against LOVB Salt Lake in Atlanta on Saturday, February 1. LOVB Omaha, meanwhile, will face LOVB Atlanta on the same day.
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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