LOVB professional volleyball game between Austin and Houston in Houston, Texas on January 9, 2025. (Photo from different game: Ralph Arvesen)
The 2024 NCAA Division I volleyball season was defined by the dramatic comeback, the thrilling reverse sweep. This phenomenon was nowhere more evident than in the national semifinals, where the eventual champions, Penn State, led by the indomitable Jess Mruzik, orchestrated a stunning five-set victory over Nebraska after trailing two sets to none. This electrifying display of resilience set the stage for a similar spectacle just three weeks later in the second match of the inaugural League One Volleyball (LOVB) season.
The scene was the Fort Bend Epicenter, where LOVB Houston faced off against the visiting LOVB Austin. History seemed to repeat itself as LOVB Houston found themselves down 0-2. Mruzik, reflecting on her recent experience, admitted with a laugh, "I was like, please just push to five, push to five, we'll be fine." Her prediction proved prophetic as her team mounted a remarkable comeback, ultimately securing a hard-fought 25-27, 24-26, 25-22, 27-25, 16-14 victory.
Mruzik, one of the LOVB Six – a group of college players who joined LOVB rosters after the NCAA season concluded last month – delivered a dazzling professional debut. Her stat line boasted 13 kills, an ace, five blocks, and 13 digs, a performance punctuated by a decisive solo block on Madisen Skinner, the star of the 2023 NCAA championship team. Skinner, also one of the LOVB Six, was equally impressive for LOVB Austin, leading her team with 22 kills, an ace, four blocks, and eight digs. The final play, however, saw Mruzik emerge victorious in a head-to-head battle with Skinner.
"That's the only thing I remember," Mruzik confessed. "Coach Massimo (Barbolini) did say in set two to just start taking note of who they are setting when they need kills and in crucial moments. I had a feeling that the set was going to go to Madi, but honestly I kind of blacked out on the last play, minus the last touch."
The match was not just about the final point, but about the series of rallies that led to it. LOVB Houston faced a daunting 4-10 deficit in the fifth set, but they clawed their way back, fueled by the exceptional serving and defensive prowess of setter Micha Hancock. The left-hander unleashed a powerful attack for a crucial point, bringing her team to 6-11. She then followed up with an ace, showcasing a high-flying jump serve, a weapon she hadn't deployed in quite some time. After a kill by Madi Kingdon Rishel, Hancock delivered another ace, narrowing the gap to 11-9. Her next serve disrupted LOVB Austin's rhythm, leading to a point for Houston, capped by a Jordan Thompson block. "You know what was crazy was that Micha hasn't been top-spinning in practice that much," Thompson remarked. "She never serves like that in practice," Coach Barbolini confirmed.
"And she came into the game and was just whipping these things and I was like, 'First of all, ma'am!'" Thompson exclaimed. "But it was so cool because Micha is just such a gamer and a baller. She obviously knows that she has that in her toolkit, an amazing and strong serve, but to come out and take over the game." Hancock's performance was truly remarkable. Beyond her one kill, she tallied four aces, consistently disrupting LOVB Austin's serve receive. She also contributed a block and 12 digs, along with 35 assists. Thompson led Houston's offensive charge with 16 kills, adding two blocks and eight digs. Rishel contributed 11 kills and a team-high 15 digs.
Returning to the thrilling fifth set, LOVB Houston's 6-0 run was interrupted by a kill from Austin's Anna Haak. However, service errors from both sides kept Austin ahead 13-11. LOVB Houston leveled the score at 14 with a net violation and a kill by Amber Igiede, ultimately sealing the victory with Mruzik's block. "Micha asked after the match, 'What is it with you and reverse sweeps?'" Mruzik chuckled. "But I'll take it." Igiede was highly efficient, registering nine kills with a .500 hitting percentage, along with two aces and four blocks.
For LOVB Austin, libero Zoe Jarvis was a standout, accumulating 24 digs and six assists. "This was a very surreal moment," Jarvis shared. "I signed with LOVB probably about a year ago, so it's been a year of anticipation for me. And I know I'm on the early side of that spectrum. There are girls who have been playing overseas for 10 years. But to get to play back home is really cool and really, really fun." Alessia Gennari added 13 kills for LOVB Austin, along with three aces, four blocks, and 12 digs. Haak contributed 10 kills, an ace, and 13 digs, while middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu had six kills, nine blocks, and three digs.
"I am not happy about the result, because we had a lot of opportunities to win," commented LOVB Austin coach Marco Bonitta. "Especially at the end of the fourth set (up 25-24) and in the tiebreak. But this is the life, this is volleyball life, sport life, and in the tough moments they served so good. But we played to the end of the match and better to lose now than in April. This was a big lesson for me, especially, and for the team."
Both teams were back in action on Friday. LOVB Austin looked to rebound against LOVB Madison, who were set to open their season, while LOVB Omaha made their debut against Houston. Both matches were available for viewing on ESPN+.
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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