LOVB professional volleyball game between Austin and Houston in Cedar Park, Texas on February 5, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
The LOVB Houston team faced numerous challenges before finding their rhythm midway through the fourth set of an intense match on Wednesday night. Their hard-fought 33-31, 25-23, 21-25, 25-16 victory over LOVB Austin showcased resilience and determination. “Today we won a difficult match,” said Houston coach Massimo Barbolini, reflecting on the team's tenacity throughout the evening. The first set, which lasted an unprecedented 40 minutes and became the longest in the inaugural LOVB season, exemplified the battle.
Houston had to fend off five set points before securing the win in a grueling back-and-forth exchange. “That first set felt like a marathon—just back and forth nonstop,” said Houston Olympic opposite Jordan Thompson. Trailing 13-6 at one point, Houston clawed back with a crucial 4-0 run. Despite trailing again at 20-16, they tied the game at 23-23 before eventually clinching the set. “What we did well was keep our composure and stay big in key moments,” Thompson added. “Getting that win really helped build our confidence, not just for tonight but moving forward this season.”
The second set saw Houston (3-3) jump to an early 11-6 lead. However, Austin (2-4) fought back, tying the score at 21-21 and again at 23-23. Houston narrowly escaped with a win. In the third set, Austin gained momentum and closed out with the last three points, showcasing their fighting spirit. Even in the fourth set, Houston’s seemingly comfortable 13-4 lead was challenged when Austin closed the gap to 16-13. Nevertheless, Houston responded decisively with a 9-3 run to seal the match.
“Austin fought like hell, and that’s exactly what we want to see in this league,” Thompson remarked. She led all scorers with 23 kills, maintaining a .317 hitting percentage while contributing two blocks, nine digs, and four assists. “It’s amazing to see such strong teams competing at this level,” she added. Veteran player Madi Rishel had a standout performance, notching 15 kills on a .316 hitting percentage along with two aces, two blocks, and a match-high 21 digs. Rookie Jess Mruzik, despite struggling offensively with nine errors, still managed 12 kills, nine digs, and two assists.
Middle Amber Igiede delivered a highly efficient performance, recording eight kills with just one error in 15 attempts to hit .467. She also tallied a match-high four blocks and seven digs. Opposite Grace Frohling contributed six kills, a block, and a dig, including a pivotal kill following a timeout that ended the second set. Micha Hancock, Houston’s setter, tallied 47 assists and nine digs, along with a season-high four kills. Although she registered only one ace, her serve disrupted Austin’s defense throughout the match. Kaisa Alanko, subbing in alongside Frohling, added 11 assists and a dig, while libero Anna Pogany had 14 digs and two assists.
Houston's offense hit at a .262 clip and marked its second victory over Austin this season. Their previous encounter on January 9 featured a reverse sweep by Houston. Notably, Houston also participated in the previous longest set of the season, a 28-26 third set loss to Omaha. With the LOVB Classic in Kansas City approaching from February 14-16, coach Barbolini expressed optimism: “I’m really happy with how we played at the end. I started to see a team that I like—strong on defense and making fewer mistakes. We still need to improve, but we’re progressing with each match.”
On Austin’s side, Madisen Skinner led her team with 20 kills, including 10 in the marathon first set. She also contributed an ace, two blocks, and eight digs. Logan Eggleston recorded 14 kills over the final three sets, hitting .500 and adding seven digs. Anna Haak, Austin’s other outside hitter, posted 10 kills, an ace, a block, and 13 digs. Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu registered seven kills, four blocks, a dig, and an assist. Libero Zoe Jarvis impressed with 25 digs and nine assists, consistently anchoring Austin’s defense. Setter Carli Lloyd notched 32 assists, a kill, two blocks, and five digs. “One thing I love about our group is that we have a lot of fight,” Lloyd said. “We’re still figuring out some pieces, but those moments of greatness are there, and we need to lean into that.” Saige Ka'aha'aina-Torres added 16 assists and five digs.
Austin, which hit .228 for the match, will also participate in the upcoming LOVB Classic. Coach Marco Bonitta reflected on the loss with a mix of pride and disappointment: “I’m so sorry for our fans because we played three really good sets. We just weren’t lucky enough to win the first two, but we fought hard. In the last set, Houston was simply better and deserved the win.”
Looking ahead, the next League One Volleyball match will take place Friday when standings leader LOVB Atlanta (4-1) faces off against LOVB Salt Lake (3-3) at the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah. The match is set for a 7 p.m. Mountain time start and will be available on LOVB Live, DAZN, and the LOVB YouTube channel.
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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