For the first time in franchise history, the Omaha Supernovas were held to a sub-.100 hitting percentage. The Orlando Valkyries swept the Supernovas 25-20, 25-17, 25-22 on the team’s Pink Out night.
In the first set, Orlando took four of the first six points and eight of the first twelve. Down 22-14, Omaha would take their first three point rally to close within five points of the Valkyries, but Orlando would take the final three points, getting set point on a video reversal for an Omaha antenna touch.
For a brief moment in the second set, Omaha had a 4-3 lead, but Orlando would take nine of the next thirteen points to force a timeout from Omaha, down 12-8. After Omaha scored on a Valkyrie serve error, Naya Shime scored back to back points for Orlando, first on a kill, then by attacking a Brooke Nuneviller block. Orlando was firmly in control, taking an 18-10 lead and forcing the second timeout for the Supernovas. Omaha would deny two set points but Orlando would prevail with a Bre Kelley kill.
The Supernovas had a glimmer of hope in the third set when they were up 6-3 and 16-12, but Orlando would take six of the next seven points to tie the match at 17, and then force the final Supernovas timeout after back to back blocks from Hannah Pukis and Kaz Brown. Orlando would close out the match winning five of the next nine points.
As a team, the Supernovas hit .063 with seven blocks, two aces, 42 digs and 28 assists. Orlando hit .255 with 13 blocks, three aces, 43 digs and 39 assists.
Orlando moves to 2-1 this season against Omaha, with the road team winning all three matchups this season. It was the first time the Supernovas were swept this season, and the fourth time in franchise history that the Supernovas have been swept at home.
The Supernovas have an extended break, playing next at San Diego on February 22, and return home against Atlanta on February 26.
