In a thrilling five-set showdown at Gas South Arena on Friday night, the Atlanta Vibe (7-8) battled past the Vegas Thrill (7-8) to claim a hard-fought victory, winning the decisive fifth set 15-13. The back-and-forth match tested the Vibe’s resilience, but their offensive firepower and defensive intensity ultimately propelled them to their seventh win of the season.
The Vibe came out strong, dominating the first two sets and showcasing their offensive prowess. However, the momentum shifted in the third and fourth sets as the Thrill fought back to even the match at 2-2. With the pressure mounting in the final frame, Atlanta dug deep and delivered in crunch time to seal the win.
Offensive Firepower Fuels the Vibe
Atlanta’s offensive attack was firing on all cylinders, posting an impressive .293 hitting percentage compared to the Thrill’s .255. The team also capitalized at the service line, notching six service aces to Vegas’ single ace.
Outside hitter Leah Edmond led the charge for the Vibe, tallying a match-high 25 kills to keep the offense rolling. Fellow outside hitter Pia Timmer complemented the attack with 14 kills, hitting at an outstanding .419 percentage. Middle blocker Khori Louis also made her presence known, contributing 11 kills while boasting an incredible .407 hitting percentage, securing the best kill percentage in the league.
“This team has so much grit, and it showed tonight,” said Edmond after the match. “Even when they [Vegas] started pushing back, we stayed together, stayed aggressive, and found a way to finish strong.”
Defense Holds Strong in the Clutch
On the defensive side, the Vibe turned to their anchor in the back row, libero Morgan Hentz, who finished with a team-high 18 digs. Her relentless coverage and key saves kept the Vibe alive during crucial moments in the match.
Hentz’s performance, combined with a tenacious front-line presence, helped Atlanta maintain control in the closing stages of the match. Despite the Thrill’s late surge, the Vibe’s defense held firm, setting the stage for their dramatic fifth-set triumph.
Next Up: Round Three Against Indy Ignite
The Vibe will have little time to celebrate as they turn their attention to their next home matchup on Sunday, March 9, against the Indy Ignite. This will be the third meeting between the two teams this season, with the series currently split.
First serve is scheduled for 3 p.m. EST at Gas South Arena, where the Vibe will look to carry their momentum and push for their eighth win of the
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