Vibe Fall in Five-Set Battle at Grand Rapids

The Atlanta Vibe came up just short Wednesday night, falling 3–2 on the road to the Grand Rapids Rise in a tightly contested match that swung back and forth from start to finish.

Atlanta opened strong, taking the first set 25–21 behind an efficient start from Leah Edmond and Aiko Jones. Edmond tallied six early kills while Jones added four, helping the Vibe establish control and grab the early lead.

Grand Rapids responded in the second set, using a 25–19 win to even the match and shift momentum. The Rise carried that energy into the third, pulling away late for a 25–17 victory to take a 2–1 advantage.

Facing a deficit, Atlanta answered.

The Vibe dug in during the fourth set, grinding out a 25–23 win to force a decisive fifth. Edmond and Taylor Smith each delivered four kills in the set, with Atlanta finding just enough offense and composure to extend the match.

In the final frame, Grand Rapids proved steady down the stretch, closing out the match with a 15–10 win.

Despite the loss, Atlanta saw strong individual and collective performances across the board. Four players recorded double-doubles, highlighting the team’s balance and effort on both sides of the ball.

Edmond and Jones led the attack with 17 kills apiece. Jones added 14 digs and a team-high four blocks, while Edmond contributed 12 digs to complete her double-double. Smith surged late, finishing with 12 kills, 15 digs, and a block in one of her most complete performances of the season.

Setter Shannon Shields delivered a standout night running the offense, recording a career-high 55 assists — the highest total by a Vibe player this season. She added 13 digs, five kills, and a block, impacting the match in multiple phases.

Defensively, libero Elli McKissock anchored the back line with a team-high 20 digs, helping Atlanta stay competitive through extended rallies.

The Vibe now return home for one final opportunity in front of their fans this season. Atlanta hosts the Indy Ignite on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET at Gas South Arena, looking to close out the home slate on a high note.