When Emiliya Dimitrova went down with a right leg injury in set three, it could have been easy for the Grand Rapids Rise to feel deflated. Instead, they turned to their first round draft pick, and watched as she destroyed the Vegas Thrill to help lead GRR to a road win in four sets.
Morgahn Fingall, who was the No. 4 overall selection in the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation draft, went 11-for-15 on attacks, and committed no errors as the opposite hitter replacing the injured Dimitrova.
Dimitrova is finishing up her 18th professional season. For Fingall, she’s a rookie experiencing her first season as a pro, in a new league. On Saturday in Las Vegas, the fans on hand had a chance to see why only three players were picked before her in the PVF Draft.
The Rise (10-9) won 25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22, using a superior defense to defeat the Thrill for the third time in four meetings this season. These two teams will not meet again, unless the Thrill (6-13) find a way to sneak into the playoffs. That’s highly unlikely, considering the sloppy passing and uneven play by Vegas this season.
The Rise got a team-high 13 kills from Dimitrova, and 10 each from Claire Chaussee and Erika Pritchard. Middle Marin Grote was TBLUF (The Big Lady Up Front), with three blocks, and also added an ace, in addition to her usual spirited play.
The Rise will next face Omaha in Nebraska on Friday, April 26, in what could be a preview of championship semifinal game.
The last-place Thrill face the Mojo in San Diego next Friday. Vegas has a 2-1 match record against San Diego.
