The record will show the Grand Rapids Rise swept the San Diego Mojo on Sunday for a convincing win. But, the three-set match was often tightly played, with the advantage in doubt much of the first two sets in particular.
But, the Rise found a higher gear and plowed their way to a 25-23, 25-18, 25-16 victory. In the process, Grand Rapids clinched a place in the Pro Volleyball Federation playoffs. Their victory guarantees they will finish in no worse than a tie with Columbus, against whom they own the tiebreaker.
Several sprawling, dazzling diving plays by libero Camila Gómez swung the momentum in set number two. The home crowd was sent into a frenzy that set too by the swings of Erika Pritchard (10 kills), Emiliya Dimitrova (13 kills), and Claire Chaussee (11 kills). Kayla Caffey led the Rise with three blocks, which helped GR out-block the Mojo, 9-6.
The Rise were helped by expert serving, recording four aces to none by San Diego. Marin Grote had two aces, and now ranks sixth in the OVF in that category. Grote is second in the league in blocks, with 64.
With one match left on their schedule, Chaussee is second in the PVF in kills, with 375. Dimitrova ranks third, with 362. Ashley Evans leads the league with 960 assists, and has a chance to become the first player in league history to reach 1,000 assists.
The Rise host the Omaha Supernovas next Sunday, May 12 at 5:30 PM. That match could be a preview of one semifinal in the PVF Championship, which is slated for May 15 in Omaha.
