Of the seven teams in the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation, the San Diego Mojo were the only ones to have two seasons.
Well, not actually, but it seemed like it. The Mojo were 1-5 through the first six matches of the season, and mired in last place. Yet, here they are, as the No. 4 seed in the PVF Championship tournament.
On Wednesday, the Mojo will battle the Omaha Supernovas in a semifinal match. Seeing as the Supernovas will be playing in their home arena, they are the favorites. But, San Diego is no slouch, and could pull off the upset.
Below we identify three reasons the San Diego Mojo could win the PVF Championship.
The Dominant Presence of Willow Johnson
Ironically, one of the reasons the Mojo got off to a slow start is the same reason they can win a title: Willow Johnson. The 6’3 opposite hitter came back from her absence in April with a vengeance: averaging 20 points and 17 kills in her first three matches. A wiry, but deceptively quick and strong athlete, Johnson can elevate and swing her big left shoulder, taking over sets and matches. The Supernovas split their two matches against the Mojo with Johnson participating. Omaha will need to confront Johnson with a wall of blockers.
Blocking by Bastianelli
Speaking of blocking: Alison Bastianelli was the most efficient blocker in the PVF this season. The four-year pro and Michigan native averaged a league0best 1.07 blocks per set. She has a knack for getting into the correct space to disrupt enemy attacks. Bastianelli helped her team lead the PVF in blocks this season.
Comeback Kids
The Mojo have a putrid 5-19 record in first sets. That means they were playing behind much of the season, almost in every match. But the San Diego record in sets 3-4-5 was 29-21. They were 6-4 in five-setters, including wins in five of their last seven that went the full distance.
Since Week 10, the Mojo are 10-4, the second-best record in the Federation.
