Indy Ignite Conclude Debut Season as PVF Runner-Up

The Indy Ignite may not have reached the top of the PVF Championship mountain, but their inaugural season was a huge step forward for the organization. Despite falling to the Orlando Valkyries in four sets, the team finished second in the league and built a solid foundation for future success.

“This is a big step for our organization,” said Azhani Tealer, PVF All-First Team opposite hitter and All-Star. “The first year (for the franchise), being in this match is a huge thing. I don’t think any of us have forgotten that, so we’re really excited about that."

“We’re really young, no one expected us to be here in the first place,” she continued. “We have a lot of young people like that, hopefully coming back, so I think teams like Orlando should be really scared for next season. It was a great season for us, and we don’t take that for granted.”

Behind the play of opposite hitter Brittany Abercrombie, who was named PVF MVP for the regular season, Orlando pulled away late to win the opening two sets. The Ignite rallied in the third set, paced by Tealer’s seven kills and 54.5% efficiency, but ultimately fell short.

“I wish we could’ve played a little more clean like we did on Friday,” said head coach George Padjen. “We just looked choppy. It kind of felt like we had something going there in the third game, and (Orlando) just settled in nicely and kept passing the ball. Good by them.”

The Ignite received strong performances from Lydia Martyn, Nina Cajic, Caroline “CC” Crawford, and setter Hilley.

Abercrombie was outstanding for Orlando, collecting 28 kills, three blocks, eight digs, and an impressive 40.3% efficiency.

“Brittany kind of took over the entire game,” said Hilley. “To hit .403 as an opposite and have 28 kills, that’s pretty unreal. We couldn’t figure out how to really slow her down, and then it was hard for us to put a ball down.”

“We definitely had a lot of ups and downs this season, but I’m proud of us,” said Hilley. “I feel like everyone showed a lot of growth throughout this year, and I’m excited to see what year two has.”

Padjen was proud of the team’s progress on the court, but also emphasized the importance of the type of women on the roster.