Indianapolis, Ignite placed on sold-out present for 1st Professional Volleyball Federation all-star recreation – IndyStar

FISHERS – Metropolitan Indianapolis proved as soon as once more that it’s second-to-none in internet hosting main sporting occasions, together with these of the all-star selection.  
Final February, town performed host to the 2024 NBA All-Star recreation, and this July, the WNBA All-Star recreation is bound to attract hundreds. Saturday, although, was professional volleyball’s flip to shine. The inaugural Professional Volleyball Federation All-Star match took middle stage earlier than a sellout crowd on the 7,500-seat Fishers Occasion Middle.
It was a celebratory ambiance with followers cheering all 26 gamers representing the league’s eight groups. Nevertheless, the loudest ovations have been reserved for the 4 gamers chosen from the first-year Indy Ignite workforce in Sydney Hilley, Kylie Murr, Azhani Tealer, and Leketor Member-Meneh, who was unable to play resulting from harm. Solely the Vegas Thrill had extra gamers, with 5 taking part.
“It is an honor to be part of this occasion and I believe it was very well achieved,” Hilley mentioned. “It was actually cool to see my residence franchise present out and have a sellout crowd for us. They have been actually stepping into the sport. However simply to be part of this, such a excessive stage of play for just one apply collectively, I used to be fairly impressed with how we did and the way engaged the followers have been. Simply to be making historical past with a few of my finest associates, it’s so enjoyable and an honor to be a part of.”
Two of the nation’s prime school coaches led the groups, together with Purdue’s Dave Shondell — a reputation synonymous with the game — who coached the black-clad squad, whereas Georgia Tech’s Michelle Collier guided the yellow-outfitted workforce. The match was scored primarily based on complete factors over three units. Staff Shondell received 25-22, 25-20, and 8-5 (although the third set was accomplished to 15-10) for an general rating of 58-47. 
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“It’s simply been unbelievable,” Shondell mentioned of the expertise. “I’m so appreciative of the chance and the truth that I used to be referred to as and requested to do it. You by no means know what it is going to be like till you get right here. However give credit score to lots of people — the league for placing on such a first-class present — this Indianapolis franchise is wonderful with what they’re doing up to now. To have 8,000 folks present up for the primary all-star recreation is wonderful. However the stage of play right this moment was exceptional. For them to exit and play with depth, focus and cohesion, it was particular. It was only a thrill for me.”
Gamers have been chosen by a mixture of fan and coach votes. The match included 4 gamers who received vital awards final yr within the league’s debut season, together with Leah Edmond (MVP, Exterior Hitter of the 12 months) and Morgan Hentz (Libero of the 12 months) for the Atlanta Vibe, Kaz Brown (Center Blocker of the 12 months) with the Orlando Valkyries, and Alisha Glass Childress (Most Inspirational Participant) of the Vegas Thrill.
Tealer was one of many standouts for Staff Shondell, opening the primary set with back-to-back kills earlier than including 4 kills — together with the match-ender — within the decisive third set. She completed second to Omaha’s Brooke Nuneviller’s 13 complete factors with 11. Murr added 11 digs for Staff Collier to steer all gamers, and her teammate Hilley had the second-most assists within the match with 14.
The gang was full of households, many with younger women wanting to witness “herstory,” as in-game host Oliva West put it. Amongst them was Priscilla Saunders from Indianapolis, attending together with her daughters, 12-year-old Jevabelle and 7-year-old Myvabelle. They have been joined by coaches and gamers from the Indiana Faculty for the Deaf. Jevabelle, whose workforce received her league championship final fall, mentioned utilizing American Signal Language that she was there to “play higher by watching one of the best.”
The occasion had a definite Indy really feel, highlighted by performances from native expertise and appearances by hometown sports activities stars. The Indy Ignite’s Pepper led a bunch of “all-star mascots” in energizing the gang, whereas native musicians stored the gang hyped. D’yshe Mansfield delivered a strong rendition of the nationwide anthem, and percussionist Briah Golder and singer/guitarist Sadie Johnson electrified between units. Former Indiana Pacer Jalen Rose co-hosted the nationally televised match alongside four-time Olympic medalist Shawn Johnson-East. Among the many notable attendees was Sheldon Day, a Warren Central alum and present NFL participant for the Washington Commanders.
The Ignite — who entered the break with a 6-5 file good for fourth within the league — return to motion February 27, internet hosting 7-4 Vegas.

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