The Columbus Fury led two sets to one against Orlando Saturday at Nationwide Arena, but the Valkyries closed the match by winning the final two sets to down the Fury, 25-19, 16-25, 25-9, 21-25, 15-11. The Fury (2-5) have now lost three five-set matches this season.

 

Raina Terry was the offensive leader for the Fury yet again, finishing with 17 kills to go with seven digs, three blocks, and a career-high tying three service aces. Led by Terry at the service line, the Fury had a season-high five aces.

 

Both setters, Audrey Pak and Ashley Evans, continued to share opportunities throughout the five sets. Evans recorded 25 assists and 14 digs, while Pak had 16 assists, four digs, and two kills. 

 

The Fury got contributions from several players during the match, as Regan Pittman-Nelson had nine kills, six digs, and four blocks, while Abby Walker had seven kills and Megan Lush and Jaelyn Hodge each added five kills. Middle blocker Rainelle Jones finished with four blocks and three kills coming off the bench for the Fury.

 

“The sets that we lost, we played terrible and the sets that we won, we played amazing. So we’ve got to find that easy middle where we feel comfortable playing at a good level, so we can compete with this team,” head coach Angel Perez said.

 

“Credit to all of the players that came from the bench to kind of change the vibe of the game and the energy of the game and give us new life. We always speak about being the best team out there, and I think today, we show that we are deep and that we have pieces that can come in and do the job.”

 

The Fury head back to the road, traveling to San Diego to face the Mojo on Friday, Feb. 6 at 10:00 p.m. EST. The match will be the first of three Fury matches broadcast live on CBS Sports Network this season.