Orlando Valkyries edge Columbus Fury in five sets at Nationwide Arena in Major League Volleyball

Orlando closes late in a five-set road win

The Orlando Valkyries defeated the Columbus Fury in five sets on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, rallying after swings in momentum to secure a 3–2 victory. The set scores were 25–19, 16–25, 25–9, 21–25, 15–11.

The result added another close chapter to a growing on-court rivalry between two franchises that have met repeatedly across the league’s recent seasons. Entering the match, Orlando held an all-time series advantage and had swept the prior season series, setting the stage for a competitive rematch in Columbus.

Match flow: runs, responses, and a decisive finish

Orlando took the opening set 25–19, but Columbus responded immediately, leveling the match with a 25–16 second set. The Valkyries then produced the night’s most lopsided stretch with a 25–9 third set, creating separation before Columbus forced a tiebreaker by taking the fourth 25–21.

In the fifth set, Orlando established early control, reaching the mid-set switch ahead 8–3. Columbus pushed back to tie at 10–10, but Orlando closed the match on a 5–1 run to finish the decider 15–11.

Key performers and team notes

For Columbus, outside hitter Raina Terry led the offense with 17 kills while contributing across phases with seven digs, three blocks and three service aces. Columbus also recorded a season-high five aces as a team, a notable uptick in a match that repeatedly turned on short scoring runs.

Columbus continued a shared-setting approach, with Audrey Pak and Ashley Evans both logging significant time. Pak finished with 16 assists, four digs and two kills, while Evans recorded 25 assists and 14 digs.

Additional production for the Fury included Regan Pittman-Nelson with nine kills and four blocks, Abby Walker with seven kills, and Megan Lush and Jaelyn Hodge with five kills each.

What it means in the early season picture

The loss was Columbus’ third five-set defeat of the season, underscoring a recurring theme in the team’s early schedule: competitive stretches without consistent closing outcomes. For Orlando, the road win reinforced the team’s ability to withstand momentum shifts, especially in late-set situations.

• Final score: Orlando 3, Columbus 2 (25–19, 16–25, 25–9, 21–25, 15–11)

• Venue: Nationwide Arena, Columbus

• Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Next match

Columbus is scheduled to travel to San Diego to face the Mojo on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Set five featured three distinct phases: Orlando’s early lead, Columbus’ rally to 10–10, and Orlando’s closing 5–1 run.