SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Mojo (1-4) fell to the Grand Rapids Rise (2-2) at Viejas Arena on Friday evening in four sets, 31-29, 25-22, 16-25, 25-19. The Mojo came off of their first win of the 2026 season and were hoping to bring that momentum into Friday’s game.
The Mojo started off strong and maintained the lead throughout the first set but it ended cruelly. Beginning at 24-22, San Diego had seven set points but the Rise fought back every attempt. Up 30-29, Grand Rapids finally earned its first set point, and converted to take the set 31-29.
While the Mojo kept it close, the Rise were also able to win the second set.
San Diego dominated coming out of the break. They won the third set by nine points, 25-16, led by outside hitters Maya Tabron and Grace Loberg, who finished Friday’s matchup with double-digit digs and kills.
“I think they’re getting better every time they’re out on the floor,” said Mojo head coach Alisha Childress. “They were really dialed in from a serve-receive standpoint.”
Despite the impressive performances from San Diego’s outside hitters, Grand Rapids took firm control of the fourth set. The Mojo were able to make a run toward the end of the set, but that did not stop the Rise from eventually taking a fourth set win and match victory.
“I’m really proud of the way that we stuck in it, and were able to get that third set,” Childress said. “It [also] gives us something to work on and be better at.”
Outside hitter Grace Loberg practices her serving routine. Soleil Dam/Her Sports San Diego
Although Grand Rapids won three sets to the Mojo’s one, the total number of points each team scored only differed by two, 97-95, providing evidence that not only do points matter, but winning the big points is critical for success in the league.
Grand Rapids is in fifth place of the Major League Volleyball rankings, while San Diego is currently ranked last.
The Mojo will play again on Jan. 30 against the Omaha Supernovas at the CHI Health Center. They will return home to Viejas Arena on Feb. 6 to take on the Columbus Fury. Purchase tickets to San Diego’s next home game here.
