In an emotionally charged regular-season finale, the San Diego Mojo (15-13) gave the league-best Indiana Ignite (23-5) everything they could handle before falling in four sets, 22-25, 25-13, 30-28, 25-17. Playing just days after announcing they would not return for the 2027 season, the Mojo refused to go quietly.
Set 1: Mojo Seize the Moment
San Diego came out with purpose. They took the lead at 14-13 and never relinquished it, building what appeared to be a comfortable 24-19 advantage. But the Ignite clawed back, saving three consecutive set points. It wasn't enough. Mojo outside hitter Grace Loberg delivered the kill that closed it out, 25-22, giving the Mojo the opening set. Despite Indy’s 17 kills to the Mojo’s eight, Indy also had six attack errors and four service errors that contributed to the Mojo winning set 1.
Set 2: Ignite Flip the Script
Indiana came out in Set 2 with a different energy, overwhelming the Mojo 25-13. It was a clinical, dominant performance. The Ignite had no kill errors to 14 kills, and three aces to two service errors to easily earn the set.
Set 3: Drama at Its Finest
This was the set that will linger longest. Indy surged ahead 19-16, seemingly in control, but the Mojo refused to fold. San Diego tied it at 20-20, then pushed ahead to 24-22, set point in hand. The Ignite saved three of them. Then Indy reached set point, and the Mojo answered back, saving two. On Indy's third set-point opportunity they finally converted, closing out a breathtaking 30-28 set. Fifty-eight combined points and either team could have won it. Both teams struggled with the serve, making five errors each.
Taylor Sandbothe on the attack during the Mojo’s final home match. Natalie Tullar/@nstphotography_
Set 4: Indy Pulls Away
The two teams were still deadlocked at 14-14 in the fourth when Indy went on a 4-0 run to go up 18-14, and the Mojo never recovered. The Ignite closed it out 25-17 to take the set and match.
By the Numbers
Indy finished with 65 kills to San Diego's 42. Mia Tuaniga's 49 assists ran Indy's offense efficiently all night, while the Mojo’s Marlie Monserez had 35 assists to keep San Diego competitive.
For Indy, Azhani Tealer led the attack with 20 total points on the night, while Jaelyn Keene added 14 and Anna DeBeer earned 16. The Ignite's offensive engine, with a 44% kill percentage, was formidable. Leketor Member-Meneh was particularly impactful across the match with 15 points, 35 attacks, and 13 digs, while libero Elena Scott anchored the back row with an 80% positive reception rate.
For San Diego, Jovana Brakočević was a bright spot throughout with 15 points on nine kills, five blocks, and an ace. Loberg contributed 11 points and a team-high 35 receptions. Taylor Sandbothe was a key serve weapon for San Diego with four aces. But the Mojo's overall attack efficiency, 42 kills at 32%, couldn't match Indy's output over the four sets.
Looking Ahead: Semifinals
The Mojo finished third in the league under first-year head coach Alisha Childress, a remarkable run for a program that began the season 1-6.
The semifinals are set for May 7 at Comerica Center in North Texas, airing on ION. Indiana takes on No. 4 Omaha, and San Diego squares off against the Dallas Pulse. During the regular season, Pulse won three of the four match ups, although the teams split the final two, both going five sets.
The first match begins at 4 PM Pacific. The order of the semifinals games has not yet been set.
Updated: Mojo vs Pulse will be the second semi-final of the day on May 7, beginning after the 4 pm PT semifinal ends.
