SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Mojo beat the Omaha Supernovas in four sets at Viejas Arena during the two teams’ final matchup of the season, 16-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-20. Omaha and San Diego split the season series, with both teams winning their home matchups.
Wednesday’s matchup was also the Mojo’s first game back from a two-game road trip, where they dropped games to the Orlando Valkyries and Dallas Pulse. San Diego (8-10) continued to struggle in the first set against the Supernovas (10-10). The Mojo’s defense couldn’t keep up with Omaha’s offense that was firing on all cylinders.
San Diego bounced back in the second set. With help from the crowd, they were able to pull out a second set 25-23 victory.
“We really just reset,” said middle blocker Marin Grote. “We got rid of that first set [and] we got back on our scouting report, did our jobs, did our assignments, and it just flowed from there.”
After the break, the Mojo began to take control of the game. In the third set, San Diego was able to dominate by leaning on their defense. However, around halfway through the set, there was a prolonged pause as both coaches challenged a call made by the referees.
Maya Tabron serving. Soleil Dam/Her Sports San Diego
“It was important to know that it could go either way in a challenge system, and we’re not going to let it rattle us,” said head coach Alisha Childress.
Despite the stoppage, the Mojo got the point and took a commanding third-set victory. Their momentum continued into the fourth set. Behind outside hitter Maya Tabron’s 17 kills and Grote’s 59% kill rate, the Mojo were able to pull out a win against one of Major League Volleyball’s (MLV) best teams.
Although the Mojo are in sixth place in the standings, the team has played two fewer games than
Before the Mojo play again next week, libero Shara Venegas, setter Marlie Monserez, and Grote will head to Orlando to play in the MLV All-Star Game on Saturday. Monserez will make her All-Star debut while Venegas and Grote will be playing in their second All-Star game.
The San Diego Mojo regroup in a huddle after a point. Soleil Dam/Her Sports SD
Next Up
San Diego will take on the Columbus Fury on April 3 at Nationwide Arena. Tune into the game at 4 p.m. PST on YouTube.
