ORLANDO, Fla. – Leaning on its defensive strength, the San Diego Mojo (13-11) earned a dominant win over the Orlando Valkyries (10-14) on Sunday afternoon to help solidify their playoff position. The two teams faced off at Addition Financial Arena for the final time this season. San Diego came away with the sweep, 25-17, 25-19, 25-23, the team’s second consecutive.
With this victory, the Mojo tied the season series and remain in the top half of the Major League Volleyball standings. The league also received national attention with Sunday’s matchup being nationally broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
San Diego shined in the spotlight and got off to a quick 9-3 Set 1 start. They led throughout the first set and took a commanding 25-17 victory.
In Set 2, The Mojo and Valkyries went back and forth with nine ties. San Diego was able to pull ahead and win 25-19 with impressive performances from outside hitters Maya Tabron and Grace Loberg. Loberg secured five kills and two blocks while Tabron had four kills and a block.
Orlando came out of the break determined to keep the third set competitive. Neither team led by more than three points throughout the final set and Tabron came in clutch once again. She scored a kill and a block for game’s final two points to secure the Mojo victory.
The Mojo’s 12 blocks to the Valkyries 3 were a difference-maker. All Star setter Marlie Monserez led the San Diego offense with 30 assists.
“We hold ourselves to a really high standard defensively, and that's how we win games,” said Monserez in a post-game interview with CBSSN commentator Holly McPeak. “We want to win a championship, and I think we're on the right path to do so.”
Game highlights. Credit: Major League Volleyball
Next Up
The Mojo hope to extend their win streak on Friday. With four games left in the season, San Diego hopes to solidify their playoff position.
San Diego will return home at SDSU’s Viejas Arena on April 24 to face the No. 2 Dallas Pulse for the final time this season. Purchase tickets for Friday’s matchup here. The game will also stream on Scripps Sports Network and Youtube.
