Not Done YET
Indy Ignite continued their three match road trip stopping in San Diego to face the Mojo Friday night. Despite jumping out to a hot start in the first set, Ignite fell in four sets moving to 3-1 on the season still holding the number one spot in the PVF. I want to note that I stand by everything I have previously said about this team. I truly think what they have and are doing is incredibly special and worth highlighting.
MATCH BREAK DOWN:
Whether it was the six blocks that contributed to Mojo hitting .081 or their ability to turn defense to offense, Ignite came out strong in the first set. I was thoroughly impressed with the fluidity they played with as well as the competitive drive they displayed. They won the first set 25-18. In the second, San Diego was able to spread out their offense making it more difficult for Ignite to get up a well formed block. This in combination with Ignite’s four service errors, played a part in Ignite losing the second 17-25. In the third, things looked promising for Ignite as they took an early lead. However, Mojo began to find their rhythm late in the set as their 7 blocks limited Ignite’s offense as they hit. 077. Mojo would eventually win the set 28-30. In the fourth set, Ignite’s offense again struggled as San Diego had figured out their game plan. San Diego won the set 19-25.
AREAS TO IMPROVE:
MIDDLE HITTER INVOLVEMENT: Ignite’s back row does a phenomenal job in getting their offense in a position to run a balanced attack. However, being that Ignite favors the featuring of their pin attackers, it can become predictable. While pin attackers are naturally going to be your main scorers, middles are key in running a high efficiency offense as they are the ones who create seams and one on one opportunities. Indy Ignite has two lethal middles in Caroline “CC” Crawford and Blake Mohler. They both have beautiful footwork that allows them to be an offensive option even if the pass isn’t deemed “in system”. If Ignite can establish their middle hitters early in matches, it is going to allow Indy to feature those pin attackers more successfully.
RUN DIFFERENT ROUTES: Most hitters will have a signature attack that comes more naturally for them. For example, Blake Mohler is known for her lethal slide attack. Another example can be seen with Leketor Member-Meneh and the BIC (backrow-quick). While it is good to play to hitters' strengths, if overset, they can lose their effectiveness due to teams like San Diego Mojo being able to anticipate them. I would love to see Ignite’s offense run hitters on different routes as it will allow them to use those players' staple attacks more efficiently.
Overall, I think this loss is going to be a great opportunity for Ignite to grow as a team. It is in the losses that you truly find out what a team is made of. If I have learned anything from watching this team, it is that they WANT to win and WILL compete. I have no doubt in my mind they are going to bounce back from this loss. Ignite is on the road again this week as they head to Las Vegas to face the Thrill Saturday, January 31st at 7 pm EST.
