Not Out YET
It has been a minute since my last post - sorry about that :/. Anyway…lots has happened with the Ignite. So let’s get caught up.
The Ignite are currently 12-12 and are fighting against Grand Rapids Rise for the fourth and final spot in the PVF tournament.
Indy picked up Stanford alum and hometown native Caitie Baird in the midseason signings who has already made her presence known.
Sydney Hilley broke a PFV record as she now holds the PFV record for assists in a season.
Throughout Indy Ignite’s matches, there are a few things I want to take note of and highlight.
AZHANI TEALER: At the beginning of the season, Leketor Member-Meneh was at the top of opposing teams scouting reports. Not only was she Ignite's leading attacker, but she also led the PVF in terms of kills for a period of time. When she went down against Atlanta Vibe back in early March, I was worried. I wasn’t sure how the Ignite offense would run with her not in the line up. However, Azahni Tealer had something to say about this. Since the loss of Member-Meneh, Tealer has found numerous ways to step up her game. Whether it be in the passionate energy she gives when earning a point or the way she has made significant contributions to the offense of Ignite. I am thoroughly impressed with not only the leadership qualities she has displayed, but also in the humility and “team” mentality she carries herself with. I greatly enjoyed getting to watch her play and can’t wait to see how she continues to impact this game and team.
WELCOME TO THE BIG LEAGUES: One of differences that sets apart the PVF from college ball is bench involvement. When you play in college, line ups relatively stay the same being that the talent disparity is larger. In the pro game, setter for Indy Ignite Ainise Havili said it best. “...everyone is an All American…it’s not your night, there is another All American on the bench waiting.” Being that the majority of the starting rotation for Ignite are rookies, I am sure it is difficult for them to mentally and physically adjust when opponents are changing their rotations. I firmly believe this is a reason as to why we have seen Ignite struggle. If Ignite can find a way to shift their mentality to focus more on their side of the net, rather than getting caught up in what their opponents are doing, it will help ease the pressure when teams make adjustments to rotations or game plans during the match.
MIDDLES, MIDDLES, MIDDLES: There is no doubt that Ignite has a lethal offense. They have the pieces, components, and ability to run an exceptional offensive spread. We have seen them do it on numerous occasions to take down the top teams in the league. However, in recent matches, there seems to be a common theme - they don’t keep their foot on the gas. Because volleyball is a sport that relies heavily on momentum it is key to play with a chip on your shoulder no matter the score. There have been multiple occasions where Ignite will come out hot and be leading in terms of set count and start to get timid and predictable. If Ignite wants to punch their ticket to Las Vegas for the PVF championship, they have to find a way to stay consistent and keep their middles involved throughout the entirety of the match. It is natural for setters to start feeding the hot hand as a match goes on. However, in this league, when everyone is a hot-hand, it is absolutely vital to make sure you are running a balanced offense.
As Ignite begins to prepare for their last four matches, my hope is they can come together, and move on. Does it suck they have gone 0-3 in their last three matches? Yes, but what has happened, happened. There is no changing it. I want to make it clear that Ignite has the talent and ingredients to compete in and win this league. However, it is up to them on how they choose to respond to these losses.
