Nootsara celebrates first victory with the Fury

Signed by the Columbus Fury just two weeks ago, legendary Thai setter Nootsara Tomkom got to celebrate her first victory with her new team in the Pro Volleyball Federation league on Saturday, during the 13^th week of the regular season.

The Ohio side, which continues at the bottom of the standings, defeated the Indy Ignite 3-1 (25-21, 25-20, 21-25, 25-13) at the Nationwide Arena, in Columbus, to put an end to their winless streak that lasted four matches.

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Playing her fourth match with the Fury and having her third start with the team, the 39-year-old playmaker was in great form on Saturday, delivering 43 assists, only one less than the mark she achieved in a five-set loss against the Grand Rapids Rise last week.

The Thai star’s inspired performance boosted the Fury’s offense, helping the team’s five starting hitters to get to double digits in scoring – opposite Izabella Rapacz led the way with 15 points, followed by outside hitters Kaylee Cox and Megan Courtney-Lush, who tallied 14 each, and middle blockers Kaley Rammelsberg and Abby Walker, who added 11 and ten, respectively.

The Ignite, who were coming from a four-match winning streak, had the match’s two top scorers – outside hitter Caitlin Baird, who produced 18 points, and opposite Azhani Tealer, who left the court with 16.

Supernovas keep winning

Also on Saturday, defending champions and league leaders Omaha Supernovas continued to solidify their spot at the top of the standings by coming back to beat fourth-placed Orlando Valkyries 3-1 (14-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-15) at home.

Star outside hitter Brooke Nuneviller had a remarkable performance, leading the winning side with 17 points, followed by opposite Kelsie Payne, who tallied 14. Orlando’s Puerto Rican opposite Brittany Abercrombie matched Nuneviller's production, scoring 17 points for her side.

The third and last match of the weekend had the Rise sweeping the Vegas Thrill 3-0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-17) on Saturday. With the victory, the team from Michigan got to nine wins and 12 losses, passing the Thrill, who now have eight wins and 12 losses, for fifth place.

The Pro Volleyball Federation standings have the Supernovas in first place with 15 wins and five losses, followed by the Atlanta Vibe (14-8), the Ignite (12-9), the Valkyries (12-9), the Rise (9-12), the Thrill (8-12), the San Diego Mojo (7-13) and the Fury (6-15).

Next week will be a busy one in the American League, with as many as seven matches taking place over four different days from Tuesday to Sunday.

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