Atlanta Vibe Defeat Columbus 3-1: Smith & Awoleye Shine | PVF

Atlanta, Georgia – The Atlanta Vibe secured a decisive victory over the Columbus Pike Volleyball on Thursday evening, winning 3-1 in a Major League Volleyball (MLV) match held at Gas South Arena. The win marks a positive turn for the Vibe following a season-opening loss, and demonstrates the team’s growing cohesion as the inaugural MLV season progresses.

The match saw a compelling comeback from Atlanta in the first set, which they ultimately won 25-23. Trailing 23-20, the Vibe rallied with a final five-point surge fueled by a combined nine kills from outside hitter Leah Edmond and opposite hitter Aiko Jones. Vibe Head Coach Kayla Banwarth described the first set as a “gamechanger,” noting that it fundamentally shifted the momentum in their favor.

Columbus responded strongly in the second set, claiming a 25-16 victory. However, Atlanta regained control in the third, winning 25-18, largely due to the performance of outside hitter Taylor Smith, who contributed four kills and three digs during that set. The Vibe closed out the match with a dominant 25-13 win in the fourth, again led by Smith’s offensive prowess, adding another four kills.

Smith, making her first start of the season, proved to be a key player for the Vibe, finishing the match with 13 kills, nine digs, and a block. She emphasized the importance of bringing energy to the court, stating, “I try not just to give my play, but at least my energy, too. Just try and uplift everyone else.”

The victory also saw strong performances from other members of the Vibe roster. Middle blocker Awoleye, also making her first start of the season, contributed four blocks alongside seven kills and three digs. Libero Britt Rampelberg delivered a season-high 20 digs, bolstering the team’s defensive efforts. Awoleye spoke of her commitment to being a defensive anchor, stating, “When other things aren’t going well, I’m supposed to be a wall at this net and I’m going to be a wall. That’s my mindset.”

The Atlanta Vibe’s success builds on a strong foundation established in the league’s inaugural season. Leah Edmond, a standout performer for the Vibe, previously led the league in scoring with 424 points and 380 kills. She was named the 2024 PVF MVP, Outside Hitter of the Year, and earned a place on the All-PVF First Team. Her consistent performance and leadership are crucial to the Vibe’s ambitions.

Coach Banwarth acknowledged the team’s recent work ethic, stating, “I thought we were deserving of this win the way that this team has been working the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, we didn’t see that manifest itself in Grand Rapids, so it’s nice to come away with a dub and see the fruits of our labor.” This suggests a period of focused training and preparation that is now yielding positive results.

The win against Columbus comes after a challenging start to the season for the Vibe. While details of the initial loss remain limited, the team appears to have quickly adjusted and demonstrated resilience. The team’s ability to overcome adversity will be a key factor as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Looking ahead, the Atlanta Vibe will return to action on Saturday, February 21, hosting the Indy Ignite at Gas South Arena. The match is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM ET. The Vibe will aim to build on their recent momentum and continue their climb in the league standings.

The Major League Volleyball is still in its early stages, but is quickly gaining traction as a competitive and exciting sporting league. The Atlanta Vibe, with its talented roster and dedicated coaching staff, is poised to be a prominent force in the league for years to come.