Back at IT
Indy Ignite’s fan base continues to impress. Despite starting at 8:00 pm on a Thursday night, almost 3,000 fans packed in to watch Indy Ignite as they took on Vegas Thrill for the second time this season. Going into this match, I knew Ignite was going to play with a chip on their shoulder being they had been reverse swept by Vegas in their previous meeting. Whatever chip they played with paid off as they defeated Thrill in four sets. Overall, I thought Ignite looked SOLID. Whether it was the discipline they showed in their block or the distribution in their offense, every aspect of the game was clicking for Indy. In the second set Ignite struggled. When asked what the conversation was in the huddle, Azhani Tealer said, “It was more of like an ‘okay everyone wash that’ because it was so bad that it's like there's too many things to talk about we just gotta forget what just happened….” And wash it they did. It was all Indy Ignite as they dominated in the 3rd and 4th sets. I’ll be honest, I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to highlight from this match. There were multiple players that went off and had spectacular nights as well as aspects of the game that had major improvements. With that said, enjoy. :)
THEIR COHESIVENESS: Typically speaking, when coaching, you want to keep your lineup as consistent as possible to set your team up for success. By having the same rotations, players will start to understand how those around them play and as a result you will have a team. When looking at Ignite’s past lineups, it is very clear there isn’t much consistency. Part of this is because of injuries while the other part is the high skill level this team has. I have been extremely impressed with them and their ability to continue to play as a team through it all. It speaks volumes about the chemistry and team dynamic Indy Ignite has and continues to show.
ELENA SCOTT: Going into this match, I knew Ignite was going to have to find a way to slow down Vegas offense. Their setter, Alisha Glass Childress, runs a very deceptive attack that makes it difficult for opposing blockers and even defenders to read the offensive flow. However, when you have Elena Scott, things tend to look a bit different. When hitters were able to get past Ignite’s block, Scott was there extending rallies and creating opportunities for her offense to score. She put up a massive 17 digs in their four set win. Not only is she gritty in defense, but her precision in serve receive is what sets her apart. There were multiple times Vegas’s serve forced her outside her midline, yet she was still able to DIME the pass. She is the definition of “Don’t serve the libero.” Elena Scott you’re a beast.
ANNA DEBEER: For those that don’t know, DeBeer suffered a severe ankle injury in the NCAA semi-final match against Pitt. When she went down, I could feel the tension and silence through the screen of my TV. This injury ultimately put an end to her Louisville career. I don’t think any words can truly describe or even come close to the way this injury has impacted her. Even sitting here trying to write about it, I am at a loss for words. It is for these reasons, the crowd gave her a big welcome back as she was announced as a starter. While DeBeer didn’t put up the offensive numbers she wanted, she was able to contribute in the back row with consistent and precise serve receive that allowed setter Sydney Hilley to run an efficient and balanced attack. After the match, I had the opportunity to ask her what she is learning through this process. With tears in her eyes she responded: “Just being grateful.”…“I've had injuries before and like it just makes you really cherish it more. So just to be out there I was just so happy even though I wasn’t playing my best.” If there is one thing I have learned about Anna in getting to see her play as well as having this short conversation with her, it is that she LOVES this game. The dedication, work, and mental game she has and is continuing to go through are not easy, yet she does it. I truly cannot wait to continue watching her play. She brings an infectious energy and pure joy to the court. It is rare you find a player as determined as Anna DeBeer. I am so thrilled she is a part of this Indy Ignite team and cannot wait to see the impact she will make here.
