Highlighting the Biggest Storylines of the 2025 LOVB Finals

5. Austin vs. 4. Salt Lake

This clash between Austin and Salt Lake features teams with contrasting styles, but both have AU Pro Volleyball stars who could play pivotal roles. Austin may have finished the regular season near the bottom of the standings, but its roster still features players capable of surprising top teams.

A standout player for Austin is Molly McCage, a defensive powerhouse who ranks fourth in the league for blocks (39) and is also a key offensive contributor with a .300 hitting percentage. McCage is one of the league’s top middle blockers and could be a real difference maker versus the Salt Lake offense.

Outside hitter Khat Bell is another player to watch. Though her role has been more supportive of power players like Madisen Skinner and Logan Eggleston this season, she’s demonstrated her ability to post big offensive numbers with her season-high 17-kill performance against Omaha in March.

For Salt Lake, there’s a mix of experience and versatility. Heidy Casanova, Dani Drews, and Tori Dixon have all been key contributors at different times this season for the ever-shuffling Salt Lake offense. Casanova ranks as one of the team’s top scorers, and her offensive firepower could be a game-changer in tight sets. With LOVB Libero of the Year and Second Team Icon Manami Kojima anchoring the back line, Salt Lake is capable of putting up a well-rounded performance.

Despite falling behind Salt Lake in the final regular-season standings, Austin is 2-1 versus the Utah squad this year, and this matchup may just be the most unpredictable first-round meeting.

Winner Faces: 1. Atlanta

Atlanta dominated the regular season against Austin (3-0) and should theoretically have no issues routing the Texas team again in a potential semifinal. Salt Lake, however, could present a tougher test.

Salt Lake has been picking up speed at the tail end of the season and has recorded the most five-set matches in the league this year (7). Atlanta is not far behind in that category with six five-set regular-season matches to date, and endurance could be the true difference maker in this potential semifinal matchup if Atlanta leaves the door open.

6. Omaha vs. 3. Madison

Omaha enters the postseason as the lowest seed but has the potential to pull an upset, especially with Emily Thater leading the charge. Thater, Omaha’s third-leading scorer, has made waves this season as a dominant middle blocker, and her ability to both score and defend could make a big difference against a hot Madison squad.

Thater currently sits sixth in the league for blocking with 34 total, and her 105 kills prove she has a well-rounded game that can elevate both offense and defense.

But besting the fiery Madison squad would be no easy task. The team nearly snatched the No. 2 seed before a Week 13 loss to Houston snapped its remarkable seven-game winning streak. Despite the loss, that recent winning momentum isn’t something Madison is likely to let go of.

Winner Faces: 2. Houston

Houston has already proved it can handle either team, and an upset in this round would be a stunning outcome for the squad.

Jordan Thompson has been leading the offensive charge, but watch for Madi Kingdon Rishel’s steady two-way contributions. She’s a two-time defensive player of the week who has been known to frustrate opposing offenses, but is also a sneaky offensive threat, more often than not posting double-figure kill performances.

The (Likely) Title Clash: Houston vs. Atlanta

The potential championship matchup of Atlanta vs. Houston looms large as the top two seeds could be set to battle for the title.

Atlanta’s Madi Bugg, who took over full-time setter duties in Week 8, has lifted the team’s offense to new heights. She tallied a season-high 49 assists versus Salt Lake in March, and her chemistry with Atlanta’s attackers will be crucial to their success.

However, despite trailing behind Atlanta in the standings all season, a title win for Houston is a very real possibility. The team is responsible for two of Atlanta’s three regular-season losses, and came out on top with another victory over the Georgia group in the LOVB Classic tournament. 

The LOVB Finals will take place April 10-13 at Louisville’s KFC Yum! Center. Austin will take on Salt Lake at 4:30 pm, and Madison and Omaha’s matchup will follow at 7 pm. Both matches are available to stream on ESPN+.

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.