MLV Playoffs Preview: Everything to Know About the League Championship
The 2026 Major League Volleyball postseason is set, with four teams heading to Frisco, Texas, in pursuit of the league title and a $1 million bonus. The playoff race took shape after the Indy Ignite secured the top seed on April 10, followed by the Dallas Pulse on April 12 and Omaha Supernovas on April 24. The San Diego Mojo claimed the final spot after a late-season surge, completing the playoff field.
The postseason opens with single-elimination semifinals on May 7, as No. 1 Indy faces No. 4 Omaha and No. 2 Dallas meets No. 3 San Diego. The two winners will advance to the championship match on May 9 at Comerica Center, home of the Dallas Pulse.
1. Indy Ignite vs. 4. Omaha Supernovas
Indy and Omaha enter the postseason with a split regular season series, each having won two matches. Omaha opened with a 3-1 win to start the season before Indy responded with a 3-1 victory on March 1. The Supernovas took a five-set battle later in the month, but Indy closed the series with a sweep on Omaha’s home floor.
Players to Watch – Indy Ignite
- Azhani Tealer leads Indy with 338 total points across 84 sets, totaling 302 kills with a 45.1% kill percentage, which ranks fifth in the league.
- Mia Tuaniga ranks third in the league with 1,115 assists, averaging 11.49 per set.
- Lydia Martyn has been one of the most efficient hitters in the league, ranking second in kill percentage at 49.8% while adding 49 blocks.
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Players to Watch – Omaha Supernovas
- Brooke Nuneviller leads Omaha with 327 points, including 307 kills across 103 sets.
- Sydney Hilley has directed the offense with 904 assists, averaging 9.83 per set.
- Elena Oglivie has anchored the defense since stepping into a starting role, totaling 372 digs and averaging 4.00 per set.
2. Dallas Pulse vs. 3. San Diego Mojo
Dallas and San Diego split their four regular season meetings, with each team capturing two wins. Dallas took the first two matchups in four sets before San Diego responded with a five-set win on April 5. Dallas closed the series with another five-set victory on April 24 behind a 30-kill performance from Mimi Colyer.
San Diego enters the postseason on a strong run, closing the regular season 13-6 after a 1-6 start and clinching the final playoff spot with a road sweep of Columbus.
Players to Watch – Dallas Pulse
- Mimi Colyer leads the league with 523 total points, including 466 kills, and enters the postseason off a season-high 30-kill performance.
- Sofia Maldonado Diaz ranks second in the league with 484 points, totaling 420 kills and 43 blocks.
- Natalia Valentin-Anderson leads the league with 1,221 assists, averaging 11.85 per set.
Players to Watch – San Diego Mojo
- Grace Loberg ranks sixth in the league with 377 points, totaling 313 kills, 20 aces, and 44 blocks.
- Marlie Monserez has been one of the league’s most efficient setters, totaling 1,131 assists while posting a 46.6% kill percentage.
- Marin Grote is tied for third in the league with 51 blocks, while libero Shayla Venegas anchors the defense with 431 digs.
Playoff Schedule and How to Watch
Semifinals – Thursday, May 7
- Indy Ignite vs. Omaha Supernovas – 6 p.m. CT
- Dallas Pulse vs. San Diego Mojo – Following the first match
Championship – Saturday, May 9
- Semifinal winners – 2 p.m. CT
ION will carry both semifinal matches and the championship live. All matches will take place at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
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Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
