PVF Underdogs Ignite and Valkyries Set to Matchup in Championship After Semifinal Upsets
Two lower seeds shocked the league this week, setting the stage for an unexpected – and electric – finale at the 2025 BIC Soleil Pro Volleyball Federation Championship.
No. 4 seed Indy Ignite opened the semifinals with a five-set upset over top-seeded Omaha at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, Nev. In a gritty, back-and-forth battle, it was setter Sydney Hilley who once again rose to the moment.
Hilley, who was just named the 2025 PVF Setter of the Year and earned PVF All-League First Team honors, tallied 59 assists to guide Indy to the 3-2 win. The performance continued her reputation for delivering under pressure, a trait fans have seen consistently throughout her pro career, including during her time in Athletes Unlimited. Hilley, who was the PVF Championship Most Valuable Player a year ago, will now have the chance to compete for the same honor once again.
In the second semifinal, the No. 3 seed Orlando Valkyries took down the second-seeded Atlanta Vibe in four sets. Opposite hitter Brittany Abercrombie powered the Valkyries with 24 points and 22 kills, anchoring the offense with the same commanding presence that helped her win the 2024 Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball title. Abercrombie, recently named the 2025 PVF Opposite Hitter of the Year and a First Team honoree, was backed by a standout performance from outside hitter Lindsey Vander Weide, who notched a double-double with 12 kills and 13 digs. Alongside these two veteran AU Pro athletes, a newcomer, setter Pornpun Guedpard, added 46 assists, continuing her breakout season that earned her First Team All-League honors in her PVF debut.
With Indy and Orlando set to meet in Sunday’s Championship match, fans can expect a hard-fought battle between two teams peaking at the right time. The Ignite and Valkyries split their regular season series, each taking two matches, and both squads enter the final riding the momentum of upset victories.
The 2025 BIC Soleil PVF Championship takes place this Sunday at 1 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. You can expect to see seven AU Pro Athletes in the matchup.
Indy Ignite:
- Sydney Hilley
- Leketor Member-Meneh
Orlando Valkyries:
- Kaz Brown
- Brittany Abercombie
- M’Kaela White
- Lindsey Vander Weide
- Pornpun Guedpard
Alex Jean Glover is a former collegiate volleyball player and multi-sport reporter, serving as a correspondent for Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram @alexjeannnn.
