Recap: Team Nootsara Prevails in Golden Set Victory Against Team Caffey

When the fireworks ended after the extra set, it was Team Nootsara celebrating with a 73-70 victory over Team Caffey at Arizona Athletic Grounds.

The victory moved Team Nootsara to 1-2 for the week, while Team Caffey slipped to 0-3.

Opposite Khat Bell put down 11 kills with seven digs and three solo blocks for Team Nootsara to collect MVP 1 laurels and 336 leaderboard points, while outside hitter Madi Kingdon Rishel matched Bell’s 11 kills and added 10 digs to claim MVP 2 honors and 270 points towards the standings.

Middle blocker Kaz Brown finished with eight kills and zero attack errors for a .727 hitting percentage en route to garnering MVP 3 accolades and 233 leaderboard points.

Setter Nootsara Tomkom finished with a match-high 35 assists to go with eight digs and a service ace in the victory, while libero Nomaris Vélez Agosto tallied a match-high 16 digs.

Outside hitter Brooke Nuneviller finished with a match-high 13 kills and tallied 12 digs in the loss for Team Caffey. Opposite Kelsie Payne swung at a .407 clip and collected 12 kills as well.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Team Nootsara fended off a late push from Team Caffey to take the opening set by a 25-22 count before increasing its lead to 50-43 following the second frame. Team Caffey mounted a comeback in the third set, utilizing an 8-0 scoring run to claim a 25-18 triumph and force the Golden Set. Team Nootsara was the first to reach five points and earned the match win, 73-70.

LEADERBOARD IMPACT

Kingdon Rishel climbed up seven spots on the leaderboard into fifth place with 1,167 points, while middle blocker Kayla Caffey moved into the No. 6 position with 1,137 points.

MATCH NOTES

• Tomkom and Caffey met as opposing captains for the first time in their Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball careers.

• Monday night’s clash between Team Nootsara and Team Caffey signaled the third Golden Set in AU Pro Volleyball history … Team De La Cruz-Mejía claimed a 74-72 victory over Team Valentin-Anderson on October 9, 2023 … Team Valentin-Anderson was also involved in the first Golden Set in league history on April 16, 2022, which ended in a 78-76 defeat to Team Lichtman.

• Tomkom improved her career captain’s record to 3-3 and earned her first win as a team leader since October 8, 2023.

• Kingdon Rishel notched the first double-double of her AU Pro Volleyball career … She also reached double figures in kills for the sixth time this season.

• Tomkom tallied over 30 assists for the fourth time this season … It marked the 23rd time in her AU Pro Volleyball career surpassing the mark, which stands as the second-highest total in league history.

• Vélez Agosto amassed 15 or more digs for the 11th time in her career, good for second in league history.

• Payne, who authored her second double-digit kill effort of the season, matched her season high with 12 kills.

• Bell claimed MVP honors for the second time this season … She also earned MVP 1 distinction in the season opener against Team Valentin-Anderson.

• Brown received her fourth career AU Pro Volleyball post-match honor, including her first award this season.

• Kingdon Rishel garnered her fourth Match MVP certificate this season … She is the third player to receive at least four MVP laurels this season, joining opposite Brittany Abercrombie and outside hitter Bethania De La Cruz-Mejía.

MATCH MVPS

• #1 – Khat Bell (Team Nootsara, +60)
• #2 – Madi Kingdon Rishel (Team Nootsara, +40)
• #3 – Kaz Brown (Team Nootsara, +20)