LOVB Austin Falls in Inaugural

League One Volleyball’s (LOVB) inaugural match in Austin, Texas was a massive success… sold-out arena, volley celebrities on and off the court, with very excited fans.  The only disappointment, LOVB Austin (1-2) fell to LOVB Atlanta (1-1) in a very tight contest, 18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-21. 

LOVB attempt to replicate the success of professional women’s indoor volleyball in Europe.  LOVB has taken a novel approach, establishing in 2024 a ground-up amateur interest with 60 clubs in 24 states with 14,000 young athletes and 3,000 coaches.   LOVB’s professional roll-out started this year with six teams from Atlanta, Austin, Houston, Madison, Omaha and Salt Lake. 

Austin is led by Olympians Carlie Lloyd, Chiaka Ogbogo and Alessia Gennari, and University of Texas National Champions Asija O’Neal, Madisen Skinner, Logan Eggleston and Zoe Jarvis.  Three-time Olympic medalist Kelsey Cook headlines Atlanta. 

Errors on serving, receiving, attacking and blocking were Austin’s undoing, committing 36 total to Atlanta’s 17. 

Anna Haak led Austin with 12 points, 8 kills, 10 digs and an ace.  Texas alumnus Madison Skinner followed with 10 points and 7 digs. 

Atlanta’s Cook was the player of the match with 17 points, 15 kills, 10 digs and 2 aces.  Tessa Grubbs was a significant contributor with 19 points, 17 kills, 7 digs and an ace. 

Austin hopes to regroup as they make ready for the match against LOVB Omaha on January 25th.