All three Hilltoppers who play in the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) faced off in a five-set thriller on Friday, Feb. 7, when the Columbus Fury claimed victory over Grand Rapids Rise 3-2.
Kaylee Cox ('24) and the Columbus Fury (1-7) notched their first win of the season against Grand Rapids Rise (4-4) with Paige Briggs-Romine ('23) and Jena Otec (assistant coach).
Cox played in two of five sets on Friday, helping the Fury both at the net and in the back row to secure their first victory. The 6'3" outside hitter totaled three kills, one dig, and put up a 73% positive reception percentage. Cox went in and scored while allowing the hot-hitters of the night, like Izabella Rapacz, to get rest and refuel.
Briggs-Romine featured in three of the five sets, totaling nine kills, four digs, and two aces with a 67% positive reception percentage. Despite the Rise's 62 total kills on the night, the Fury's defense at the net is what separated the pair.
The two teams will meet again at the end of the month on Thursday, Feb. 20, this time at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Mi. Until then, the Fury will move on to play the Orlando Valkyries on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at Nationwide Arena while the Rise will host the Atlanta Vibe on Thursday, Feb. 13.
