By Annie Walker

OMAHA, Neb. (May 15, 2024) – No. 4 seed Grand Rapids open the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship with an upset, topping No. 1 seed Atlanta, 3-2, at CHI Health Center in Omaha. It was a back-and-forth match, which posted set scores of 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-8.

Rise setter Ashley Evans tied her season high with 54 assists to lead a potent Grand Rapids’ attack that put down 71 kills (.243). Four Rise attackers finished with double-digit kills led by outside hitter Claire Chaussee (22, .226), who set a team record with 62 attack attempts. Emiliya Dimitrova, chipped in with 19 kills (.208) after only having three through the first two sets.

Anna Lazareva and Leah Edmond combined for 30 kills in the match for Atlanta, led by opposite hitter Lazareva with 17. Libero Morgan Hentz’ 16 digs kept the match going, and middle Shelly Fanning racked up four blocks and three block touches to slow the Rise’s offense.

Chaussee also had 10 digs for her team-leading 16th double-double this season. Evans (54 assists, 16 digs) and Dimitrova (19 kills, 12 digs) also finished with double-doubles.

COURTESY GRAND RAPIDS RISE AND PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION COMMUNICATIONS