Atlanta Vibe is defeated by Dallas Pulse 3-2, The Atlanta Vibe faced the Dallas Pulse on January 22, 2026, and lost 3-2 at home on Thursday.
After three sets, the Vibe had a 2-1 lead but fell in the final two sets due to Dallas’ reliable attack in their third straight five-set match.
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The game, where the Atlanta Vibe lost a 2-1 set advantage, concluded with scores of 20-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 15-9.
This significant victory in front of the Vibe’s fans at Gas South Arena boosts the Pulse to a hopeful 2-1 season record, while Atlanta falls to 2-3.
Vibe Head Coach Kayla Banwarth
“That was a letdown. I believe we can perform better than what we displayed tonight, and Dallas is a strong team,” said Vibe Head Coach Kayla Banwarth. “Our performance was inconsistent, and you won’t win many matches playing that way, especially in a league that improves every year.”
Match Momentum
The contest was a classic back-and-forth battle, showcasing the competitive balance in the young MLV season. Atlanta, playing at home, started strong, dominating the opening set thanks to outside hitter Leah Edmond, who scored eight early kills. Even though Dallas made a late effort to tie the set at 20-20, the Vibe finished with a decisive 5-0 run to win the first set.
In keeping with the match’s unpredictable nature, Dallas fought back in the second set, which had 12 ties. The Pulse found their rhythm with rookie star and first overall draft pick Mimi Colyer, who dominated with eight kills in the set to level the match. The Vibe managed to regain the lead by narrowly winning the third set 25-23, putting them one set away from victory.
However, the momentum shifted significantly in the fourth set. The Pulse broke a 4-4 tie and maintained the lead, with outside hitter Kaylee Cox leading a vital 4-0 serving run to increase their advantage. This led to a fifth and final set, where Dallas’s composure was evident. After overcoming early deficits, the Pulse finished the match with a strong run, winning the final set 15-9 and achieving a monumental victory.
Stars Performers
The match was marked by impressive individual displays that shifted the momentum.
For the Dallas Pulse:
- Mimi Colyer (Outside Hitter): The top draft pick met expectations, scoring a match-high of 24 kills and 26 total points. Her strong performance in the second set helped keep Dallas competitive.
- Sofia Maldonado Diaz (Outside Hitter): Contributed essential support to the offense, adding 17 kills to the Pulse’s attack.
- The Blocking Wall: The leading middle blockers in the league, Tristin Savage and Layne Van Buskirk, formed a strong defensive presence at the net. The team achieved 12 total blocks, marking their third straight match with double-digit blocks.
For the Atlanta Vibe:
- Leah Edmond (Outside Hitter): The Vibe’s offensive leader had an impressive game, achieving a team-high of 20 kills and earning a double-double with 13 digs.
- Aiko Jones (Opposite Hitter): Enjoyed a season-best performance with 15 kills and nine digs. Jones attributed her success to a new aggressive approach, mentioning that the coaches promoted an “alpha mentality.” “I just tried to ride that wave,” Jones stated.
Turning Points Statistics
| Aspect | Dallas Pulse | Atlanta Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Final Match Score | 3-2 (20-25, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 15-9) | |
| Top Scorer | Mimi Colyer (24 kills, 26 points) | Leah Edmond (20 kills) |
| Key Supporting Offense | Sofia Maldonado Diaz (17 kills) | Aiko Jones (15 kills) |
| Defensive Difference | 12 team blocks | Strong back-row digs |
| Critical Moment | 4-0 service run by Kaylee Cox in 4th set | Failed to close out match after leading 2-1 in sets |
“Today, I swung hard once and it hit, then I swung hard again and it hit, so I thought, ‘Wow, this is working,'” Jones said. “I just tried to keep that momentum going, and it’s great when your teammates are like, ‘yes, go for it.‘”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Dallas Pulse (2-1) aims to keep their momentum going as they continue their road trip, facing a challenging match against the Orlando Valkyries on Sunday, January 25. They will be back at their home, the Comerica Center in Frisco, on February 5 to play against the Omaha Supernovas.
The Atlanta Vibe (2-3), after playing three straight five-set matches, were set to travel to Columbus. However, their game against the Fury on January 25 has been postponed because of the severe Winter Storm Fern impacting team travel. The league will provide a new date later in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions: Atlanta Vibe is defeated by Dallas Pulse 3-2
What was the final score of the Dallas Pulse vs. Atlanta Vibe match?
Who was the top performer in the match?
Mimi Colyer, who plays outside hitter for Dallas Pulse and was the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, excelled with 24 kills and 26 points, leading all players.
How many blocks did the Dallas Pulse have?
The Pulse achieved a total of 12 team blocks, which played a crucial role in their win. This marks their third consecutive match with double-digit blocks.
What did Atlanta Vibe’s coach say after the loss?
Head Coach Kayla Banwarth expressed disappointment over the team’s inconsistent performance, stating they must achieve more consistency and perform better in critical moments to secure victories in close matches.