Dallas Pulse Defeat Columbus Fury To 4-1, The Dallas PULSE (4-1) had a strong performance, winning in straight sets (25-23, 25-21, 25-19) against the Columbus Fury (2-4) on Thursday night at Nationwide Arena.
Mimi Colyer, an outside hitter for Dallas PULSE, led the team with 12 kills from 35 attempts. Outside hitter Sofia Maldonado Diaz finished the match with 10 kills from 23 attempts and four aces. Lanye Van Buskirk, the player of the game and middle blocker, along with setter Natalia Valentin-Anderson, each contributed 10 kills and three blocks.
Table of Contents
Match Breakdown
The Dallas PULSE win was not a wire-to-wire affair but a master class, as they repeatedly took the momentum away from the home team at crucial moments.
Set 1: Seizing the Moment
Columbus controlled most of the opening frame, capitalizing on early Dallas attack errors to take the lead. The Pulse, however, never panicked. Trailing late, they closed on a 3-0 run and tied the set at 21-21. After capitalizing on a Fury error to reach set point, Mimi Collier delivered the decisive kill to steal the set at 25-23, silencing the Columbus crowd and setting the tone for the night.
Set 2: Defining Rally
The Fury responded aggressively in the second, exploding to a 5-0 lead and extending it to 16-10. Facing its biggest deficit, the Pulse showed its signature resilience. Led by the powerful serving of Sofia Maldonado Diaz, who fired three aces during an 11-2 run, Dallas completely flipped the script. The stunning turnaround, turning a six-point deficit into a 22-19 lead, broke the Fury’s spirit. Dallas closed out the set 25-21 after a string of Columbus errors.
Set 3: Closing with Authority
With the match firmly in hand, the Pulse produced its most effective offensive performance in the third set, hitting .417 and ending any hopes of a Fury comeback. While Columbus’ Rayna Terry fought bravely with several late kills, Dallas maintained firm control, and held on for a 25-19 win to complete the sweep.
A Balanced Attack
The success of The Pulse comes from a diverse offense where any player can shine. This balanced approach was clearly evident in the game against Columbus.
| Player | Position | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Mimi Colyer | Outside Hitter | Led the team with 12 kills, including the set-winning kill in the first frame |
| Sofia Maldonado Diaz | Outside Hitter | Added 10 kills and a crucial 4 service aces that fueled the massive Set 2 comeback |
| Lanye Van Buskirk | Middle Blocker | Named Player of the Game; recorded 10 kills and 3 blocks |
| Natalia Valentin-Anderson | Setter | Matched Van Buskirk with 10 kills and 3 blocks, orchestrating the offense with precision |
| Raina Terry (Columbus) | Outside Hitter | A bright spot for the Fury, pacing all players with 14 kills on the night |
Looking Ahead
The Dallas Pulse are now focusing on a key away game against the Indy Ignite on January 31, which will significantly impact the standings. After that, they will be back at the Comerica Center in Frisco on February 5 to face the Omaha Supernovas.
The Columbus Fury need to bounce back quickly, as they will host the reigning champion Orlando Valkyries at Nationwide Arena. Their reaction to this loss will reveal a lot about their character and chances for the playoffs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Atlanta Vibe lost 3-1 to Indy Ignite
What was the final score of the Dallas Pulse vs. Columbus Fury match?
The Dallas Stars swept the Columbus Fury with set scores of 25-23, 25-21, and 25-19 to win the match 3-0.
Who was the top performer for the Dallas Pulse?
While it was a balanced effort, middle blocker Lanie Van Busserk was named Player of the Game, contributing 10 kills and 3 blocks. Outside hitter Mimi Collier also led the team with 12 kills.
How did the Pulse manage to come back in the second set?
Trailing 10-16, the Pulse went on an 11-2 run, driven largely by the serving of Sofia Maldonado Diaz, who made three service aces during that critical stretch.
What did the coaches say after the match?
Dallas coach Shannon Winzer highlighted his team’s resilience. Columbus coach Angel Perez was critical of his team’s preparation and execution, especially in slipping up in the first two sets.