Player of the Week Title Awarded to Lydia Martyn After Record Night, Following a thrilling match in Columbus on Saturday where she led the Ignite to victory, Indy middle blocker Lydia Martyn has been awarded the Major League Volleyball Player of the Week by Franklin Sports.
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This recognition serves as a testament to Martyn’s significant development and crucial contribution to Ignite’s flawless 2-0 beginning of the 2026 season. Her accomplishment is especially uncommon, as she becomes only the fourth middle blocker in MLV history to receive a weekly award, thus joining an exclusive group of distinguished net defenders.
Deconstructing a Defensive Masterclass
Lydia Martyn was awarded Player of the Week due to a match characterized by pivotal plays and statistical superiority. Her performance served as the foundation for an essential road victory, demonstrating an ideal combination of personal excellence and team contribution.
The Record-Breaking Numbers
Martyn achieved a total of 11 blocks, setting a new MLV record for blocks in any match. The record-breaking aspect of her performance was highlighted by a late adjustment; the first stats showed she had 10 blocks, which would have tied the previous record, but a review after the match gave her an 11th block that had been wrongly attributed to a teammate.
Her dominance was not just in total numbers; it was especially evident during critical moments. In the important fourth set, Martyn equaled the MLV record for blocks in a single set with six denials.
The Defining Sequence
Martyn’s performance was not just about the numbers; it was all about timing. During a crucial fifth set, which set a league record for the highest total points in a deciding set, the Ignite faced a match point from the Fury.
In that fifth set, Martyn made a comeback by scoring three points in a row with a kill and two blocks, turning the situation around from a Fury match point to a 22-20 win. This fifth set recorded the highest combined points in league history for set five, as well as the most points scored by both teams in the final set.
Martyn is now the fourth middle blocker in Major League Volleyball history to receive a weekly award as Indy improves to 2-0 this season. She achieved a season-high of 10 kills at Columbus, marking her first career double-double in MLV. Additionally, Martyn had a .385 kill percentage in that match.
| Statistic | Lydia Martyn’s Performance | League Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Blocks | 11 | New MLV Single-Match Record |
| Blocks in Fourth Set | 6 | Matches MLV Single-Set Record |
| Kills | 10 (Season High) | Achieved first career MLV double-double |
| Kill Percentage | .385 | Efficient offensive contribution |
| Key Fifth-Set Sequence | Kill + 2 Consecutive Blocks | Turned a Fury match point into an Ignite victory |
What’s Next for Martyn and the Ignite?
Their upcoming game is a championship rematch featuring two undefeated teams, with the 2-0 Ignite set to face the 3-0 reigning champion Orlando Valkyries. This highly anticipated match will be streamed live on Thursday, January 22, at 7 p.m. ET.
After that, the Ignite will kick off their home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, January 24, against the Omaha Supernovas.
Frequently Asked Questions: Player of the Week Title Awarded to Lydia Martyn After Record Night
What specific record did Lydia Martyn break?
Lydia Martyn established a new Major League Volleyball record by achieving 11 blocks in a single match against the Columbus Fury.
How did Martyn perform offensively in the same match?
She achieved a season-high of 10 kills with a .385 kill percentage, marking her first career MLV double-double (kills and blocks).
Has a middle blocker won this award before?
Yes, but it is rare. Martyn is only the fourth middle blocker in MLV history to be named Player of the Week
What was the most crucial moment of her performance?
As the Ignite approached a match point in the fifth set, Martyn secured three straight points with a kill and two consecutive blocks to clinch the victory.