The opening game of the 2025 Pro Volleyball Federation season brought mixed emotions for the Columbus Fury, as they faced the San Diego Mojo at Nationwide Arena. Despite an undeniably spirited performance, the Fury suffered a 3-1 loss, marking a challenging start to their second season in the league. However, the new-look team displayed a resilience and determination that promises growth over the course of the season.
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A Fresh Start for the Fury
The 2025 Columbus Fury roster is almost entirely new compared to the previous season. This year’s team boasts a new mix of players eager to make their mark in the Pro Volleyball Federation. The 2024 season had been a tough one for the Fury, finishing with a disappointing 8-16 record, and many changes were made in the off-season to bring in fresh talent. Only three players from last year’s squad have returned, and one of them, Megan Courtney-Lush, proved her importance with a standout performance against San Diego.
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Courtney-Lush, who led the Fury in points on Saturday with 13—12 of which came from kills and 1 from an assist—offered a glimpse of the potential the team has this year. Despite the loss, she provided a bright spot and a sense of optimism. “The people who are here this year are hard working, they’re trying to make a name for themselves,” Courtney-Lush commented. “They’re just sort of really gritty, hard-working teammates that are underdogs.”
The “underdog” mentality is an apt description of this year’s squad, which, despite being largely untested, is loaded with players motivated to prove themselves and rise above expectations. It’s a theme that could define their season—battling against the odds to make an impact in a league where the competition is fierce.
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A Back-and-Forth Battle
The match against the San Diego Mojo was an exciting, closely contested affair, but one that exposed some of the Fury’s early-season weaknesses. The first set saw Columbus struggle to maintain momentum. Despite pulling ahead 15-10 and looking strong, the Fury faltered after a timeout when San Diego went on a 5-point run, shifting the momentum in their favor. Columbus ultimately dropped the first set 25-18, though the team’s determination was evident.
The second set was a different story. The Fury came out with more confidence, keeping San Diego on its toes. Columbus trailed only once in the set, briefly falling behind 2-1, but rallied to win it 25-21. This victory offered a glimmer of hope, as the team showcased its potential to battle back from adversity.
However, the third set proved to be the tipping point in the match. Despite a strong fight from the Fury, San Diego managed to capitalize on Columbus’ mistakes. Serving errors, a recurring issue throughout the match, proved costly. The Fury committed four serving errors in the third set alone and finished the match with a total of 13 errors. The inability to execute serves and put the Mojo in difficult situations ultimately cost the Fury the set, 25-19.
“We couldn’t put them in difficult situations,” said Fury head coach Angel Perez. “That was the worst thing we did the whole game.” His frustration was palpable, but his words also revealed the team’s focus on improving fundamental aspects of the game. Service errors, which are often overlooked but vital in volleyball, became an Achilles’ heel for the Fury and something they will need to address in the coming weeks.
The fourth and final set was almost entirely dominated by San Diego. The Mojo jumped to an early 5-0 lead, and the Fury struggled to recover. Despite a late push, Columbus couldn’t bridge the gap, ultimately losing the set 25-22, and the match 3-1.
The Road Ahead: Looking to Build
Though the loss was frustrating, it was not without its positives. The Fury showed they could compete with one of the top teams in the league, and their spirited play in the second set proves that they are capable of being competitive. They just need to clean up their errors, especially in serving, and continue building chemistry as a new team.
There is a lot of potential in the Fury’s roster this season. The team is young, but hungry, and the drive to prove themselves could be their greatest asset. Their performances will likely improve as they gain experience and cohesion. While the loss to San Diego stings, it also offers valuable lessons and an opportunity for growth.
This season is about more than just wins and losses for the Columbus Fury. It’s about establishing a new identity. After a difficult first season, the Fury are ready to embrace the underdog narrative and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in the league.
A Bright Future
As the Fury head into their next challenge, a road game against the Atlanta Vibe, there’s optimism on the horizon. The Vibe, like the Mojo, will be a tough opponent, but this gives the Fury another opportunity to continue building. The match against Atlanta will be their first away game of the season, and playing on the road always presents a unique set of challenges.
One thing is clear: The Fury have the potential to be much better than their 2024 season record. With hard work, attention to detail, and continued development, they can take a step forward and surprise many who may have written them off as underdogs. If they can address their service errors and continue to grow as a team, there is little doubt that they can compete at a high level throughout the season.
The next few weeks will be critical in defining this team’s trajectory. With so much new talent and a renewed sense of purpose, the Fury have the chance to make a strong impression in the 2025 season. Whether or not they secure a playoff spot will depend on their ability to bounce back from early losses and stay focused on improving each match.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Columbus Fury will undoubtedly face challenges, but they also have the drive, the heart, and the potential to make their mark. Whether or not they achieve success will depend on how they respond to adversity and whether they can continue to play with the grit that defines them as a team. Their journey is just beginning, and for the Columbus Fury, the best may still be yet to come.
