Dallas Pulse made a spirited debut in North Texas, led by rookie Mimi Colyer and Sofia Maldonado Diaz, yet fell to Indy Ignite in a thrilling opener.
FRISCO, Texas — In what was a true launch moment for professional volleyball in North Texas, the Dallas Pulse’s long-awaited debut ended in a hard-fought loss against the Indy Ignite.
Indy pulled out the victory in a best-of-five season opener on Saturday night at Comerica Center in Frisco.
Dallas jumped out early, taking the opening set and igniting the home crowd, but the Ignite settled in and used their experience to turn the match, handing the Pulse a tough lesson in their inaugural outing.
Rookie Mimi Colyer, the No. 1 overall pick and outside hitter, was a constant offensive threat, slamming kills from all corners of the court and setting the tone early for Dallas. Outside hitter Sofia Maldonado Diaz and opposite hitter Malaya Jones were a clear standout for Dallas, delivering powerful swings in key moments and helping Dallas stay within striking distance as the match wore on.
Setter Natalia Valentín-Anderson kept the offense flowing, while libero Kylie Murr anchored the back row with timely digs that extended rallies and energized the crowd.
Supporting the offense, middle blockers Kaitlyn Hord and Layne Van Buskirk controlled the net with authoritative blocks.
Dallas took the opening set, but Indy responded by winning sets two, three and four to claim the match. Indy ultimately gained control behind its balanced attack and steady defense, outlasting Dallas in the later sets as the Ignite’s blockers slowed the Pulse offense and capitalized on transition opportunities.
Still, the opening night performance from Colyer and Jones offered a glimpse of what the Pulse can become as the season progresses. While the final result didn’t go Dallas’ way, the foundation for professional volleyball in North Texas, and for this roster, was firmly set under the lights in Frisco.