All-Stars Shine In Orlando
ORLANDO, Florida, March 28, 2026.- The stars were out at the Major
League Volleyball All-Star Match, showcasing the elite talent from
across this major league. In front of a national audience on CBS,
the Team Meske All-Stars defeated the Team Launiere All-Stars, 2-1
(24-25, 25-19, 25-22).
A
total of 5,380 fans – a sellout capacity in the lower bowl that
spilled into the upper sections - witnessed the second annual
gathering of MLV’s top players.
Beyond the on-court competition, the match represented a significant
milestone for the sport. As Major League Volleyball enters the final
weeks of its third season, the success of the All-Star event
reflects the league’s increasing national attention and the
continued rise in visibility for women’s professional volleyball.
“This event represents something much bigger than a single match,”
said head coach Dan Meske. “To see this level of talent, paired with
this kind of atmosphere and fan support, really speaks to where the
game is heading. It’s exciting to be part of something that
continues to grow and build momentum across the country. And just as
important, college aged players now have a real opportunity to
compete in the MLV and represent their home country on a
professional stage.”
The
match followed a three-set format, with each set played to 25 points
and no win by two points rule. Team Launiere and Team Meske opened
the match with a tightly contested first set, exchanging points
throughout before Team Launiere edged ahead late to claim a 25–24
win. Dallas rookie Mimi Colyer set the tone offensively for Team
Launiere with six kills in the frame, while Paige Briggs-Romine
added four. Team Meske countered with a balanced attack, led by
Dallas Pulse’s Sofia Maldonado Diaz with five kills and Orlando’s
Charitie Luper contributing four of her own.
Responding with urgency in the second set, Team Meske found its
rhythm and created separation down the stretch to secure a 25–19
victory. Luper and Leah Edmond of the Atlanta Vibe powered the
offense with five kills each, while the team’s presence at the net
became a defining factor, combining for seven blocks across the
opening two sets.
Luper
and Edmond led Team Meske with 10 points apiece, while Colyer
delivered a standout performance for Team Launiere, pacing all
players with 13 points to go along with two blocks and an ace.
A
key factor throughout the match was the level of play from both
teams’ setters, who seamlessly distributed the offense and
maintained tempo despite limited time together.
“I
thought the setters on both sides did an excellent job managing the
flow of the match,” Meske added. “They created balance offensively
and made it look like these groups had been playing together for
much longer than they actually have.”
Aside from the final score, the energy throughout Addition Financial
Arena and the visible joy from both players and fans defined the
event. All-Star Charitie Luper credited her performance to the
experience itself and the opportunity to compete alongside both
familiar and new teammates.
“It
was such an incredible experience,” said Luper. “Being able to play
with former teammates while also learning from players I’ve never
shared the court with was really special. Seeing different styles of
play and just enjoying the moment made it so much fun. It’s a great
reminder of why we all love this game.”
Overall, the match highlighted not only the elite individual talent
across Major League Volleyball, but also the league’s growing
ability to bring players together on a national stage and deliver a
high-quality, competitive product for fans. |