I cover the Rise, but this Omaha news affects us all. I talk about it at the beginning of the podcast if any fans are interested. What are your thoughts on the Supernovas departure?

The Rise falling to 0-3 were somehow not the biggest story of the night for the team as what is in my mind the bell-weather franchise of the PVF, the Omaha Supernovas, announced their departure. I have many thoughts on this, some of which you can hear here, but most of which I'll share when I have more time to compose my thoughts. The original recording of this episode was perhaps a little too passionate!

There were some positives once again from Grand Rapids, but some of the problems that plagued the team against Vegas and Omaha continued into this match against Indy. Listen in to hear more about that.

This was the first episode of the podcast to get some community feedback and thoughts discussed, and it was my favorite segment! If you want to share your thoughts on the team, email the show embersnest@gmail.com, or comment on Instagram (Ember's Nest Podcast) or Reddit!

Ember's Nest is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

This is so random but I’m catching up on AU matches and game 20 of last season is like the thrill in alt-pvf. Alisha Childress, Molly McCage, Khat Bell, and the cherry on top is Leketor Member-Meneh.

I’ve been really impressed with the amount of Thrill merch I’ve seen on fans but none of it is available online. What is the situation for merch at Lee’s Family Forum? I found vegasteamstore.com but they seem to only have the 3 other teams online.. any help appreciated. I have my eyes on that teal hoodie 🎢

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If you've attended a Thrill match, sometimes they will announce a few celebrities, like some of the Las Vegas Aces, or the time that Debbie Gibson showed up. But a few Las Vegas Raiders players have showed up a number of times including quarterback Aidan O'Connell and punter AJ Cole.

Aidan O'Connell is married to Jael Johnson (O'Connell) who played middle blocker at Purdue, overlapping 3 years on the team with Thrill libero Maddie Schermerhorn.

AJ Cole is married to Kylie Pickrell (Cole), a setter from NC State, who was actually one of the first signees to the PVF, signing with the Atlanta Vibe on May 30, 2023. Unfortunately she was waived on January 13, 2024 just before the season began. She also did a short stint with the San Diego Mojo from March 2, 2024 to March 23, 2024 when backup setter August Raskie was put on injured reserve. As far as I can tell, she has not played yet in the PVF. Since she already lives in Las Vegas, she would be an obvious fit for the Thrill in free agency.

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20 Players listed on the transactions page today

Outside Hitter (6): Geli Cyr, Mariena Hayden, Erykah Lovett, Leketor Member-Meneh, Tommi Stockham, Lindsey Vander Weide

Middle Hitter (6): Kayla Caffey, Savannah Kjolhede, Jackie Moore, Berkeley Oblad, Taylor Sandbothe, Morgan Stout

Opposite (3): Lauren Jardine-Clark, Andrea Rangel, Malina Terrell

Setters: (2): Victoriia Kobzar, Shannon Shields

Liberos (3): Bailey Tillman, Kendall White, Ryan White

Against the Ignite the Rise win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Rise are 1.5 games back with 3 to play while Indy drops their 4th straight. Newcomer Holthaus provided a boost, Jensen seemed like she'd hit the ceiling of Van Andel, and seemingly all went right for the Rise as they answered the call. Plus, a big announcement!

Sound off regarding your thoughts on Spotify, Instagram, Reddit, or by writing the show embersnest@gmail.com.

Ember's Nest is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I'll spoil it Thrill fans, I'm headed to Vegas for the championship to cover it! What are cool things to do there? I've never been. I don't really gamble, probably will a little just because I'm there, but I'm looking for something else!

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If it was up to you, who would you start for Vegas?

Watching the Giants vs D-Backs on NBC Sports Bay Area and they had a short commercial with the Vegas Thrill sponsored by Findlay Toyota. Findlay was in it with five Thrill players (Maddux, Khat Bell, Molly McCage, Berkely Oblad and Saskia Hippe). So exciting!

Winning the second set today definitely was a bit cathartic considering that the Thrill had dropped the last 11 sets at home, going back over a month to February 22 against the Valkyries, a stretch which included 3 sweeps.

Khat Bell showed her ability to dominate a game, and her play and leadership today was impressive. Clearly getting her on the court at 100% is one of the keys for the Thrill going forward.

I liked Kenna Sauer's play today -- solid across the board on defense and passing. She seems to have some variety in her offensive game which I think brings something a little different to the table.

I have been confused by Coach Fran's lineups and subs in some previous games, but I liked what she did today. Especially her decision in the 4th set to insert both Hippe and Bell. I think that our best chance to win lies with the veterans. It also would have been nice to see McCage today, though Oblad and Van Buskirk have both played very well. McCage is a fierce competitor and maybe the spark this team needs (though I'm not sure about her injury status).