ORLANDO, Florida, April 16, 2026.- On her birthday, Merritt Beason delivered the best performance of her Omaha Supernovas career, recording a match-high 15 points to lead the franchise to a crucial road sweep of the Orlando Valkyries (10-13) in a straight-set victory, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, Thursday night at Additional Financial Arena in front of 1,367 fans.
Making her first start since Jan. 18 versus Orlando, the second-year pro out of Nebraska torched the Valkyries in her most complete performance of the season, totaling nine kills along with a trio of blocks and aces. Beason also added six digs and played a key role in a Supernovas (12-13) block that tied the franchise three-set record with 13 stuffs.
Thursday also marked the first career victory for interim head coach Thomas Robson. At 25, Robson is believed to be one of the youngest head coaches to win a match in professional volleyball and among the youngest in modern professional sports.
Outside hitter Sarah Parsons joined her in double figures with 12 points on nine kills and three blocks while adding five digs. Brooke Nuneviller matched her teammates for the team lead in both kills (nine) and digs (eight).
Extending her recent stretch of standout play, middle blocker Leyla Blackwell recorded her second double-digit scoring performance in the last three matches. Before exiting late in the third set after an awkward landing, Blackwell totaled 10 points with seven kills on a .462 hitting percentage, along with two blocks and her first ace of the season. Making her return to the starting lineup, Kiara Reinhardt added three kills on five swings while finishing with a pair of blocks and digs.
Setter Brooke Mosher dished out 29 assists and added seven digs in her fourth career start. She also contributed three points on two kills and one block. Libero Elena Oglivie provided a steady presence with eight digs and two assists.
As a team, the Supernovas hit .295 on the night, totaling 13 blocks, four aces, 35 assists, 36 digs and 39 kills while passing at a 49% positive rate.
Outside hitter Hannah Maddux was the lone bright spot for the Valkyries, finishing with a team-high 14 points on 13 kills (.370) and one ace. Orlando was limited to a .108 hitting percentage, recording three blocks, three aces, 25 assists, 28 kills, 38 digs and only passing at 30% for the match.
The Supernovas return to action Sunday, April 19, when they visit the Atlanta Vibe (9-13) at Gas South Arena. First serve is set for 2 p.m. CDT on the MLV YouTube Channel.
Orlando Valkyries (10-13) face San Diego Mojo (11-11) on Sunday, April 19, at 3:00 p.m. ET at the Addition Financial Arena. Watch the match live on CBS Sports Network.
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