The NVA is proud to announce more exciting news regarding the 2022 season, including a new league structure with divisions and an all-star match! The National and American Conferences have been split into four divisions with three teams each, totaling twelve teams. The regular-season matches will now feature both interdivisional, interconference, and cross-conference play spreading across five-season events (two more than the year before). The new layout opens the door for a more competitive rankings system that utilizes your overall record and accumulated ‘NVA Points’ to determine qualification and seeding for the playoffs.

The four divisions are set as follows:

During the regular season, each team will play:

–       Two teams in their division twice

–       Three matches against the opposing division in their conference, and then

–       Three more matches against one of the divisions from the opposite conference

Altogether, each team will play ten matches, competing for the best overall record of their divisions. The team with the top record in their respective division will automatically qualify for the playoffs. The following two teams within that conference with the best overall record will also qualify for the playoffs regardless of division. Four teams from each conference will be represented in the playoffs, similar to 2021.

On top of the extended regular season, the NVA is also planning its first-ever All-Star Game! During Event 5, the NVA will bring together the top performers of the regular season to compete for an exhibition featuring some of the top talent in the world in one match!

Make sure to get all the NVA’s scheduled events down in your calendars, so you don’t miss any action this season! With new team rivalries established from last year’s competition, fans can expect big show-outs for match-ups such as Freedom vs. Stingers, Stunners vs. Tyrants, Blaze vs. Matadors, Sasquatch vs. Kraken, and Untouchables vs. Exposure. Come back to the news page and follow the NVA (@nvausa) on Instagram to find more info on the teams this coming season in the following weeks. Fans

should also check out the next two episodes of the Quest for the Cup series and get a first look at our two new teams, the Colorado Kraken and the Seattle Sasquatch.

–       NVA Staff Writer

The Texas Tyrants began their own Instagram trend of ‘workout accountability shoutouts’ on their stories this past year, which slowly became a team staple. The movement started with Setter Isaiah Acfalle and Opposite Tim Johnson posting selfies of themselves working out, quickly spreading to the rest of their teammates and even to other teams in the league. The two recently shared some background on the posts becoming part of their team culture and its impact on their ability to stay strong in the gym during the NVA offseason.

“I don’t remember when or how it started, really!” shared Acfalle. The two, Johnson and Acfalle, were workout partners when they decided to essentially ‘call each other out’ on social media to hit the gym and work out when they could not lift together. “We wanted to find a way to make sure the other wasn’t slacking off. Then more people wanted to take part as well (because) they liked the accountability aspect of it!” Acfalle went on to say. Soon after, these two created a poll on their Instagram stories to see who else wanted to join in and be tagged on social media in their public shoutouts.

Johnson shared how lifting weights together with your teammates helps not only strengthen your body but can also build team chemistry. He mentioned, “In those sessions, we push each other and give each other feedback. If I feel that I can’t do the extra rep or additional session knowing that I have people around to help me push through.” For everyone involved in the trend, the accountability posts helped to fill that void left when there wasn’t someone else there to lift with you.

Overall, the trend paid off for the Texas Tyrants as they became a force to be reckoned with in the 2021 NVA season. After a slow start, the Tyrants finished the year as one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs and were the only team to take the eventual 2021 Champions, O.C. Stunners, to five sets in the playoffs. “The whole experience felt like we were the Average Joe’s from the movie Dodgeball,” Acfalle said.

Johnson explained the transition from college to becoming a professional athlete and the importance of creating an environment where it is easy to make investing in your body a priority. “No one is going to lead you to the gym or help you maintain a healthy diet. That is your responsibility, and proper preparation is key to making sure you stay on track,” he mentioned.

Lastly, when asked what advice they would give to others wanting to get their friends and teammates involved in an accountability thread, Acfalle had this to say; “We aren’t tagging people that we think need to go lift because they are out of shape. We tag them (because) they have goals and things they want to achieve.”

Johnson also gave his advice regarding accountability, stating, “We are all in different stages of life, fitness, and different stages in our careers as Professional Athletes. But if we commit to helping each other, no matter what stage we are at, then we will continue to grow together.” He followed up on that idea by also sharing a lesson Acfalle taught him. He said, “Being at the gym is a competition with yourself. Be the best version of you that YOU can be. No need to compare to others; focus and work on yourself. Thanks, coach Zay!”

Still, today the team is holding each other accountable on social media to hit the weights and keep diving in the sand this offseason. The Texas Tyrants have big goals and expectations for this upcoming season, all doing their part to accomplish these goals together. To see what all the talk is about, go on Instagram and give Acfalle (@acfalle), Johnson (@tim.johnson17), and the Texas Tyrants (@texastyrants) a follow to join in and follow their journey!

“Volley On With the NVA!”

-NVA Staff Writer

Heading into the finals weekend, the Texas Tyrants were favorites to win the championship after a solid performance through the regular season. Finding their footing in the first event, losing hard-fought matches to the Vegas Ramblers and Utah Stingers, the Tyrants went undefeated for the next seven games of the season. In their first year as a team in the league, they passed with flying colors with a winning record of 7-2, matching the Ramblers, who finished first in the regular season.

Their season was made even more memorable by the amount of outpouring support the Tyrants got from their fans. No matter what event, from California to New Jersey, the Tyrants fanatics have rivaled even Team Freedoms fanbase, which has been around since 2012. Even other teams and coaches in the league have been closely watching the Tyrants, as their playstyle has caught the eyes of other professionals.

The Tyrants shared fiery passion and focused intent that allowed them to overwhelm many competitors and routinely bounce back from inevitable defeat. Their shared desire to win at any cost was made even more lethal by the vigorous training they received from their coach Mauro Grasso. When the going got tough, there was never a moment of panic for the Texas squad, trusting their own process to show them the way forward. With everything going for the Tyrants, everyone who had followed them this season believed that they would be competing in the championship match.

Unfortunately, that finals matchup came too soon as the Tyrants took on the OC Stunners in the quarterfinals. The electrifying five-set match was an outstanding display of talent as both teams had to go above and beyond to have any chance of defeating the other. Every minute of the game was a slugfest, with both teams looking as if they were going to take it all until the other stole it right back. The only way the Stunners were able to pull off their victory in the 5th set was thanks to the unfathomable performance by the finals MVP, Corey Chavers, who scored 30 points.

The Tyrants had many memorable performances in their finals performance from Anthony Robinson, Daniel Jacobs, Ryan Maune, and Gianluca Grasso. Grasso even won an award as being the Best Outside Hitter for the 2021 Season. Maune also played his heart out in the match, proving to be a challenge for both the Stunner’s middles Nick West and Nick Amado. Reflecting on the game and his first season with the NVA, Ryan had this to say.

“The match we had against the Stunners is going to motivate our whole team for next year! We struggled to find a rhythm early and always had to fight back in every set. Experience is the best teacher, and I think this loss will only make us better as a team! 

I think we’re the youngest team in terms of experience in the NVA, so the future is nothing but up for us. We have a fantastic coach and a great group of passionate guys who work hard every day. This season is nothing to be disappointed about, and we are ready for next year!”

With more experience under their belt, the Tyrants are sure to do even greater things next season! But with the addition of two new teams in Seattle and Colorado, there will be even more competition to cut down before they find themselves back in the finals again. To catch all the excitement of their final match against the Stunners, follow the link below to find full coverage on YouTube. Be sure to follow the Tyrants(@texastyrants) and the NVA(@nvausa) on Instagram to get updates on your favorite teams, as well as find highlight clips from the season. 

NVA Quarter Final: Texas Tyrants vs OC Stunners

https://youtu.be/F-b_dM5pgVs 

• NVA Staff Writer

Set #1 – Matadors 25, Tyrants 23

Both teams sided out to a 1-1 tie. At 3-3 Matadors scored on a OPP block point and took the lead 4-3. Matadors and Tyrants continued to side out to a 7-7 tie. Then Matadors took a two point lead on a MB block point to 9-7. At 12-11 the Matadors added to their lead with a Tyrant’s hitting error and two OH kills to 15-11. Tyrants sided out on a MB block point to 15-12. Tyrants’ OH block point cuts the Matador lead to 15-14; and then the Tyrants tie on a Matador hitting error. Matadors increased their lead to 18-15 with two OH kills. Tyrants cut the lead by one with an OH kill to 19-17. Matadors bounce back with two OH kills to 21-17. Tyrants called a timeout, then sided-out to 21-18. Matadors score on their serve with two more OH kills to 23-18. Tyrants sided-out to 23-19. A Tyrants serving error gave the Matadors set point to 24-19. Tyrants sided-out with an OH block point to 24-20. Then added another point with an OH kill 24-21. A Matador hitting error cut the lead to 24-22. Tyrants served an ace to 24-23. Matadors called a timeout. Tyrants serving error gave Matadors the win.

Matadors – 12 Kills, 2 Blocking Point, 11 Opponent Errors; 92% Reception and 60% Hitting.

Tyrants  – 2 Aces, 14 Kills, 1 Block Point, 6 Opponent Errors; 100% Reception and 48% Hitting.

Set #2 – Tyrants 25, Matadors 22

Matadors score the first two points with an OH kill and OPP block point for a 2-0 lead. A Tyrants’ side-out and Matador OH hitting error ties the score at 2-2. Matadors sided-out and followed up with a OPP block point to a 4-2 lead. Tyrants sided-out and a Matador passing error tied the score at 4-4. Matadors took the lead to 5-4. At 8-7 a Tyrants’ hitting error increased the Matadors lead 9-7. Both teams continued to side-out until 12-11. Tyrants’ OH block point tied the score at 12-12. Tyrants took the lead on an MB kill and double by the Matador setter to 15-13.

Matadors called a timeout. Tyrants sided-out to maintain their lead at 16-14. Tyrants increased their lead with a OH kill and block point to 21-17. Matadors sided-out with a OH kill to 21-18. Matadors cut the lead to 23-21 on a Tyrants net error, then 23-22 from an OH kill. The Tyrants  won the set point after a dig and an OH kill.

Tyrants  – 1 Aces, 14 Kills, 4 Block Point, 6 Opponent Errors; 100% Reception and 47% Hitting.

Matadors – 13 Kills, 2 Blocking Point, 7 Opponent Errors; 85% Reception and 48% Hitting.

Set #3 – Matadors 25, Tyrants 17

Matadors took an early 3-1 lead with two OH kills and one OPP kill. A Matador OPP hitting error tied the score at 3-3. Tyrants took a three point lead on a setting error, double by the OH and MB block point to 6-3. Matadors sided-out to 6-4 and Tyrants hitting error cut the lead to 6-5. Matador overpass led to a Tyrants’ OH kill to extend the Tyrants’ lead to 9-6. Matadors sided-out and then scored a point from an OPP kill to cut the Tyrants’ lead to 9-8. A Tyrants’ block point and OH kill gave them back the 3-point lead to 12-9. Matadors score two points in a row on Tyrant hitting error and OPP kill to 12-11. At 14-13 Matadors score points after a Tyrant’s overpass led a MB kill, an OH kill, ace; and another OH kill after another Tyrants’ overpass to take a 17-14 lead. Tyrants called a timeout. Matadors continued to add to their lead with an OH kill, OPP kill and Tyrants hitting error to 20-14. Tyrants sided-out to 20-15 and score another point to cut the lead to 20-16. Two Tyrants hitting errors and MB block point increased the Matador lead to 24-17. Tyrants called their second time out. After a Matador serve the Tyrants’ hitting error scored the winning set point for the Matadors.

Matadors – 1 Ace, 11 Kills, 1 Blocking Point, 12 Opponent Errors; 92% Reception and 37% Hitting.

Tyrants  – 9  Kills, 2 Block Point, 6 Opponent Errors; 90% Reception and 30% Hitting.

Set #4 – Tyrants 26, Matadors 24

Matadors started with a 2-0 lead on OH and OPP kills. After Tyrants sided-out Matadors added to their lead on a Tyrants’ hitting error to 4-1. At 6-3 Tyrants sided out on an OH kill to 6-4. A Tyrants’ MB block point cut the lead to 6-5. Matadors sided-out and Tyrants’ hitting error brought the Matador lead back to three points at 8-5. At 11-9 Tyrants score on a OH kill and MB kill to an 11-11 tie. Matadors sided-out and took a one point lead to 12-11. After both teams sided-out to 17-17 Tyrants retook the lead to 18-17 on an OH kill. Matadors called a timeout. Tyrants’ service error tied the score at 18-18. Matadors retook the lead with an MB kill to 20-19. Tyrants MB block point tied score at 21-21. Matadors sided-out with OH kill to 22-21. Tyrants sided-out with MB kill to 22-22. Matadors took lead again on an OH kill 23-22. Tyrants sided out to tie the score again 23-23. Matadors called a timeout. Tyrants serve caused a Matador overpass that led to a Tyrants’ MB kill that gave the Tyrants the 24-23 lead. Matadors sided-out from a Tyrants’ hitting error to tie the score 24-24. Tyrants OH kill and MB block point closed out the set for a 26-24 Tyrants’ win.

Tyrants  – 19 Kills, 3 Block Point, 4 Opponent Errors; 100% Reception and 50% Hitting.

Matadors – 10 Kills, 2 Blocking Point, 12 Opponent Errors; 76% Reception and 43% Hitting.

Set #5 – Matadors 20, Tyrants 18

Each team sided-out to a 2-2 tie. Matadors took a two point lead with an Opp kill and OH kill to 4-2. Matador serve, Tyrants overpass led to a MB kill for 6-3 Matador lead. Tyrant hitting error added another point for the Matadors to 7-3. Matadors hold on to their lead at 11-7. Tyrants sided-out with MB kill to 11-8. Tyrants score on an OH kill cut lead to 11-9, then follow with an ace cut the lead again to 11-10. Matadors sided-out with OPP kill to 12-10. Tyrants sided out with OH kill to 12-11. Matadors’ OH scores with an acrobatic back handed touch kill to 13-11. Tyrants score a point on the Matadors service error to 13-12. Tyrants dig leads to a OH kill to tie the score at 13-13. Matador hitting error gave Tyrants 14-13 lead. Matadors tie score with OH kill to 14-14, then take lead on another OH kill to 15-14. Tyrants tie score with OH kill. Tyrants hitting error gave Matadors another lead to 16-15. Tyrants sided out to tie 16-16 OH kill.

Matadors netted that gave Tyrants a 17-16. Matadors called time out, then sided out on OPP kill to 17-17 tie.

Tyrants’ hitting error gave Matadors 18-17 lead. Tyrants sided out to tie 18-18. Matadors sided out on OH kill and then won the set and match from a Tyrants’ hitting error.

Matadors – 15 Kills, 1 Blocking Point, 4 Opponent Errors; 94% Reception and 60% Hitting.

Tyrants  – 1 Aces, 12 Kills, 5 Opponent Errors; 93% Reception and 57% Hitting.

Finally, establishing a robust roster to enter into the league with, the Tyrants are primed and ready for their first-ever NVA event in November 2020. Their players show the depth of midwestern, southern volleyball known for their tenacity and grit. Without a doubt, the rest of the league will need to be on guard when the Tyrants lineup is on the court.

At the Outside Hitter position, the Tyrants are led by College Club Champion Eddie Keesecker and four-time collegiate All-American and Division 3 National Champion Tim Ferriter. They also have Kean University alumni Jake Milnazik and Virginia Tech Club alumni Dan Nugent, brother of Team Freedom’s Chris Nugent.

Their Opposites include  a CVC All-Conference player from Thiel University, Dante McCoy, Illinois native big-man Elvis Minyakov, and NJIT alumni Piotr Namiotko.

In the Middle, they tout Race Munger, All-Great Lakes Conference First Team player Sam Kull from Saint Xavier University, All-American blocking king Thomas Burrell, and Mathew Buffum, who is considered as being the most dominant middle blocker in Elmira College’s program history.

The Setters are led by Ryan Kenny, who has played professionally in England, Germany, and Slovakia. The Tyrants also bring forward Ian Kapp from Kean University and Warner University alumni Mitch Wiskerchen.

Finally, the Tyrants have their main men in the backcourt Ryan Alu, who played libero for Saint Francis University as well as Team Freedom’s Manager Justin Beaumont!

The Tennessee Tyrants will be making their debut this November 5-8, when the NVA convenes in Salt Lake City, Utah.. Make sure to catch all these players in action on NVA Live TV!