Fishers, IND – The Omaha Supernovas played the role of spoiler to perfection on Saturday night, handing the Indy Ignite their first loss of the 2026 season in a four-set battle at the Fishers Event Center. Despite a spirited crowd that braved a winter storm for the franchise’s home opener, Indy couldn’t sustain their early momentum, falling 23-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-23. The victory breathed new life into the Supernovas’ season, snapping their three-match losing streak, while the Ignite dropped to 3-1.

➡️  Ignite vs Supernovas photos

The night began promisingly for the home team. Feeding off the energy of the “Indy Ignite Day” proclamation by Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness, the Ignite rallied from a late deficit in the first set. Opposite hitter Azhani Tealer, who led Indy with 15 kills, sparked the comeback with back-to-back points, and outside hitter Anna DeBeer closed it out to give Indy a 25-23 win. The Ignite offense looked crisp early, hitting at a blistering .410 clip in the opening frame, seemingly poised to extend their season-opening win streak to four.

However, the momentum shifted drastically in the second set as the defending champions found their footing. Omaha tightened up their defense and capitalized on Indy’s errors, taking the second set 25-22. The third set was all Supernovas; they broke open a 6-6 tie with a dominant 10-3 run, silencing the home crowd. Omaha’s blocking was particularly stifling, with rookie Kiara Reinhardt tallying six blocks to tie a franchise record, forcing the Ignite hitters into difficult shots.

Omaha’s offensive duo of Brooke Nuneviller and Reagan Cooper proved too much for the Ignite defense to handle down the stretch. Nuneviller, the reigning Outside Hitter of the Year, finished with a match-high 18 kills, while Cooper added 17 kills in her first full match of the season. Their efficient scoring allowed Omaha to control the tempo, hitting .362 as a team—the second-highest percentage in franchise history.

The fourth set provided the night’s most dramatic moments as Indy fought to keep the match alive. Trailing 15-11, the Ignite clawed back to tie the game at 18-all, reigniting hope in the arena. But the Supernovas refused to buckle. In the decisive final points, Nuneviller delivered the match-winning kill, closing the door on Indy’s comeback attempt at 25-23.

For the Ignite, the loss was a reality check after a dream start to their inaugural campaign. Despite strong performances from Leketor Member-Meneh (13 kills) and a double-double from DeBeer (11 kills, 14 digs), head coach Lauren Bertolacci expressed disappointment in the team’s “lack of grit” and competitiveness compared to their previous road wins. Meanwhile, Omaha leaves Indiana with renewed confidence, having reasserted themselves as a league powerhouse.