FISHERS — The red-hot Indy Ignite had a league-best five players selected for the 2026 Major League Volleyball All-Star Game.
Libero Elena Scott, setter Mia Tuaniga, middle blockers Lydia Martyn and Blake Mohler, and opposite Azhani Tealer — her second All-Star selection — will head to Orlando for the weekend festivities and game at noon March 28. They make up five of the 24 All-Star roster spots. They have helped the Ignite to a 14-3 start to the season, giving them a two-game lead on second-place Dallas Pulse with two to play before the break.
“It just says a lot about our team in general,” Scott said. “We have so many stud players on our team, so being able to compete against them day in and day out in practice really helps when it comes to games. You’re being pushed to your max capacity every day in practice, and it makes you better. I think it’s a big statement for our team this year.”
First-year coach Lauren Bertolacci brought a winning pedigree to Indy, one that her players say “brings the juice” and “evolving us as player,” even if they “might want to cry inside” during training. But players have spoke optimistically, seeing the fruit of their labor and are enthusiastic about their coach.
“I will work harder than anyone in the room all the time,” Bertolacci said last week. “I will leave no stone unturned to win the game, whether that be what we’re doing tactically, checking in on how the girls are doing emotionally, mentally, being ready for all different situations.”
The season Scott has had has brought her in the discourse for a USA Volleyball roster spot. The Louisville product averages 3.48 digs per set (226 total, fourth in league). A popular player from her time as a Cardinal, she won the fan vote — which factors into picks with player input and league selection.
“It’s really cool that liberos are starting to get a little bit more credit than they maybe have in the past,” Scott said. “I’m just glad I’m one of those and can maybe change the way people see liberos and the perspective on how much we provide to the game.”
Tuaniga was hand-picked to lead Bertolacci’s fast-tempo offense, doing so with the Ignite instead of overseas. In her second MLV season, Tuaniga is has 12.02 assists per set, second in the league, (757 total) and also factors defensively 2.16 digs per set. Her 13 service aces are fifth.
“The first thing that really came to my mind was just how blessed I am to really be called an all-star and to be called up into this position,” Tuaniga said. “Last year, I was at the Atlanta Vibe and I wasn’t playing that much. Now this season, I’ve been having more opportunities to get out on the court and it’s kind of a full-circle moment for me to hear my name being announced. It’s really nice to just go out there and play the sport I love with people that I love.”
The 5-foot-9 Tealer has been excellent with 3.31 kills per set (159 total, 12th) and is hitting .263. She also has 16 blocks.
The 6-3 Martyn has been highly efficient in the middle, hitting .372 (second) with 2.3 kills per set and adds 31 blocks (sixth) defensively. Her position mate, the 6-1 Mohler, is hitting .352 (fifth) for her 1.69 kills per set, and adds a team-leading 33 blocks (fourth). The success and efficiency of the middles — they lead the team in hit percentage — has unlocked the pin hitters in the offense.
Mohler suggested they may go to Disney World during a day off for their break.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 5 players selected from league-leading Indy Ignite to 2026 MLV All-Star Game
Reporting by Aaron Ferguson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
