The Omaha Supernovas won the inaugural Professional Volleyball Federation title with a convincing victory over the Grand Rapids Rise on Saturday, but it was the former University of Wisconsin star's return to the lineup that helped seal the deal.
Sidney Hilley, a four-time All-American setter who played for the Badgers from 2017 to 2021, started the postseason on second-seeded Omaha's bench before returning in the semifinals and leading two standout performances. I showed you.
The Brooklyn Park, Minn., native had 40 assists and six digs in the Supernovas' 25-13, 26-24, 25 victory over fourth-seeded Grand Rapids, earning him the league's first postseason honors. He was selected as a player and received a $10,000 bonus. 22 at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
Although he was underwhelming in the Supernovas' first three postseason wins, Hilly continued to perform well in the semifinals, coming on midway through the second set and finishing with 46 assists and nine digs in a win over San Diego.
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Hilly reflected on the mixed emotions she felt as she watched teammate Natalia Valentin-Anderson get the call from the bench after the championship win.
“Honestly, it's been tough,” Hilley said. “This whole season was pretty tough for me and Nattie because we didn't know from day to day who was going to set up, who was going to be on the bench, who was going to play. But it ended up being good.” It was much easier being Natty. I want her to succeed because I have so much love and care for her.
“So even when I was on the bench, of course I don't want to be on the bench and nobody on the bench wants to be on the bench, but I just want to do the best for her and be ready for anything. I just thought, 'That could happen, so I was going in and the team had a lot of faith in me and allowed me to play freely. ”
Hilly was one of a number of PVF players who also competed in the Athletes Unlimited Pro League before signing to return to Supernovas. She also balances her professional athletic career with a full-time job as a manufacturing scientist for Beckman Coulter Life Sciences, a multinational company based in Chaska, Minnesota.
Hilly isn't the only former Badgers player on the team competing in the PVF playoffs, with outside hitters Grace Loberg and Temi Thomas Airala also expected to be in San Diego. Hillies teammate, middle blocker Daniel Hart, did not play for the Supernovas during the postseason because he missed six games during the regular season due to a lingering headache.
Photo: Former Wisconsin Badger joins new professional volleyball league
Sydney Hilley, 2, of the Omaha Supernovas hits the ball during the second set of a professional volleyball match against the Atlanta Vibe on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha Supernovas' Sydney Hilley sets up the ball during the first Professional Volleyball Federation game between the Atlanta Vibe and Omaha Supernovas on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha. (2).
anna reed the world herald
Paige Briggs, 13, and Daniel Hart, 81, of the Omaha Supernovas during the Vegas Thrill vs. Omaha Supernovas professional volleyball game at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, February. (age) stepped up to block a hit from Vegas Thrill player Gabby Gonzalez (age 15). In July 2024, Vegas Thrill won in his five sets.
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Sydney Hilley, 2, of the Omaha Supernovas beats Hannah of the San Diego Mojo during the third set of a professional volleyball match on Saturday, February 3, at CHI Health Center in Omaha. He hit the ball against Tapp (8 years old) and Temi Thomas Airala (19 years old). , 2024.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Daniel Hart, 81, of the Omaha Supernovas hits the ball during the third set of a professional volleyball match against San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha Supernovas' Sydney Hilley (2) sets the ball during the fourth set of the Professional Volleyball Federation game against the Atlanta Vibe on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser, Messenger of the World
Daniel Hart, 81, of the Omaha Supernovas stands to spike the ball during the third set of a pro volleyball match against the San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha. go up to
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Sydney Hilley, 2, of the Omaha Supernovas sets up the ball during the first set of the Professional Volleyball Federation vs. Orlando Valkyries on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser, Messenger of the World
Jess Shaben Landsman, 10, and Daniel Hart, 81, of the Omaha Supernovas during the first set of a professional volleyball match Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha. (years old) will be on the block against San Diego Mojo.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Sydney Hilley, 2, of the Omaha Supernovas hits a ball during the third set of the Professional Volleyball Federation vs. Orlando Valkyries on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser, Messenger of the World
Daniel Hart, 81, of the Omaha Supernovas spikes the ball during the first set of a professional volleyball match against San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha Supernovas' Daniel Hart, 81, joins the Supernovas team during the first set of a pro volleyball match against the Atlanta Vibes at CHI Health Center in Omaha, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. be introduced.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha Supernovas' Daniel Hart, 81, waits to serve during the first game of the Atlanta Vibe vs. Omaha Supernovas Professional Volleyball Federation at CHI Health Center in Omaha on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. age). The Atlanta Vibe won 5 games. set.
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Shelly Fanning, 3, of the Atlanta Vibes, plays Daniel Hart of the Omaha Supernovas during the first set of a professional volleyball match Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at CHI Health Center in Omaha. (81 years old) and goes up to the block.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
