COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- It's almost time for first serve at Nationwide Arena. The final preparations are underway as the Columbus Fury get set for its home opener in the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation.
The Fury is still seeking its first win after dropping its opening two matches on the road against Grand Rapids and Orlando. Columbus will play Omaha on Wednesday, with the match scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
"I think it takes a little bit of time with a young team like this to develop," coach Angel Perez. "To believe in themselves and to bring that confidence that they can compete at any level so I think it's going to take a little bit of time."
Perez has seen growth from his players over the first two matches. Monday marked the first time the players were able to practice on their home court at Nationwide Arena and they admit that the surroundings take some getting used to.
"This is my first time getting to even see this arena and it's amazing. It's massive," outside hitter Reagan Cooper said. "Depth perception is definitely something that we're going to work on with the couple of practices we have in here. Serve receive especially, depth perception affects it a lot so we're already feeling good after [Monday]'s practice."
Fury libero Valeria León is a former Ohio State player who plans to have some familiar faces in the crowd cheering her and the team on Wednesday night. She says she's grateful to play in Columbus again.
"I think we have to play a clean game. Lower our mistakes and just stay together," León said. "Follow the game plan that our coaches are going to provide to us, and hopefully that's enough for us to get the win."
Cooper hopes home-court advantage can deliver a win.
"We've played in a couple of arenas but this is the biggest by far," she said. "Hopefully, we can fill it up and the atmosphere I hope will be great in here."
