Last Updated 1 week by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indy Ignite have wrapped up their very first season—and they’re not done yet. After an impressive run in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s debut year, the Ignite are now one of four teams headed to Las Vegas for the league’s championship tournament.

Team President and General Manager Mary Kay Hughes shared what comes next for the team after their incredible journey. “It feels really incredible. It’s been such a ride,” Hughes said. “Some days it felt like five minutes, some days it felt like five years building this franchise in the last 18 months.”

The Ignite are set to face the number one seed, Omaha, in the semifinals next Friday night. It’s a rematch that the team has been looking forward to. “The last time we faced them was in Omaha on the road and we swept them. It was one of our biggest victories of the season,” Hughes said. “They are an incredible team, but we know them well and we’re really ready to dive in headfirst in Vegas.”

A big part of the team’s success this season has come from the support off the court. Hughes emphasized just how much the fans have meant to the Ignite. “One of the reasons this season has completely exceeded our expectations is just how the community has shown up. You know, it’s year one, inaugural season. We weren’t sure what to expect,” she said. “We’ve sold out two of our home matches, we sold out an all-star match, we’ve been averaging about 4,500 to 5,000 in attendance.”

And it’s not just the numbers—it’s the noise.

“It’s how loud they are, how engaged they are. We have very much a home court advantage already and [we’re] seen as kind of the best venue, best fans in the league. It’s really exciting and incredible energy,” said Huse.

As the team prepares to head to Vegas, fans are being called on once again to show their support. On Thursday morning, fans can stop by Taylor’s Bakery locations in Fishers and on Allisonville Road in Indianapolis for a sweet send-off.

“There’s going to be free Ignite Donuts on Thursday morning,” Hughes said. “There’ll be a flag there that people can sign and [it] will be taken to Vegas with us. You can leave your special notes for the players and the team and give them the extra fire they need.”

When asked what this gesture will mean to the players, Hughes didn’t hesitate. “They’ve said all along that they’ve just been blown away by the support and how much the fans give them that extra energy and that extra electricity. So we’re going to take that on the road with us with this flag and the messages.”

The send-off event will take place from 7 to 9 a.m. at the two Taylor’s Bakery locations. Fans can pick up a free donut, sign the flag, and send their best wishes to a team making Indianapolis proud.