Sept. 23, 2000
PULLMAN, Wash. -- It took six years, but the losing streak in Pullman, Wash., is over for the Arizona State Sun Devil volleyball team.
Backed by five players in double-digit kills, the Sun Devils inched out a 8-15, 15-9, 15-12, 12-15, 15-12 win over the Washington State Cougars in front of loud and crazy Homecoming crowd of 1,250 in Bohler Gym. The win snapped a five-game losing streak to the Cougars in Pullman.
The win improved ASU's overall record to 10-3 and 2-1 in Pac-10 play. The Sun Devils have now won five straight games and nine of their last 10 overall. The win improved ASU's record to 17-13 all-time vs. the Cougars.
Outside hitter Amanda Burbridge (Scottsdale, Ariz.) led the Sun Devils with 22 kills and notched her 10th double-double of the season. It was the sixth time this season she has recorded 20 or more kills.
Junior Jami Coughlin (Glendale, Ariz.) also had a solid match with 15 kills and 25 digs. Freshman setter Cheryl Anglin (Queen Creek, Ariz.) turned in the ninth best assist performance in school history with 71.
After falling in game one 15-8, Burbridge led ASU with six kills in game two, and rallied the Sun Devils to a 15-9 win after trailing 6-2 early in the match. A strong offensive attack from Burbridge and Coughlin pulled ASU even at 1-1.
The Sun Devils won a hard-fought game three, 15-12, and were led by sophomore Julia Leddy's (Mesa, Ariz.) six kills. ASU went on a 3-0 run late in the game to mount a 14-11 lead.
Washington State battled back in game four to tie the match at two games apiece. Trina Kightlinger had eight kills in game four to lead the Cougars and push the match to five games.
Leddy had 18 kills, one short of her career high, and hit .306 (18-7-36) for the match. Senior Michelle Mortensen (Chandler, Ariz.) had a team-high nine total blocks, while freshman Kim Mehlhorn (Tempe, Ariz.) added 11 kills and six blocks.
ASU will return to action next weekend, hosting California and Stanford on Friday and Saturday night. ASU 8 15 15 12 15 WSU 15 9 12 15 12 ASU Statistical Leaders: KILLS: Burbridge (22), Leddy (18), Coughlin (15) ASSISTS: Anglin (71) DIGS: Coughlin (25), Burbridge (24) TOTAL BLOCKS: Mortensen (9), Burbridge (6), Mehlhorn (6) SERVICE ACES: Mehlhorn (2) Attendance: 1,250 --Go Sun Devils--