Oct. 29, 2010
TEMPE, Ariz. – The State Farm Territorial Cup Series rolled on Friday night in what proved to be a five-set heartbreaker for the Sun Devils as they fell 22-25, 25-15, 13-25, 25-17 and 10-15 to in-state rival, the 23rd-ranked Arizona Wildcats. The loss places ASU at 9-13 overall and 4-6 in Pac-10 play while UA improves to 16-7 overall and 5-5 in conference action.
A gritty first set put the pace in motion for the match as it showcased 17 tie scores and nine lead changes in the set alone with Tiffany Owens carrying the brunt for Arizona with six kills in the set. Malia Marquardt stole the show for ASU, with six kills for an inhuman .857 attack percentage. Stephanie Preach got the job done as well with five clutch digs against the ‘Cats to keep the momentum in ASU’s favor for a 25-17 win.
Giving the fans their money’s worth as the match rolled into the fifth set and with the momentum seemingly on ASU’s side, the Wildcats came out hot in the final set to knock ASU on their heels as Tiffany Owens just could not be contained as she put down eight kills for a .727 attack percentage en route to UA’s .478 attack percentage and 15-10 win to seal the W for UA.
The Sun Devils will hit the court again this weekend as they set to face UC Riverside Sunday at 1 p.m. in Riverside, Calif.