TEMPE, Ariz.—The Arizona State sand volleyball team (2-7) dropped its home opener to Nebraska (2-2), 3-2, on Wednesday at the PERA Club.
In the first-ever night match in the young program’s history, ASU picked up wins at No. 2 and No. 5.
“I feel like we’re getting better, I thought we were better than how we played in South Carolina last week,” head coach Jason Watson said. “We learned some things there and are making some progress. I’m really pleased with the work that Bethany (Jorgensen) and Jordy (Checkal) did. They’ve been so close so often, and they were able to play well late in the match tonight, so that was good. Fran (Giedraitis) and Andi (Lowrance), again, have been so close, so often, so it’s exciting for them to get a win as well.”
After dropping the first set, the senior duo of Jordy Checkal and Bethany Jorgensen battled to a three-set victory over the Huskers’ Melanie Keil and Amber Rolfzen, 16-21, 21-14, 17-15.
At No. 5, junior Andi Lowrance and freshman Frances Giedraitis also won in three sets, 21-14, 13-21, 16-14.
“I think it’s a remarkable environment, it’s a fun atmosphere,” Watson said. “I don’t know of any other collegiate sport where you can get as close to the action as we allow you to do here, and I think our athletes appreciate it and we’re going to keep getting better. It’s a long season, we’re learning some things, but I feel tremendous potential from this program and for us to be good down the road.
Up next, the Sun Devils host Boise State on Thursday at 6 p.m. PT at the PERA Club, and will also host USC and Nebraska on Saturday at 3 p.m. PT and 5 p.m. PT, respectively.
Nebraska 3, Arizona State 2
1. Justine Wong-Orantes/Alicia Ostrander (NEB) def. Macey Gardner/Bianca Arellano (ASU): 23-21, 21-12
2. Jordy Checkal/Bethany Jorgensen (ASU) def. Melanie Keil/Amber Rolfzen (NEB): 16-21, 21-14, 17-15
3. Kadie Rolfzen/Kelly Hunter (NEB) def. Kizzy Willey/Sydney Palmer (ASU): 21-10, 21-12
4. Cecilia Hall/Annika Albrecht (NEB) def. Whitney Follette/Halle Harker (ASU): 21-8, 21-17
5. Frances Giedratis/Andi Lowrance (ASU) def. Kira Larson/Kelsey Fien (NEB): 21-14, 13-21, 16-14
Attendance: 260