Courtesy Connor Johnson, SDA Communications
TEMPE, Ariz. – The No. 19 Arizona State volleyball team defeated the visiting Utah Utes in a thrilling five-set match, 25-19, 25-21, 16-25, 23-25, 15-13, on Halloween night at Wells Fargo Arena.
ASU improves to 16-7 on the year and 6-5 in conference play, while Utah drops to 12-10 on the season and 2-9 in Pac-12 action.
The win is the first time the Sun Devils have beaten Utah since they also won in five sets at home on November 12, 2011.
“I thought we were playing some really nice volleyball and were in a nice side out rhythm in games one and two,” head coach Jason Watson said. “As it happens, you create this window for your opponent in game three and it gives them life. Then you’re in this battle in your gym. But it’s good to start the second half of the season with a win, and now we have a chance to sweep the weekend.”
Four Sun Devils finished with at least 10 kills, led by junior outside hitter Macey Gardner, who finished with 20 kills to go along with her 22 digs. Junior middle blocker Whitney Follette finished the match with an attack percentage of .343 on her way to 16 kills.
“Every win for us is just so important,” Watson said. “Now, we’re making a case for tournament selection. Every match is now an opportunity for us to make our case. It wasn’t the best performance that we’ve had this year, but it bodes well that we can have a not-so-great performance and still come out with a win.”
In addition to Gardner, junior setter Bianca Arellano and sophomore outside hitter Kizzy Willey both finished with double-doubles. Arellano finished with 55 assists and 15 digs, while Willey finished with 10 kills and 10 digs.
The Sun Devils are back in action Sunday, when they take on the visiting Colorado Buffaloes at Noon PT. The match will be aired on the Pac-12 Networks.
Match Notes
Double-Digit Kills: Macey Gardner (20), Whitney Follette (16), Mercedes Binns (13), Kizzy Willey (10)
Top Attack Percentages: Mercedes Binns (.385; 13K, 3E, 26TA), Follette (.343; 16K, 4E, 35TA), Macey Gardner (.300; 20K, 5E, 50TA)
Double-Digit Digs: Macey Gardner (22), Halle Harker (21), Bianca Arellano (15), Kizzy Willey (10)
Double-Doubles: Macey Gardner (12 total, 20 kills, 22 digs), Bianca Arellano (13 total, 55 assists, 15 digs), Kizzy Willey (seven total, 10 kills, 10 digs)
Top Blocks: Bree Bailey (2BS, 2BA), Mercedes Binns (0BS, 3BA)
Top Attack Percentage By Set: 2nd (.367; 14K, 3E, 30TA), 4th (.361; 16K, 3E, 36TA)
Kills: ASU 65, Utah 58
Season Notes:
In The Series: ASU leads Utah all-time, 11-10; previous last win vs. Utah was Nov. 12, 2011 at Wells Fargo Arena, 3-2.
ASU Top-10 Career Kills:
1. Christine Garner, 1992-95, 1871
2. Sarah Reeves, 2007-10, 1796
3. Tammy Webb, 1983-86, 1679
4. Amanda Burbridge, 1997-00, 1597
5. Christy Nore, 1985-88, 1517
6. Macey Gardner, 2012-present, 1453
7. Valentina Vega, 1982-83, 85-86, 1392
8. Jami Coughlin, 1998-01, 1360
9. Margie Giordano, 2005-08, 1312
10. Lisa Stuck, 1980-83, 1296