Key Highlights
- No. 8 ASU Volleyball defeated Arizona in four sets with a record-breaking crowd of 7,703 spectators.
- The Sun Devils won six consecutive matches against the Wildcats for head coach JJ Van Niel’s first meeting as their head coach.
- ASU set multiple records and achieved notable stats including season-high 17 blocks and seven sub-.100 hitting percentage performances this season.
- Key players Colby Neal, Noemie Glover, and Bailey Miller contributed significantly to the victory, showcasing consistent double-digit kills and blocking prowess.
ASU Volleyball Triumphs Over Arizona: Record Attendance Shakes Desert Financial Arena
On Thursday night at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Arizona, the No. 8 ranked ASU Sun Devil Volleyball team secured a hard-fought victory against their rivals, the Arizona Wildcats, in four sets (25-11, 20-25, 25-18, 25-22). The match witnessed an unprecedented attendance of 7,703 spectators, breaking the previous record set since 2013. This event marked ASU’s sixth consecutive win against Arizona and solidified head coach JJ Van Niel’s undefeated status as a head coach in his first meeting with the Wildcats.
The match opened with an impressive performance by ASU, leading to a fast start in Set One.
The Sun Devils capitalized on their dominant play, achieving a 25-11 victory, largely due to strong blocking and effective serving strategies that stifled Arizona’s offense. However, Arizona bounced back strongly in the second set, forcing the match into a more competitive battle.
The third and fourth sets saw both teams engaging in intense rallies, with ASU maintaining their composure and executing crucial plays under pressure. Colby Neal, a graduate middle blocker, played a pivotal role by nearly reaching a double-double with 10 kills and nine blocks, including a solo block on match point.
Additionally, senior outside hitter Bailey Miller contributed significantly with 12 digs and 10 kills in the victory.
According to head coach JJ Van Niel, the resilience of his team was evident as they managed to fight back from behind, especially in the fourth set where they turned a deficit into a win. “Our team played well, we got out of some scraps, and found a way to win ugly in a couple of sets,” Van Niel said. He praised the Sun Devils’ ability to serve tough and execute under pressure, which ultimately led them to secure their 25-22 victory.
Van Niel also highlighted the team’s exceptional blocking as a key strength, noting that Colby Neal and Noemie Glover’s performances were significantly outperforming previous seasons. “They’re both significantly outperforming anything they’ve ever done from a blocking standpoint,” Van Niel remarked. This success was attributed to Colby Neal’s dedicated work on improving her footwork and positioning during the offseason.
For ASU, this victory also signifies a milestone in their efforts to build a fanbase, with Van Niel expressing his gratitude towards the support they received. “It’s really, really special to have that many people come out to support us, and I hope they keep coming,” he added.
As ASU prepares for their next match against No. 22 Colorado on November 15 at 1 p.m., MST, fans can look forward to more high-energy performances and the continued growth of ASU’s volleyball program under coach Van Niel’s leadership.
The success in this game adds another layer of excitement as ASU looks towards building a strong season. The team’s ability to perform consistently well against top-tier competition is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the coaching strategies employed by JJ Van Niel. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Sun Devils continue to make strides in the Big 12 Conference.
