TEMPE, Ariz. – In 2024, the Arizona State volleyball team finished its campaign with an overall record of 30-3 en route to a Big-12 championship. On Saturday, they were honored by receiving their championship rings, and ASU’s 2025 group showed why they are poised to make a repeat run.
“I love those guys. They know it. Every time they come back, they come into the office and we spend time together," head coach JJ Van Niel said. “I know some of the other kids couldn’t be back because they’re either playing pro or coaching, but it’s always special to see the people that have helped put this program on the map.”
The No. 7-ranked Sun Devils (12-2, 3-0 Big 12) rode a five-game win streak heading into Saturday afternoon’s clash against the Utah Utes (8-6, 0-4), who were losers in four of their last five games.
ASU started hot, jumping out to an early 4-1 lead in the first set.
However, Utah was able to fight back as the Utes cut the deficit to just one point thanks to four kills from their attack.
The two sides went back and forth before the Sun Devils were able to take a 15-13 lead into the set break.
ASU was able to score three straight points coming out of the set break to kickstart a 5-1 run, forcing Utah to take a timeout.
Out of the timeout, the Sun Devils retook control of the set, going on a 5-2 run to force Utah to use another timeout.
ASU was able to close it out with two straight points as they took the first set 25-16.
“When you’re playing well, your opponent feels more pressure and so they press from the service line,” Van Niel said. “I felt like the last two years, we were such a good passing team, and I thought, for the most part, we passed pretty well.”
The Sun Devils had 10 kills and five errors on 29 attacks in the first set with a .172 hitting percentage. ASU also had eight assists and four blocks.
The Utes had 8 kills and eight errors on 30 attacks with a .000 hitting percentage. Utah also totaled seven assists and one block in the first set.
The second set opened as a much more competitive set between the two sides than the first set had showcased. ASU held a two-point lead over the Utes midway through the first set, 12-10.
The set then turned on a dime for the Sun Devils as they went on a 10-3 run to take a commanding 21-13 lead.
Utah called a timeout to stop the momentum ASU had generated, but the stoppage in play did little for the Utes as the Sun Devils were able to close out the second set on a 4-2 run to take a 2-0 set lead.
“We were passing well. We were aiming for a high efficiency. That puts pressure on your opponent, and then they press from the service line, and they’re trying to be more perfect. And then when you’re perfect, you might miss,” Van Niel said.
ASU had 10 kills and one error on 18 attacks with a .500 hitting percentage in the second set. The Sun Devils added two total blocks as well.
Utah had 12 kills and seven errors on 29 attacks with a .085 hitting percentage in the second set. The Utes added one block and one serve ace as well.
The third and final set of the game saw Utah lead a set for the first time when it started on a 4-3 run. However, that lead didn’t last long as ASU was able to take back control once again as they leaped to a 12-9 lead, making the Utes call a timeout.
The Utes' timeout once again did not help Utah get back into the set. The Sun Devils came out of the break on a 9-4 run as they cruised to a 25-16 match-clinching set win.
ASU finished with 30 kills and a .309 hitting percentage on 68 total attacks. The Sun Devils added 9 blocks and 31 digs to their final stat line.
Utah finished with 29 kills and a .092 hitting percentage. The Utes added three blocks and 24 digs to their final stat line.
Utah will face Houston at home and Colorado on the road before ASU travels to Salt Lake City for the second matchup between these two teams on Oct. 18.
The Sun Devils look to keep their 6-game winning streak alive as they host the Baylor Bears (9-4, 4-1 Big 12) on Wednesday night. ASU has not lost a Big-12 conference game since last season. The last team they lost to in conference play; the Baylor Bears.
“It’s definitely a chip on our shoulder, and being at home, there is a lot of motivation for us to come out swinging and come out ready to win,” senior outside hitter Bailey Miller said. “Everybody, even if they weren’t here last year, they know what this game means to us. I think everybody is really locked and ready to go.”