Ames, Iowa – The No. 6 Arizona State Sun Devils (18-3, 9-1 Big 12) played on the road Friday, Oct. 31, against the Iowa State Cyclones (18-4, 8-3 Big 12) at the Hilton Coliseum. Although the Sun Devils had a very dominant first set, the Cyclones' overall spread of attack led to ASU losing its third game of the season in five sets.
This Halloween was a spooky and scary Friday night for the Sun Devils. It was an unusual loss in many ways for ASU, as it ended several winning streaks. This marked the Sun Devils' first loss to an unranked opponent since Nov. 5, 2023, at USC.
Tonight also marked the end of ASU’s 12-game winning streak and its 25-game conference winning streak.
It was Iowa State’s overall offensive dominance that played a big part in its 18th win of the season.
The Cyclones had 4 players with double-digit kills. With senior outside hitter Maya Duckworth leading the way with 16 kills and senior middle blocker Tierney Jackson with 15 kills.
Redshirt-junior outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a had 12 kills along with 11 digs. While freshman middle blocker/right side hitter Reagan Hanfelt had 10 kills.
Iowa State's offense was not just spread out; the Cyclones also had many scoring runs that played a crucial role in the game.
In its three winning sets, Iowa State went on several scoring runs.
In the second set, it was back and forth until the Cyclones had a 3-0 and 4-0 scoring run to end the set.
In the third set, the Sun Devils had gotten off to a great start, going on a 4-0 scoring run. However, Iowa State would quickly counter this by going on a 6-0 scoring run and then a 4-0 scoring run later on in the set.
Lastly, in the fifth set, the Cyclones had two 3-0 scoring runs, which powered them to a 15-12 victory in the set and a 3-2 match win.
On another note, ASU was once again led by great offensive performances by junior opposite hitter Noemie Glover and senior outside hitter Bailey Miller.
Glover had 18 kills this game, making it her 15th time this season reaching double digits.
Miller had 14 kills along with 10 digs, marking her seventh double-double of the season.
In the first set, the Sun Devils looked dominant. Winning the set 25-17. This included three scoring runs. Including a 5-0 scoring run, a 3-0 scoring run, and a 4-0 scoring run.
Despite a dominant first set full of scoring runs and great performances by ASU’s Glover and Miller, Iowa State's eight different scorers, including four that were in double digits, were too much for the Sun Devils to handle.
ASU will look to bounce back next week inside the friendly confines of Desert Financial Arena against Texas Tech on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.