Arizona State knocks out No. 24 Wichita State

(Photo: Sun Devil Volleyball)

Arizona State volleyball has taken out a top-25 team, a game that head coach Jason Watson referred to as the first test of the year.

If this was a test, the team passed with flying colors. The Shockers of Wichita State didn’t stand a chance, getting wiped off the board in three easy sets. After the first game started out with Wichita State finding themselves up 13-10, ASU came roaring back to take the set by a 3-point victory, 25-22.

“We are learning how to compete. We’re learning how to play the game longer and better,” said coach Jason Watson. “Those are all valuable lessons this early in the season.”

From there, it was domination. The Sun Devils ended the second set on a 19-3 run, for a final score of 25-9. And in the third set, ASU had a comfortable cushion at all times.

“I thought we put pressure on them,” said Jason Watson. “That pressure allowed us to create some points in transition and that was a big deal for us.”

“We had energy the whole time. We never got down,” said freshman Bree Bailey.

The 6’4″ Bailey made her presence known again, leading the Devils with a monstrous 16 kills and a .636 hitting percentage. The freshman’s dominance was in an efficient manner as well, notching her 16 kills on only 22 attempts. She followed her impressive debut and showed no signs of slowing down.

“I think the tempo in which we are setting her is really comfortable for her,” commented Watson. “That was a really nice upgrade for us.”

Preseason All Pac-12 selection Macey Gardner also continued to prove that her standout freshman campaign was no fluke. She finished with 12 kills, 8 digs, and 2 service aces.

The Sun Devils have quickly made a case to crack the national rankings after this statement victory.

You can reach Trey Lanthier on Twitter @TreyLanthier or by email treylanthier@gmail.com.

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