(Photo: Travis David V Whittaker/WCSN)
After a tough road weekend, the Arizona State volleyball team (13-7,4-4 Pac-12) is back in Tempe for two matches this weekend. The Sun Devils lost two matches last weekend in Southern California, one to 20th ranked UCLA and one to 15th ranked USC. Now back in the Wells Fargo Arena, Pac-12 play continues as the Devils host Utah and Colorado.
Utah (11-8, 3-5)
The weekend kicks off with a Friday night match against a Utah squad who won both of their matches last weekend. After four straight home matches, the Utes will travel to Tempe. The Utes are off to a 3-5 start in conference play with an 11-8 overall record. The team is coming off of a four-set win against the No. 14 Oregon Ducks, who the Sun Devils also beat earlier in the season. The Utes also beat Oregon State in a close match that went to the fifth set.
The Utes are led by outside hitter Dani Drews. The sophomore leads the team in kills and points per set. The team has difficulties on defense, allowing the best hitting percentage to their opponents in the Pac-12. Their opponents hit for .221 when the ball crosses the net. Arizona State will try and take advantage of this weakness.
Colorado (11-8, 3-5)
After a day of rest the Sun Devils will host the Colorado Buffaloes on Sunday at 2 p.m. The Buffaloes were at home last weekend, hosting the Oregon teams. They lost to No. 14 Oregon in four sets and swept Oregon State. Colorado is riding a two-match winning streak heading into Sunday’s matchup.
The Buffaloes have also struggled defensively this season. They are 10th in the conference in opponent hitting percentage. They are also 10th in Pac-12 in digs. The one bright spot for the Buffaloes defensively has been redshirt freshman Danielle Price. She leads the team with 71.0 blocks.
Outlook
The Sun Devils are happy to be back home after a four-match road trip. The Friday night matchup against Utah is the 942 Crew Game of the Week, so the Sun Devils are expecting a large crowd.
“Just coming in the gym at home on game day feels amazing,” middle blocker Megan Beedie said. “You have all your friends and family here supporting us, which make it easier for me. Not having your opponent’s fans distract you is nice. And plus, home court advantage.”
The Arizona State Sun Devil volleyball team will look to improve their Pac-12 record this weekend. First serve is at 7 p.m. on Friday night, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Both matches can be seen on Pac-12 Network.
