(Photo: ASU Athletics)
The No. 18 Arizona State Sun Devils are back at home this weekend after playing their last three matches in Kentucky, where they went 2-1. After losing a tough match to Louisville in straight sets, ASU won their next two matches, and plan to carry the momentum when they play No. 8 Colorado State this Friday.
This will be the Sun Devils’ most challenging match yet, not because Colorado State is a great team, but because of the absence of junior middle blocker Whitney Follette.
Follette played in all three matches over the past weekend but was experiencing some abdominal pain which caused her to be hospitalized. She underwent surgery and remained in Kentucky under medical care, but the questions of when she will return and when she will play again are still unanswered.
“This forces us to be more creative,” head coach Jason Watson said.
Colorado State is the highest-ranked team that ASU will face so far. Their only loss came from Wisconsin, who is ranked No. 4 overall.
What To Watch For
Junior outside hitter Macey Gardner and junior setter Bianca Arellano played some of their best volleyball last weekend. Gardner had 39 kills and Arellano had 115 assists, so expect a lot of sets going Gardner’s way with Follette out of commission.
“Obviously, we rely a lot on Macey, but we are going to have to work in some more options because teams are know that we go to Macey a lot. We are trying to keep it as diverse as we can,” Arellano said.
Sophomore outside hitter BreElle Bailey has continued to produce when her team seems to be struggling. Bailey has evolved into a great player, putting up a big block and can crush a ball when needed.
Colorado State is 0-10 all-time against ASU, but their last matchup came in 1992. The Rams jumped six spots in the AVCA poll, their highest ranking since 2004. They have also won 12 consecutive road matches, a school record.
Prediction
Colorado State is going to come out very aggressive. They are going to bounce some balls and get a lot of touches with their block. However, the Sun Devils will be ready for the challenge and find their rhythm early. There will be scrappy defense played by both teams, and each game will be close. The end result will be a win in five sets for the Sun Devils to start off the weekend with a ‘W’ and improve their record to 9-1.
You can reach Troy Lynch on Twitter @mrtroylynch
