(Photo: James Powell/WCSN)
The Arizona State Sun Devils (9-20, Pac-12 2-14) look to sweep the California Golden Bears (9-18, 3-14 Pac-12) after being swept by No. 12 Stanford.
The best blocking team in the country did not disappoint during their trip to the Valley posting 11 total team blocks in the Sun Devils loss to the Cardinal.
The Sun Devils now look to secure their 10th win against a team that is hunting for revenge. ASU defeated Cal in four sets on the road just over a month ago to get its first Pac-12 victory.
The last faceoff of the worst hitting percentages on both sides of the net in the conference was not a match of numbers. The Golden Bears held a slight the advantage over the Sun Devils in hit percentage in the loss. In fact, they edged the Sun Devils in nearly every category, making this match even more important to them.
“They will definitely be coming back for revenge,” junior outside hitter Oluoma Okaro said. “We worked hard so it will be very important that we go in with that same mentality, ready to fight them, knowing that they are going to come ready.”
In that match, the Sun Devils finished their sets strong swinging over .200 in the 6-2 offense. Senior outside hitter Cassidy Pickrell recorded double digit kills in the win. However, since then she has had only one such game.
The Golden Bears are traveling north after falling to the University of Arizona Wildcats in four sets.
The biggest offensive threat for the Golden Bears is junior outside hitter Christine Alftin. has recorded double-digit kills in her last seven of eight matches. Stopping her is a key to an ASU victory.
But, the Sun Devils have a chance to capitalize. Senior setter Alyssa Jensen, one of the best setters in the Pac-12, has missed the past three matches with a concussion. Her replacement, sophomore Mackenzie Albrecht, has played well recording 46 assists against Arizona. But, the overall lack of experience should be of help to ASU.
Head coach Stevie Mussie is only focused on her team, no matter who is in the lineup for the Golden Bears.
“We’re just going to play on our side of the net,” head coach Stevie Mussie said. “If we worry about our stuff, we don’t have to be concerned with what is going on the other side.”
One team is going to finally reach double-digit wins tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. Watch the Sun Devils host the Golden Bears on the Pac-12 Live stream.
If you have any questions or comments, you can contact Delilah Cassidy via Twitter @delilah_cassidy or via email at delilahcassidy@gmail.com.
