Sun Devils continue 12-game winning streak with routs in the Sun Devil Classic

(Photo: Courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

TEMPE – Four games and four wins. Arizona State water polo made a splash as it closed out the Sun Devil Classic undefeated, taking down Long Island and Azusa Pacific to wrap up non-conference play.

ASU has had its best season start in history going 18-1 before conference play.

The No. 6 Sun Devils put double digits on the scoreboard against both of its opponents. They also kept both teams under a combined 11 goals, as they beat Long Island (3-7) 25-5 , then Azusa Pacific (11-3) 18-6.

ASU built a strong lead before halftime in both of the games. Against Long Island in the first half, the Sun Devils were up 13-1, then against Azusa Pacific, the Sun Devils were up 8-2.

Alongside the powerful offense, the Sun Devils defended phenomenally. ASU made sure to keep as close as possible to its opponents to stop them from making any goals.

“We’ve been really focused on working on our zone,” head coach Petra Pardi said. “Working on our press defense as well as transitions in between the different defenses.”

The Sun Devils created a point gap between both teams to keep its lead in the game. ASU found open gaps in the opponent’s defense, letting them score points.

Sophomore goalkeeper Keri Glad had an outstanding performance getting nine blocks against Azusa Pacific, five of those blocks being in the third quarter. At the beginning of last season, Glad was playing with a torn hip.

“She had a lot of incredible saves during the game,” Pardi said. “She is one of the toughest in the water.”

Glad showcased a great work ethic by communicating with her team in the water, providing directions to help her team excel to greatness.

ASU was not backing down from its opponents, especially after beating LaVerne 26-0 Saturday night.

The 26 goals against LaVerne is ASU’s most this season, and is also the first time this season that it did not concede a goal.

The Sun Devils have continued to display physicality, when it comes to defending in the water.

Graduate student Nioka Thomas scored five goals in total from both of the games. Senior Sophie Shorter-Robinson had three goals in total from both of the games.

Both Thomas and Shorter-Robinson dominated their opponents’ offense, making their presence felt and helping their team continue their hot start to the season.

“I think just working on all the things we’ve been doing in practice, “ Sophie Shorter-Robinson said. “Implementing them into the games and continuing with that.”

Thomas stated that they have their sites set on a “bigger prize” and want to “continue to build” on what the team is already doing. Keeping the momentum of the season so far going.

Especially because the Sun Devils are going to be playing No. 1 Stanford next weekend to start conference play.

“I think we need to play four really good quarters to match them,” Thomas said. “I’m excited to see how we play against the top team in the nation.”

Pardi stated she is excited to see “how the defense will work against Stanford” and that regardless of the team’s record, “we’re different.”

“The way the team both in and out the water gels together,” Pardi said. “The way the coaching staff is and how much fun we have pushing each other and working together goes way beyond the wins and losses.”