The No. 14 Arizona State Sun Devils (12-2, 1-1 Big 12) were defeated for the first time in Big 12 play in a 3-1 loss to the No. 19 Baylor Bears (10-3, 2-0 Big 12) in Waco, Texas.
Senior outside hitter Geli Cyr tallied 17 kills and 12 digs for ASU on the night. Graduate student outside hitter Roberta Rabelo collected nine kills in the game – a new season high for the Brazilian. However, it wasn’t enough, as JJ Van Niel’s side fell to a 12-2 overall record.
ASU had won 15 straight sets entering Friday’s match, but fell behind for the first time in five games after losing the first set 25-21. Despite a close battle between the two sides, Baylor pulled away to take home the first set, finishing on a 6-4 run.
The hosts doubled their advantage by winning the second set 25-22. Both sides were close as Baylor took a slight 20-19 advantage before the Bears finished the set, winning five of the last eight serves.
ASU rallied in the third set and pulled to within a point after a 25-17 win. Following a slow opening, the Sun Devils came back to life as they finished the set on a 11-6 run. Graduate student setter Argentina Ung registered seven assists in the third set as well as tallying three kills. Ung finished the night with 38 assists for the Sun Devils.
Another slow restart from ASU proved to be too much as Baylor led 13-8 in the middle of the fourth set. The Sun Devils scored three-straight points to cut the lead within six after a pair of mistakes from Baylor and a kill from Rabelo. Despite the Sun Devils’ efforts, the Bears sealed the match with a kill from junior opposite hitter Allie Sczech.
ASU begins Big 12 action with a 1-1 record after defeating Texas Christian University on Sept. 25 and losing to Baylor on Friday. The Sun Devils return to Mullett Arena on Oct. 2 to face the Utah Utes (11-1, 1-0 Big 12).
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