TEMPE — No. 8 Arizona State Volleyball dominated the Milwaukee Panthers at home on Sunday afternoon to cap off an undefeated weekend at the Sun Devil Classic. ASU (9-2) swept the match, taking all three sets by at least seven points.
In the first set, the Sun Devils came out with intensity on both offense and defense. Senior outside hitter Bailey Miller helped lead the charge with a match-leading eight kills and an additional nine digs.
The Maroon and Gold got out to a quick start, forcing Milwaukee to use one of its timeouts halfway through the first set with ASU leading 14-8.
The Panthers had a difficult time getting anything going, as the Devils’ stout defense shined all night long. Sophomore libero Faith Frame totaled a whopping 11 digs to help captain the defensive effort. After the match, teammate, graduate middle blocker Colby Neal, praised Frame.
“It helps us blockers to know that Faith is back there,” Neal said. “If I give her a little too much, I know she will find a way to get it up.”
Her effort helped ASU claim the first set 25-10.
In the second set, Milwaukee looked to respond. However, a quick four-straight points from ASU put the Panthers in a 6-1 hole.
The Sun Devils took advantage of some attacking errors from Milwaukee, as the Panthers finished the game with a total of 23 errors.
Still, Arizona State flashed on offense, especially with some solid passing. Neal tallied a hitting percentage of .545, and was a constant presence on the court, leading ASU to take the second set 25-9.
“I think it’s just about being intentional, every time you touch the ball, every time you grab attention for something,” Neal said. “So, not really with emotions, especially during practice. At least for me, it’s just going to be focused on every rally and every ball. I feel like that is what discipline means for me.”
In the third set, the Sun Devils sputtered at times but still managed to comfortably secure the sweep.
“I don’t think our offense executed the way we needed to in the third set,” ASU coach JJ Van Neil said. “There is some stuff we need to clean up.”
After coming off three-straight victories, the Sun Devils ride into Big 12 play on a high note. ASU will now look to continue its momentum on the road, as it takes on Kansas in a Big 12 showdown.
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