TEMPE — Arizona State volleyball (26-3, 17-1 Big 12) took down West Virginia University (15-15, 3-15 Big 12) in a 3-1 on Saturday at Desert Financial Arena in its final regular season game of the year.
ASU entered the weekend riding high after winning its last seven games. Additionally, the Sun Devils carried in an undefeated home record — which they managed to keep unblemished against the Mountaineers.
Emotions ran high on Senior Day for ASU, as Coach JJ Van Niel sent out a full starting six consisting of only seniors.
“If you’re a young kid, your seniors are your mentor(s),” Niel said. “They’re the ones that continue the culture and standards, so it’s really special. We have a special group on our hands.”
The Sun Devils came to play, winning the first two sets of the night after some solid playmaking from senior setter Sydney Henry and senior outside hitter Bailey Miller.
Henry boosted ASU’s hitting percentage all night long, leading the way with 24 assists in the matchup. As for Miller, she finished with an impressive line of 13 kills and 33 team assists.
However, the third set sparked some adversity for ASU, as it trailed behind WVU for the entirety of set three. It’s late run at a comeback fell short, with the Maroon and Gold losing the set 25-18.
The Sun Devils bounced back in the fourth set behind outside hitter Noemie Glover, who ultimately helped lead her squad to a victory in its regular-season finale.
“We needed to clean stuff up in that third set, but I liked our response,” Van Niel said. “In the fourth set we really came back and played very solid.”
Glover finished the night with 16 kills and 3 crucial block assists that helped propel ASU to victory, winning 25-16, all the while securing back-to-back conference championships.
“I worked so hard for so long, and to come here and have such a rewarding year after all these years of hard work, it’s super special to me,” Miller said.
A telling aspect of the Maroon and Gold’s success was their hitting percentage. ASU slashed a .282% mark compared to WVU, which combined for only .065% — more than 20% less than the Sun Devils.
The Sun
With the Sun Devils claiming back-to-back Big 12 titles, they now look forward to hearing their names called on Selection Sunday, as they await their draw in the NCAA Tournament.
ASU successfully secured two home games to open the NCAA Tournament in the next couple of weeks, where there is sure to be a large crowd.
“I think the environment in general is gonna be amazing. We’re definitely gonna have a lot of fun,” Miller said.
“We’re super appreciative to play the first two games at home. You know, to still be at home and realize that this wasn’t our last one is something I look forward to,” senior outside hitter Tatum Parrot said.
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