The ASU volleyball team had its first taste of live action on Saturday, as it held its annual scrimmage at Wells Fargo Arena.
Freshman outside hitter Kristin Trayser led all players with 13 kills while sophomore Nicole Morton had 11 kills and 12 digs for the Sun Devils. The Gold team defeated the Maroon team in three games, 30-25, 28-30, 30-23.
"It's the first day and we just have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to correct, but overall I was happy with it," ASU coach Brad Saindon said. "I think we're going to be good."
The scrimmage marked the first time ASU played in front of spectators this year, and the young Sun Devils handled it well.
"It gives you an adrenaline rush when you have fans out here supporting you," senior Stephanie Kohner said. "We love when people come out; it really gives us a boost."
The Gold team jumped out to a quick 22-16 advantage in the first game before allowing four straight points to cut the lead to two. However, Gold rattled off eight of the next 13 points to take the first game, 30-25.
The game was highlighted by a spectacular dig by Kohner where she ranged far right, resulting in a point for Gold.
"I hope [the hustling] will rub off a little bit (on the younger players)," Kohner said. "That's my goal."
The Maroon team battled back in the second game, as it edged out a 30-28 victory, but Gold jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in the third game before winning comfortably.
The Maroon and Gold scrimmage coincided with the football team's Fan Photo Day, giving the volleyball team added recognition from football fans taking a look at the scrimmage.
Senior setter Giovana Melo and freshman Rachel Mittelstaedt both played well in their quest for the starting job. Melo had 51 assists and Mittelstaedt totaled 40 in the games.
Freshman libero Sydney Donahue had 19 digs to lead all players.
The Sun Devils will open the season on Sept. 3 in the New Hampshire Tournament. Their first opponent will be Florida International. Their home schedule begins on Sept. 10 against Fordham in the Arizona State/Tempe Buttes Invitational at Wells Fargo Arena.
Reach the reporter at Kyle.Odegard@asu.edu
