(Photo by Daniel Kwon)The Sun Devils are going back to the big dance for the first time since 2012.
It was a joyous occasion, as the team huddled together, waiting for the announcement, and heard its name.
There was some debate whether or not ASU would make the playoffs, as it would require the NCAA to take a record nine Pac–12 teams, more teams than any other conference in the nation.
Head coach Kevin Boyd thought that this would only be fair.
“I think nine should get in,” Boyd said. “The truth is the Pac-12 is by far the best conference in the country; we've been proving that all year long. When we get into conference we all beat each other up, and it makes it even more difficult to figure out. I think nine belong in. There’s going to be nine of us in the top forty, and we all legitimately belong.”
Boyd had faith that his team would make the playoff picture before the results were announced.
“Our résumé is too good; we've beaten too many good teams.” Boyd said.
The Sun Devils were on a three-game losing slide until they played Utah, where they broke the losing streak, beating the Utes 2-1, giving them a much needed reminder of who they are before they faced rival UA.
The Sun Devils then hosted UA in the Territorial Cup, and would come away with the win after a hard fought game, thanks to a goal by freshman defender Madison Stark, her first career goal.
“I couldn't think of a better time to score my first career goal,” Stark said. “We really needed the win. It was a great feeling. I can’t even describe it.”
Boyd recognizes that his team is a good team, and could leave a mark in the postseason.
“I think we could be a dangerous team in the playoffs,” Boyd said. “With the talent we have there is no way you are going to keep us from getting anything, not when we are back on our game.”
Now that ASU has made the playoffs, it will be facing neighboring NAU in the first round. The Sun Devils played NAU in a preseason scrimmage, where ASU dominated in scoring.
The Sun Devils host NAU at 7 p.m. Saturday at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.
Reach the reporter at mtsteine@asu.edu or follow him on Twitter @MarcTSteiner
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