No.11 ASU volleyball took on its most anticipated conference game against No. 8 Kansas on Nov. 6. The Sun Devils didn't disappoint with the Big 12's top spot up for grabs in a thrilling 3-1 victory for their fifth-ranked win this season.
The first set started as anticipated, close and intense, as the teams kept attacks even by breaking ties and notching three-to-five-point runs. After reaching overplay, ASU won the tone-setting set 26-24 with an ace by senior outside hitter Geli Cyr.
The set win gave the Sun Devils the confidence to beat a tough Jayhawks team by playing their brand of volleyball.
"We pride ourselves on being a very composed team," said graduate setter Argentina Ung. "It doesn't really matter what the other team does. We just keep trusting each other, keep hitting the ball, keep passing, keep playing our defense."
The second set started similarly after the teams split the first 12 points. Kansas began to take a lead before ASU tied it up at 11-11. However, The Jayhawks went on a three-point run and ultimately won the set 25-20.
In the third set, the Sun Devils took control after building an early lead and went up 15-8, forcing Kansas to take crucial timeouts. Kills by graduate middle blockers Savannah Kjolhede and Claire Jeter clinched the set by switching to the winning side of a 25-20 score.
ASU continued to use its momentum gaining an early advantage in the final set. While the Jayhawks battled back, the Sun Devils still managed a 12-8 lead.
Kansas kept things interesting by going on a 6-1 scoring run to tie at 21-21. Finally, ASU finished off the Jayhawks with a pivotal kill by graduate outside hitter Shania Cromartie to win the set 27-25 and ultimately the match.
"That's a really good team and I think we both have some similarities," said head coach JJ Van Niel. "They were putting a lot of pressure on us and we did a nice job battling. The second set was not pretty and once again, we stayed composed, and I'm proud of this team."
The game saw many ASU achievements including extending the team's win streak to eleven, which is tied for the fourth-longest winning streak in program history. The help of loving fans helped make the streak possible.
READ MORE: ASU reflects on fan spirit as the program support grows
"Our crowd is always amazing," Jeter said. "The 942 Crew coming out, showing out, is awesome. All the fans that we get really make a difference, especially in Mullet when it gets so loud."
Statistically, Cromartie and Cyr led the attack with 15 kills each. Jeter contributed 10 kills and also tied Kjolhede with seven blocks.
The Sun Devils hit just .166, lower than they've ever hit before this season and less than the Jayhawks' .185 mark. However, this never made ASU question the odds of winning this game.
"Our grit beats everyone's grit. I stand by that,” Jeter said. “No matter what. Our defense is insane. So if we out-grit every team, even if our hitting percentage is lower, they're gonna end up making an error before we do."
This team also took charge at the net with 14 blocks split by Jeter and Kjolhede. Van Niel credited the work the team put into blocking with assistant coach Preslie Anderson's help
"We do spend a lot of time getting prepared for our opponents," Van Niel said. "I think Preslie has done a really good job with the middles and helping them out. They take some pride in it and, of course, were working on it, but it's cool to see them execute."
ASU improved to 23-2 this season, tying for fifth most wins in program history. The Sun Devils will now host Kansas State on Nov. 8.
Edited by Jack Barron, Sophia Ramirez and Madeline Schmitke.
Reach the reporters at linunez@asu.edu and follow @laurentahuka on X.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on X.
