Courtesy of Arizona Communication Services
(TEMPE, AZ) No. 23 Arizona needed just three sets to defeat its in-state rival on the road, ending Arizona State’s season, 25-12, 25-17, 25-23.
“It’s always hard to win at ASU,” said Arizona head coach Dave Rubio. “Tonight was a terrific win for the players, they played very sharp. It’s nice to be able to go into the playoffs playing this well.”
The victory moved Arizona to 22-10 (11-9 Pac-12) on the season, pushing Arizona above .500 in conference play for just the second time since 2005. This also marks the second time since 2005 that UA has won 22 matches in a season. Arizona has now won four straight matches over Arizona State, three of which have been straight-set victories.
Arizona dominated every aspect of the match; UA outhit ASU .337 – .087. The Cats had nine blocks to the Sun Devils’ zero. UA also had more kills (37-32), digs (42-35) and aces (4-2) in the match.
In her final regular season match, Kendra Dahlke led UA with 11 kills and 10 digs, good for her 16th double-double of 2018. She added an ace and a block, good for a match-high 12.5 points in the outing.
Paige Whipple finished one dig shy of a double-double; she posted 10 kills and nine digs.
Candice Denny was dominant off the right side. The sophomore notched eight kills on .538 hitting.
Devyn Cross was in on five of UA’s nine blocks, including the match-ender in the third. She added five kills on .364 hitting.
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The Wildcats will now turn their attention to Selection Sunday to see their postseason fate. UA entered the week with an RPI in the 40s, but took care of business vs. Cal on Wednesday and Arizona State on Sunday to secure a finish in the top half of the Pac-12. The NCAA Tournament field will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 25, at 6:30 p.m. MST on ESPNU.
(S1: Arizona 25, Arizona State 12): Arizona hit .375 while holding the home team to an -.027 mark in the opening set. Candice Denny, Paige Whipple and Devyn Cross all had three kills in the frame.
(S2: Arizona 25, Arizona State 17): Arizona turned in yet another dominant offensive performance in the second set to take a 2-0 lead in the match, Paige Whipple had five kills to lead UA, which held the Sun Devils to 10 total kills on .133 hitting.
(S3: Arizona 25, Arizona State 23): In the most closely contested set of the night, Arizona held off Arizona State, 25-23, to sweep the match.
Keep Up with the Cats
For more information on tickets, visit www.arizonawildcats.com/VB. Build your best game day experience at Arizona Volleyball and visit the Arizona Volleyball Game Day Central page. Be sure to follow the team on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with team.
Up Next
Arizona awaits its postseason fate, which will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. MST on ESPNU.
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