(Tucson, AZ) The winning streak for No. 12 Sun Devil Beach Volleyball is now at a program-record seven in a row after wins over Pepperdine (3-2) and Arizona (4-1) on Friday at the Wildcat Classic.
Arizona State (16-8) began the de facto Big 12 tournament by winning a close one against Pepperdine (11-10) before completing the season sweep over Arizona (15-8). The Sand Devils have won seven duals in a row, which is the longest winning streak in program history. It surpasses the previous high of six.
Juniors Tori Clement and Kendall Whitmarsh now hold the ASU record for the longest winning streak by a pair with 11 in a row. For individuals, 11-straight wins is tied for the second-longest streak. Today, they swept both of their matches at the No. 3 spot. Their pair record improved to 12-2 as a pair and 17-7 as individuals, both team-bests.
Another pair on a winning streak is the Avas, redshirt junior Ava Kirunchyk and sophomore Ava Williamson. Playing on court two, they now have won seven in a row, having not lost since they were paired together seven duals ago. That streak is tied for the fifth longest for an individual, third longest by a pair. Like the threes, the twos also swept both matches. Individually, Williamson is 16-8 and Kirunchyk is 13-11.
Game One: No. 12 ASU 3, Pepperdine 2
Despite the close score, Arizona State jumped out to a 3-0 dual lead to clinch before Pepperdine got a point on the board (all five courts played at the same time). Playing together in the lineup for the first time this season was Kaydon Meyers and Anya Pemberton at the No. 5 spot. They won their match in straight sets.
Final Results (Order of Finish: 5, 3, 2*, 1, 4)
- Clermont/Thomas (PEP) def. Daniella Kensinger/Samaya Morin (ASU) 21-16, 18-21, 15-13
- Ava Kirunchyk/Ava Williamson (ASU) def. Eden/Foti (PEP) 21-17, 21-17
- Tori Clement/Kendall Whitmarsh (ASU) def. Perez/Woodruff (PEP) 21-13, 21-17
- Bubelis/Johnson (PEP) def. Ava Haughy/Olivia McElroy (ASU) 21-18, 20-22, 15-6
- Kaydon Meyers/Anya Pemberton (ASU) def. Erickson/Vildere (PEP) 21-7, 21-19
Game Two: No. 12 ASU 4, Arizona 1
The rivalry dual saw a similar result as it did in Tempe, with the Sun Devils completing the season sweep to secure the full point in the Territorial Cup Series. Pemberton reunited in this dual with Olivia McElroy, who was battling against her former team. They swept their match and improved to 7-8 on the year as a pair.
Final Results (Order of Finish: 3, 2, 1*, 4, 5)
- Daniella Kensinger/Samaya Morin (ASU) def. Nieves Papaleo/Phillips (ARIZ) 26-24, 21-10
- Ava Kirunchyk/Ava Williamson (ASU) def. Blutreich/Fitzsimmons (ARIZ) 22-20, 21-17
- Tori Clement/Kendall Whitmarsh (ASU) def. Walker/Zilliken (ARIZ) 21-16, 22-20
- Olivia McElroy/Anya Pemberton (ASU) def. Kaiser/Kost (ARIZ) 21-19, 21-15
- Boyko/Lambeth (ARIZ) def. Arden Besecker/Zoë Taylor (ASU) 21-17, 18-21, 16-14
Up Next
The last day of the tournament is tomorrow. Arizona State will play No. 1 TCU at 9 a.m. MST before wrapping up with a dual against Utah at 12:30 p.m. MST.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Kimberlie Haner
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