Never count out a rival — even if you have beaten them at home 10 straight times.
Arizona’s volleyball team understands that all too well, despite the Sun Devils’ winless Pac-12 streak that goes back to 2016.
The Wildcats made quick work of ASU on Thursday night, sweeping the match at McKale Center 25-18, 25-21, 25-18.
Arizona had to get it done without one of its key players, Liz Shelton, who was in the locker room for the entire match under concussion protocol.
On the court, the the nerves kicked in for the Pac-12 opener in front of a large volleyball crowd of 2,648.
“They were really nervous and they haven’t been — ever,” said Arizona coach Dave Rubio. “I told them before the match that this is why you train as hard as you do — to play in front of this crowd at McKale Center. The Tucson community really supported us and especially Zona Zoo. This was the biggest Zona Zoo ever in my 27 years.”
Arizona’s home win streak now stands at seven, as the Wildcats improved to 12-1 overall and 1-0 in Pac-12 play.
ASU dropped to 9-4 on the season.
“We weren’t that sharp. There were lots of unforced errors,” Rubio said.
Yet the numbers show a little more domination. The Wildcats had 12 total team blocks to the Sun Devils’ three. Devyn Cross made seven of those blocks.
Arizona held ASU to a .144 hitting percentage. The Wildcats have held 11 of their last 13 opponents under .200.
Kendra Dahlke led UA with 14 kills.
“It’s always good to beat the Sun Devils,” Rubio said. “It’s been a good run for us the last four weeks. It’s a young season and getting the first conference win is a big deal, especially against our in-state rival.”
Arizona plays at No. 2 Stanford on Sunday at noon.
