The Sun Devils look at their opponents-- and on to a successful season. Photo by Evan Triantafilidis.They may be freshmen, but they are talented.
The 8-2 ASU women’s volleyball team has been digging, diving and spiking their way to a fast start this season.
“These freshman are talented, first and foremost,” said Coach Jason Watson. “They all have tremendous experience and that really makes the transition from high school to college easier.”
The Lady Devils played their first nine games away from Tempe. Different invitational tournaments hosted ASU along with other schools. El Paso, Los Angeles, and The University of Kansas were all sights along the way back to Tempe.
ASU’s own invitational tournament started on September 14 and continue the next day.
These tournaments with various other schools from around the nation are all made to fit Watson’s game plan.
“We have to get ready for the Pac-12 conference games.” said Watson. “These non-conference games help us get ready and build confidence.
Nothing says confidence like the grin Watson had on his face after the Sun Devils beat Villanova 3-0 impressively in their first game of the ASU Sheraton Invitational.
Freshman Macey Gardner continues her great season in the win, and Allison Palmer, who is the team’s primary setter as a freshman, continues her streak of gold.
Watson has hopes of the postseason and hopes his players can establish themselves as leaders.
Watson went on to add that “Alexis Pinson has really improved and it shows on the court. She’s been hitting well, she’s been becoming a better leader, and she is showing game traits that I didn’t know she had in her.”
ASU will play Florida Atlantic and Gonzaga tomorrow in the second day of the invitational.
Just after the ASU Sheraton Invitational, the team will head south to Tucson to play U of A for a Territorial Cup game.
This game should be available to watch on the Pac-12 Network on September 18th.
For the DirecTV customers who still don’t have the Pac-12 Network on their channel list, tune into Blaze Radio when the Devils host an opponent in Tempe.
Attending the game is most encouraged, as fan support can prove to be a vital to the team's success.
Watson can only hope to see the same for a long time coming.
You can reach me at etrianta@asu.edu.
