The ASU women’s volleyball team celebrates a pivotal victory over rival UA 3-1 on Nov. 23 to help push it into the playoffs. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky)It took an upset and an emotionally-charged victory to get there, but the ASU volleyball team is in the NCAA Tournament.
The Sun Devils have made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006, when they were under the direction of coach Brad Saindon. The 2006 team made it to the second round before being knocked off by then-No. 7 Florida.
ASU will travel to Provo, Utah, to face off against Oklahoma on Friday night in the first round of the tournament.
Like ASU (20-13, 9-11 Pac-12), Oklahoma (21-10, 9-6 Big 12) comes into the tournament with momentum on their side. The Sooners won their final two games over Kansas and TCU, allowing them to finish fourth in the Big 12 and just above a formidable Kansas State team.
After getting comfortable with the familiarity of Pac-12 competition, the Sun Devils must get back to limited preparation when they face off against the Sooners for the first time in program history.
“We’ve tried to get as much film on Oklahoma as we can, but still it’s not as much film we get (as) when we’re in the Pac-12,” ASU coach Jason Watson said.
On paper, Oklahoma doesn’t do much to impress. It is No. 6 in the Big 12 in hitting percentage, assists, kills and service aces. That would normally be the median mark, but the Big 12 conference only has nine schools that participate in women’s volleyball.
One aspect that Oklahoma has succeeded at this year is its performance on neutral courts. Sporting a 4-0 record in those games, the Sooners have found success when having to create their own atmosphere — which is key in order to find success in postseason tournaments. ASU has also done well, accumulating a 4-1 record this season on neutral courts.
“We need to focus on our energy on our side of the court, not theirs, and to know we’re just as good as anybody else who’s there,” senior outside hitter Erica Wilson said.
This will be Wilson’s first and last chance at an NCAA title, being in her senior year.
“I want it to last as long as possible,” Wilson said. “I’m going to go out there and give it my all.”
If the team wants to push toward a national championship, then it will require the focus and performance of those who don’t play every set as well.
“Just giving emotional intensity. … And just making plays is really important because it gives momentum to our team,” junior libero Jenny Teslevich said.
The tournament is a valuable opportunity for the volleyball program. With the chance at notching their first postseason win in six years and gaining momentum for next season, the Sun Devils can potentially accomplish a lot in Provo over the weekend.
“Getting the first one ... would be a big accomplishment for this group, especially given that they’ve never been there before,” Watson said. “I hope we do because we don't want this to end. We (want) to just keep practicing and keep playing because it’s just a whole bunch of fun.”
Reach the reporter at talopez3@asu.edu
