ASU's postseason aspirations are a distant memory, but the volleyball team still has a chance to close the season on a positive note.
The Sun Devils (7-17, 2-12) have lost four straight matches, but will attempt to rebound in their final homestand of the year this weekend against UCLA and USC.
"I'm looking forward to playing both of these teams," coach Brad Saindon said. "We competed really well against them [in Los Angeles] and they're our last two matches at home, so I hope we play well."
ASU hosts No. 16 UCLA tonight. The Bruins (16-8, 8-6) have won five consecutive matches, and are coming off a huge five-game upset of previously undefeated No. 2 Washington last weekend.
UCLA defeated ASU in four sets on Oct. 22.
The Sun Devils' final home match of the season is Saturday against No. 14 USC. ASU fell in three closely contested sets 30-28, 30-22 and 31-29 in the previous meeting.
"Our serving and passing were terrific this past weekend," Saindon said. "I'm just disappointed with the number of balls we're still hitting out of bounds. We need to resolve that if we're going to be in these two matches."
This weekend also marks the final time seniors Giovana Melo and Sarah Watkins play at home.
Melo, a native of Brazil said this weekend is going to be special.
"I don't think I've really realized that it's over," she said. "It's sad thinking I won't play anymore, but I'm glad I came to ASU. I had fun with the girls."
Watkins had her best season last year, averaging nearly three kills per game, but has been hampered by injuries in her final season.
Reach the reporter at derrik.miller@asu.edu.