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Sun Devils look for luck in Vegas

082407-volleyball
GET LOW: Junior Alison Lund gets ready to bump the ball during a game against UCLA last season.

Getting lucky in "Sin City" would be an ideal way for the Sun Devils to start the season.

Hoping to get off to a strong start on the year, the ASU volleyball team is in Las Vegas tonight to take on UNLV in the UNLV Classic at Cox Pavillion.

The Sun Devils will conclude the tournament tomorrow when they take on Virginia in a day match and Texas Tech later in the evening.

The tournament could end up being ASU's toughest non-conference challenge and is important to the team's early season goals, coach Brad Saindon said.

"Our goal is to be 13-0 when we go into conference play," Saindon said. "I don't think it's going to be easy going 13-0, but I think this team could do it."

The Rebels host the tournament coming off one of their best finishes in school history last season.

Going 20-10, UNLV finished fourth in the Mountain West Conference for the third straight year, and return six starters hoping to improve on last season's record.

Senior outside hitter Maria Aladjova led the Rebels in kills with 402 last season and should test the ASU defense.

"[UNLV is] going to potentially be one of the toughest matches of the whole non-conference season," Saindon said.

Virginia is also coming into the season with some momentum.

Although they didn't qualify for the NCAA tournament last season, the Cavaliers did improve on their ACC record, going 16-6 in conference play.

"It's a great program in a great conference so I'm sure they're going to be strong," Saindon said.

Continuing with the family tradition, UVA senior outside hitter Sarah Kirkwood needs just two service aces to break her sister Emily's school record of 167.

Cavalier senior Melissa Caldwell also returns to the squad as the starting libero and adds depth to a team that could shake up the tourney.

Texas Tech is the only team in the tournament coming off a losing record, finishing 12-17 last season.

"I know Texas Tech is a really good volleyball team," Saindon said. "I think all three of these teams are worthy of everything we've got."

After having a productive spring training session, ASU sophomore outside hitter Paige Mittelstaedt said the Sun Devils are physically and mentally ready to start the season.

"We are fired up and ready to go," Mittelstaedt said.

Reach the reporter at:devin.hicks@asu.edu.


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