It appears volleyball coach Jason Watson is making good in his first season at ASU.
The Sun Devils (8-2) swept Cal State Northridge Saturday to win the Sheraton Invitational and give the program its best start since 2002.
“This was a great weekend for us,” Watson said. “We are beginning to see a return on the things we have been working on.”
The Sun Devils made quick work of visiting CSUN, as senior Margie Giordano had 15 kills while sophomore Sarah Reaves added 12.
Reaves buried six kills in the opening set, and the team won easily, 25-16. Reaves matched her six kills again in the second set, and the team won 25-22.
Giordano recorded 9 of the team’s 12 digs en route to a 25-20 victory in the final set.
“Margie was very patient, and gave us good direction,” Watson said.
Giordano and Reaves were both selected to their third consecutive all-tournament team.
ASU’s win also marked the team’s second tournament victory in three weeks.
“I think we got better as the weekend went on,” Watson said.
ASU opened tournament play on Friday with victories against Montana and Cincinnati.
After a slow start against Montana, the Sun Devils offense got a lift from a Reaves’ kill and never looked back. ASU swept the Grizzlies 25-20, 27-25, 25-13.
Friday’s final match paired ASU against Cincinnati.
The Sun Devils fell behind early, losing the first set in extra points, 29-27. ASU bounced back in the second set to win 25-23.
Giordano took over in the third set, posting five kills and leading the team to a dominating 25-16 win.
The fourth and final set saw six different lead changes, but ASU was able to win in extra points, 27-25.
Watson and the Sun Devils will attempt to secure another tournament victory this upcoming weekend in Michigan before Pac-10 play begins Sept. 26.
Reach the reporter at ryan.g.campbell@asu.edu.
