With a giant bouncy castle set up off to the side of the court, it would seem that the ASU women’s volleyball alumnae scrimmage would be a laid-back contest.
But once the first ball was served, the fierce competition was on.
The scrimmage showcased coach Jason Watson’s tentative starting lineup. The first game was an easy contest for the current ASU team. The Sun Devils worked well together despite just two weeks of practice.
But in the second game the alumnae battled back had the lead the most of the game. The game came down the last points as the current ASU squad tied it up at 25. With some impressive defense, the former Sun Devils won the second game 29-27.
In the third game the younger Sun Devils used their superior stamina to take control, beating the alumnae by ten.
Watson said he was impressed with the alumnae. “I thought they challenged us immensely,” he said. “I’m glad they’re here and connecting back with our program.” McGaffin takes advantage
The competition for starting spots has been intense this year. But no other position is as close as the setter position.
The choices have been narrowed down to freshman Shannan McCready and sophomore transfer Sarah McGaffin. With McCready nursing an ankle injury, McGaffin took all the reps during the scrimmage.
Watson said she has some things to work on but overall she played well.
McGaffin took advantage of the opportunity and made some great plays for her teammates.
“You really have to know your hitters,” McGaffin said. “Everyone is different and it’s taken me a long time to get that flow with them.” A good relationship with her hitters will certainly help McGaffin’s chances of earning the setter spot.
Kastl and outside hitters ready for great season
The outside hitters group has the most experience for the Sun Devils. Watson said he is impressed with redshirt sophomore Ashley Kastl’s work during camp.
“We need to stay together as a team and focus on the little things,” said Kastl, “because once we start to perfect the little things, big things will happen.”
Practice what you Preach
The libero is the chief communicator on the court. And no one communicates better than Stephanie Preach.
When Preach is on the court, the game is a lot louder. But the team chemistry is a lot better as well
During each play Preach is constantly communicating the formation to her teammates, congratulating a player after a good or kicking someone in gear after a bad one. For ASU, the louder Preach is, the better the Sun Devils play.
Injury update
McCready started the preseason as a favorite for the starting setter job, but has missed time recently due to a sprained ankle. Watson is hopeful that she will return to practice this week.
Redshirt junior outside hitter Sofie Schlagintweit suffered a minor injury during camp and should be back soon. In general, Watson said he is happy with how his team has stayed healthy in the preseason.
Reach the reporter at ehubbard@asu.edu
