Having a home-court advantage is an important aspect to any team's schedule, and utilizing that edge is imperative. The ASU women’s volleyball team has taken this concept above and beyond this season by going undefeated not only in Tempe, but Arizona as a whole.
The Sun Devils (10-2) started their season by winning three straight home games during the Sun Devil Volleyball Classic.
Sophomore libero and Arizona native Halle Johnson said the team started the season strong after winning those three matches at home.
“I thought it was a good three games and three matches,” Johnson said. "We played well as a team. We worked hard that week in practice before those games.”
After those three wins, the Sun Devils struggled to get things going in the Gonzaga Invitational in Washington, posting a 1-2 record that weekend.
The Sun Devils then returned to Arizona and competed in the Northern Arizona Tournament. ASU repeated the success they found in the Sun Devil Tournament and went 3-0 to sweep the tournament and improve their record to 7-2.
Head coach Sanja Tomasevic said the coaching staff does not focus on statistics, especially being undefeated in Arizona.
Instead, the coaching staff focuses on what they can control, and how to ensure they are doing those things correctly.
“We do control what we do on our side of the net and how we prepare for matches,” Tomasevic said. “What we eat before matches, little things like that.”
However, for some of the Sun Devils who were born in Arizona, being undefeated in their home state is something they are proud of.
Isabel Miller, a senior outside hitter from Phoenix, said the Sun Devils' 6-0 start in Arizona is a product of all the hard work they have done in practice.
“I definitely think being undefeated means a lot,” Miller said. “I know every day we’re putting really hard work in the gym and we’re not taking anything for granted.”
Miller said their record in Arizona has not come without its challenges, especially since every athlete on the college level is talented.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be from here and play for Arizona State, and to win all at the same time," Miller said. "It’s definitely a dream.”
Johnson agreed with her teammate, especially since she has also followed the Sun Devils from a young age.
“I think it’s awesome. I just remember coming to watch the games when I was younger,” Johnson said. “Having an opportunity to be on this team after watching it is super cool.”
Johnson also added that the team's early season success is a result of not taking any short cuts, whether that be on the court, during practice or getting a good night’s sleep.
Tomasevic said the coaches did the best they could to keep everything consistent for the players on game day – home or away.
“I think it triggers in their mind. It’s like a baby. It’s time to prepare for the nap,” Tomasevic said. “For them, it’s time to prepare for the game.”
In keeping the players' routine the same, Tomasevic hoped the Sun Devils’ success in Arizona would translate to out-of-state matches.
In the UT Arlington Maverick Classic, the Sun Devils went 3-0 and stretched their winning streak to six games.
The team will now shift their focus to the Pac-12, as ASU begins conference play on Thursday, Sept. 21 facing the University of Arizona in Tempe.
“We have some tough matches coming up in the Pac (12),” Johnson said. “If we prepare right as a team, I think we can be successful.”
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