No. 12 Arizona State dropped a bombshell on the college volleyball world Saturday, delivering a shocking upset over the national champion runner-ups, No. 2 Texas, in their first matchup of the Jeep AVCA First Serve tournament. This wasn’t just a win, folks, this was a statement from the Sun Devils, kicking off what looks like a wild season.
Sun Devils Come Out Swinging, Longhorns Stunned
Talk about coming out swinging! Arizona State ripped through the first set, taking it 25-17. The No. 2 Longhorns, who were national champion runner-ups, barely had a moment to breathe, managing only one lead at 7-6 before ASU shut them down. Una Vajagic, Noemiie Glover, and Maeva Schalck were absolutely relentless, each tacking on four kills in that opening set. The Sun Devils carried that insane momentum right into the second, defeating Texas again by a 25-17 margin. Their defense was locked in after a 6-6 tie, never looking back and registering a blistering .345 average through those first two sets. Texas finally found some life in the third, responding with a 25-19 win, highlighted by six blocks, with Nya Bunton leading the charge with six kills heading into the fourth. But ASU? They were just too much. The Sun Devils were merely unstoppable, climbing to a dominant 20-10 lead in the fourth set and securing their first win over Texas since 2013. Glover wrapped up her day with 13 total kills, and Vajagic was right there with her at 12. What an opener for ASU!
Wisconsin Flexes With Dominant Sweep Over Louisville
Before Arizona State decided to turn the world upside down, No. 6 Wisconsin put on a clinic against No. 7 Louisville, sweeping them in straight sets to open the Jeep AVCA First Serve. These Badgers meant business from the jump! In the first set, Wisconsin broke away with a killer 7-1 scoring run. Grace Egan served an ace, and the Badgers totally earned their Cristiano Ronaldo ‘Sui’ celebration. Audrey Flanagan was on fire, extending the lead to 21-13 with an ace and a kill, then securing the set after Louisville tried to rally. The second set? More of the same. Egan delivered a kill from the right side for a 15-7 lead. Louisville’s Chloe Chicoine tried to spark a comeback with an ace, cutting the margin to 20-16, but Wisconsin shut that down. A bump from Charlie Fuerbringer and a block from Jaela Auguste put them back in control, and Eva Travis slammed down a kill to finish the set. The Badgers kept their foot on the gas in the third, holding a healthy lead throughout. Even a Louisville challenge after a Chicoine hit sailed out of bounds couldn’t stop them. Flanagan’s kill set up match point, and a Louisville error sealed the emphatic victory. Flanagan led the Badgers with 13 kills, and they held Louisville to a low .234 hitting percentage. Talk about starting strong!
What a day for college volleyball! The season is officially underway, and if these matches are any indication, we’re in for some wild rides. It’s early, but Arizona State just proved they are absolutely a team to watch. Get ready, because this season is going to be packed with incredible moments.
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