The Arizona Wildcats faced a tough challenge against their in-state rivals, the No. 8 ASU Sun Devils, on November 13, 2025. The match took place at Desert Financial Arena, where Arizona aimed to win their fourth consecutive volleyball match. However, the Sun Devils ended this streak by defeating the Wildcats 3-1 with scores of 25-11, 20-25, 25-18, and 25-22.
Match Highlights
- Location: Desert Financial Arena
- Teams: Arizona Wildcats vs. No. 8 ASU Sun Devils
- Match Date: November 13, 2025
- Final Score: ASU 3, Arizona 1
Arizona’s head coach, Rita Stubbs, noted the team struggled at the start but improved in subsequent sets. Initially, the Wildcats faced disruptions related to player lineup changes due to illness, impacting their performance, especially in the first set.
Key Player Performances
- Jordan Wilson: Led the match with 17 kills, four aces, and two blocks, totaling 22 points.
- Journey Tucker: Contributed significantly upon entering the match, delivering eight kills with an impressive .800 hitting percentage.
- Carlie Cisneros: Added 11 kills and almost achieved a double-double with nine digs.
The first set was challenging for Arizona, with ASU quickly establishing a 4-0 lead and maintaining control throughout the frame. Despite a stronger performance in the following sets, the team could not maintain their momentum.
Set Breakdown
| Set | Arizona Score | ASU Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | 25 |
| 2 | 25 | 20 |
| 3 | 18 | 25 |
| 4 | 22 | 25 |
In the fourth set, Arizona had opportunities to push the match to a decisive fifth set but ultimately faltered. ASU capitalized on Arizona’s mistakes, including hitting and passing errors, leading to a finish that disappointed the Wildcats.
Looking Ahead
Following the loss, Arizona’s record stands at 14-10 overall, with an 8-6 record in the Big 12. The conference is highly competitive, expected to send numerous teams to the NCAA tournament. Early projections place Arizona as a potential No. 7 or No. 8 seed, but they will need to continue improving as the season progresses.
Coach Stubbs remains optimistic about the team’s progression, stating that confidence gained from previous wins contributes positively to their performance. The Wildcats aim to regroup and prepare for their next challenges in the remainder of the season.
