The University of Arizona volleyball team (11-0) returned home this weekend to host the Wildcat Classic Tournament that began on Thursday, Sept. 19, and finished on Saturday, Sept. 21, in McKale Center. Arizona swept both matches 3-0 against North Dakota State University and Southern Utah University. The Wildcats remain undefeated wrapping up non-conference play as they head into the Big 12 conference play.
Game 1: Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.
North Dakota State University; (25-19, 25-20, 25-22)
Arizona quickly built a lead in the opening set as the Wildcats went on a 7-1 run with multiple kills provided by Jaelyn Hodge and Kiari Robey. Hodge led the first set with 8 kills while defensively, Robey put up 2 of the 3 blocks Arizona had. Arizona’s strong start would carry the Wildcats into set two after winning set one 25-19 by closing with a 5-0 scoring run.
During set two, Carlie Cisneros secured 4 of her 10 kills she would have in the night. Even though the Wildcats were down in the start, the Bison’s defense was not enough to hold Arizona from catching up as the Wildcats tied the set 9-9. Arizona continued to push the Bison defense and won the second set 25-20 to acquire a 2-0 lead against the Bison.
The Wildcats finished the third set with a win (25-22), as Avery Scoggins would total 10 digs that helped the Wildcats secure the win. Hodge would lead with 17 kills, reaching a .485 season-high hitting percentage. Another impactful player for the Wildcats was Alayna Johnson, who finished with a .667 hitting percentage and 6 kills for the night. With this win, Arizona has won its 10-straight game.
Game 2: Saturday, Sept. 21, at noon
Southern Utah University; (25-21, 25-19, 25-20)
To cap off the tournament, Arizona faced Southern Utah. The first set consisted of Hodge leading the team with 6 kills. Arizona was able to gain a one-point lead in the middle of the set after a brief 3-0 scoring run. Cisneros gained the final kill winning set one 25-21 as Arizona held Southern Utah to a .214 hitting percentage compared to the Wildcats .359 percentage.
The Wildcats created space early in the second set against the Thunderbirds, leading 12-8. The early lead helped catapult the Wildcats to the 25-19 finishing score. To win the second set, Jordan Wilson and Cisneros led with 4 kills each. Additionally, Cisneros completed the set with an ace.
During the final set, Cisneros led Arizona with four kills while defensively, Arizona limited Southern Utah to a .111 hitting percentage, while Jonhson led the Wildcats with 5 blocks. Arizona would go on to win the third set 25-20. After the game, Hodge, Cisneros and Scoggins were all named to the Wildcat Classic All-Tournament Team.
Looking ahead:
Arizona will be heading on the road after completing its final tournament as the Wildcats head to Waco, Texas to play Baylor University on Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. in Ferrell Center.
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