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ASU Volleyball: Road Warriors come back to upset No. 17 Santa Clara

By Harley Yearout

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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In dramatic fashion, the ASU record books were re-written Friday as the Arizona State women’s volleyball team won a five-set thriller against No. 17 Santa Clara in the opener of the Boise State Classic.

After falling behind two sets to none, the Sun Devils composed themselves and rallied to win 20-25, 13-25, 25-20, 25-22, 15-8.

The victory marks win No. 700 in program history and now stands as the team’s first win over a ranked opponent under Head Coach Stevie Mussie.

Junior middle blocker Oluoma Okaro and senior outside hitter Cassidy Pickrell paced ASU offensively as both players finished with 15 kills while Nikki Hess finished with a match-high 20 kills for Santa Clara.

Additionally, Okaro had six service aces and four blocks while Pickrell led the team with 14 digs.

The first set was competitive but an early hole dug by the Sun Devils gave the Broncos the edge to pull away late for a lead in the match.

It then seemed as though ASU was regressing as the team was demolished in the second set. Only seven kills were recorded to match seven errors, marking the team’s worst single-set attacking percentage of the season at .000.

With their backs against the wall, ASU continued to battle and won the third set, beginning their improbable comeback.

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After falling behind in the fourth set, it looked like an undefeated Broncos team would close out the match. The team rallied from down 8-4 to tie the set at 16 before pulling ahead and extending the match on a kill from sophomore outside hitter Lexi MacLean.

In five-set matches this season, ASU was 3-0 while Santa Clara had never played a match that went the distance, giving the Sun Devils both momentum and the advantage of endurance.

Next: ASU Volleyball: Momentum carries team into Boise State Classic

The final set was all ASU. The team had a strong .312 attacking percentage while only committing three errors. What was a 4-4 tie became 10-4 lead as the Sun Devils showed their mental toughness.

After playing hero in the fourth set, MacLean recorded the game-winning kill as ASU completed the comeback.

The self-titled “Road Warriors” improve to 7-3 on the season and will continue the Boise State Classic against Portland State at 4 p.m.