Connect with us

Arizona

Arizona volleyball finishes opening weekend undefeated

Published

on

Arizona volleyball finishes opening weekend undefeated


Arizona Wildcats volleyball celebrates after straight-set victory over Fresno State on Aug. 31, 2025
Photo courtesy of Arizona Athletics

If energy was a problem in the early going of Arizona volleyball’s match on Saturday, the Wildcats had fixed that problem by Sunday’s match against Fresno State. They were active and aggressive from the start in a 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-20) victory over the Bulldogs.

“It was something that I wanted, especially after yesterday’s game,” Arizona head coach Rita Stubbs said. “I didn’t feel like we started off with a lot of energy (yesterday). So it was good.”

The win pushed Arizona’s winning streak to 14 straight matches stretching back to last year. The last time the Wildcats lost was a home match to Kansas State. After a players’ meeting, they took out No. 8 Kansas in the next match and didn’t lose again.

Advertisement

The 14-match winning streak matches the longest in program history. Arizona last won 14 straight matches in 2000.

“I think that’s pretty cool,” said sophomore setter Avery Scoggins. “We definitely want to get a lot more wins in the future, so we’re gonna work hard to accomplish more than that.”

Oustide hitters Jordan Wilson and Carlie Cisneros once again led the way.

Wilson was not only effective, she was also highly efficient. Despite being subbed out at 11-9 in the third set, the senior ended with 12 kills on 20 swings. She had just one hitting error, ending the day with a .550 hitting percentage.

Just as she did in the other two matches this weekend, Wilson had an impact in most aspects of the game. While she struggled a bit on serve, committing three service errors without an ace, she had a block and five digs. She ended with 12.5 points.

Advertisement

Wilson’s efficiency has been especially noticeable in the first weekend. She has improved each season at Arizona, hitting .215 as a sophomore and .249 last year, but has started especially strong this year.

Over the first three matches, Wilson is hitting .353 and has 4.0 kills per set. Last year, she hit .260 over the first weekend and was subbed out in the second match after just one set with six errors on seven swings without a kill.

“I think that, one, she wants to play professional so she knows there are some things that she needs to do to put herself in a position to be seen favorably by those out there that’ll be making those decisions,” Stubbs said. “But more importantly, she just wants to be the leader on the team and the one that’s willing to carry the load, and she knows in order to do that, she has to be consistent with her level of play so people can look to her and not worry if she struggles.”

Cisneros led the team with 13 kills. She did it on .270 hitting. She was second in the match with three total blocks, trailing only Arizona middle blocker Adrianna Bridges. Cisneros threw in a service ace to lead the team with 15.5 points. She also had two assists.

Bridges was once again Arizona’s other primary offensive weapon. The sophomore had four kills, two service aces, and four total blocks for eight points.

Advertisement

Stubbs once again subbed liberally. All three of the opposites on the roster saw at least some court time, as did all three of the healthy middle blockers. Four of the five libero/defensive specialists played.

The two bring different things to the table, with Heath being quicker and Carlson being a bigger block at the net and more effective when the team is out of system.

“That’s where Ana kind of gets hurt every time,” Stubbs said. “It’s because I think she’s too aggressive in most situations. But you gotta understand the personnel of it, because Jordan is extremely aggressive out of system, but she brings something different to the table, and her level of confidence and being comfortable there is a lot different.”

Stubbs believes they need to be able to use both of them without missing a beat and is not set on one of them being the primary player at the position yet.

Freshman outside hitter Paige Thies came into the match for Wilson in the third set. She had three kills on seven swings without an error. She also had a dig.

Advertisement

Bridges played the whole match at middle blocker. Sydnie Vanek and Maya Flemister split time on the court, with Flemister coming in during the final set.

The variety of teammates she is setting for is something Scoggins is still working through. While she got to play with all of them except Thies during the spring, it is still a learning experience when the games count.

“I think it’s something that takes time getting used to, and I feel…like I need to work on my connections with everybody and everything can always get better,” Scoggins said.

She did feel that her connections with the middles was getting better. Bridges did not play much last year, Vanek is new to the position at the college level, and Flemister is a freshman, so that is a focus for Scoggins and the middle blocker group.

“For me today, I thought, obviously, there’s a lot of sets that I could have cleaned up,” Scoggins said. “I haven’t been the most consistent this past weekend, but that’s a good thing, because now I can clean it up going forward, in the future, and knowing what specific sets that I need to work on. I thought the middle connection today was pretty solid. I thought overall, everybody did really good. We didn’t make a lot of unforced errors, which is good. And overall, I thought the team did really well. There’s still stuff to work on, but that’s a good thing. We want stuff to work on right now.”

Advertisement

Arizona dominated in all statistical categories. The Wildcats’ blocking and serving games gave the Bulldogs a lot of problems. While UA only ended with five total blocks on the stat sheet, their block touches set a tone, especially in the early going.

In the service game, Arizona kept Fresno State’s serve receive off balance. The Wildcats had eight aces to 10 service errors, sticking pretty close to the desirable one-to-one mark.

The Wildcats led for almost the entire match. Fresno State’s only leads came early in the third set. The last one was at 5-4.

Addison Haluska led Fresno State with a match-high 15 kills. The downside is it took her 40 swings and nine errors to get there. Haluska also had two total blocks to lead the match with 17 points.

The Wildcats go on the road next week to play in the Boise State Tournament against the host Broncos, former Pac-12 foe Oregon State, and UC San Diego. Their only other home match in nonconference play comes against UTEP on Sept. 16. They play seven of their 11 nonconference matches on the road or at neutral sites before starting Big 12 play with two road matches.

Advertisement

0 Comments



Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Arizona

Suspect in custody after fleeing Arizona troopers and barricading inside a Phoenix neighborhood shed

Published

on

Suspect in custody after fleeing Arizona troopers and barricading inside a Phoenix neighborhood shed


PHOENIX — A suspect is in custody after fleeing from Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers overnight and hiding in a Phoenix neighborhood.

According to DPS, troopers attempted to stop a white BMW around 1:20 a.m. for speeding and displaying fictitious plates. The driver did not stop, and a pursuit was initiated.

Troopers later ended the pursuit due to safety concerns.

The vehicle was eventually found abandoned near 13th Avenue and McDowell Road. DPS says the suspect briefly drove again before getting out and running through nearby residential backyards.

Advertisement

Authorities say the suspect barricaded himself inside a shed in a backyard.

Phoenix police officers, including a K-9 unit and air support, responded to assist and set up a perimeter. The suspect was located and taken into custody after refusing commands to surrender.

Police say the suspect was treated for minor injuries and taken to a hospital.

No other injuries were reported.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Arizona

Jenae Berry’s strongest outing as a Wildcat secures Arizona softball’s series win over Baylor

Published

on

Jenae Berry’s strongest outing as a Wildcat secures Arizona softball’s series win over Baylor


Arizona softball pitcher Jenae Berry (11) at Hillenbrand Stadium in Feb. 2026
Photo by Ryan Kelapire

It was another adventure for the No. 14 Arizona Wildcats, but sophomore pitcher Jenae Berry turned in her best outing as a Wildcat to secure the series win against Baylor. After taking Friday’s game in run-rule fashion, UA won Saturday’s game 11-7. The Wildcats go for the series sweep on Sunday.

“I’m so proud of her,” Arizona head coach Caitlin Lowe said of Berry. “I think she was perfectly herself today. Didn’t try to do too much. She hit really great spots, mixed speeds, and it was exactly what we needed. You know, she came in and the game settled down once she did come in, and she really just controlled it throughout.”

Berry entered the game in relief and went 5.1 innings with five strikeouts. Both the innings and the Ks were season highs for the righty, who transferred in from Indiana during the offseason.

Advertisement

“Regan [Shockey] was messing around with me after because I don’t normally strike many people out, but definitely fun,” Berry said.

Berry lowered her ERA from 7.58 to 6.68 after giving up two earned runs on three hits and no walks. She earned her second win of the season to improve her record to 2-0.

While the outing may have given Berry a boost, her teammates were grateful for the confidence she instilled in them.

“She gave some confidence to the team, for sure, that we really needed, and she allowed us to go offensively,” Shockey said. “And that’s the biggest thing I would say she contributed today. The energy.”

Shockey may not be someone who seems like she needs confidence. She rarely seems to struggle. However, she had a tough go of things for the first two games last week. She struck out three times in the first two games against ASU. Those three strikeouts gave her 12 for the season.

Advertisement

She has bounced back in the over the last four games, stretching back to the final game of the series against the Sun Devils. Against the Bears, she is 7 for 8 with an RBI, a stolen base, and three runs scored. She looks more like the Regan Shockey everyone knows.

“I think that’s softball,” Shockey said. “You know, people are gonna know you. It’s my third year here, and third year playing against ASU…Can’t be scared to fail, and this weekend, I’m not scared to fail at all. Not scared to strike out, because at the end of the day, no one really remembers the strikeouts more than they remember the hits and our team scoring all those runs.”

Arizona scored most of their runs during the first inning in this one. After starter Rylie Holder wiggled out of a bases-loaded situation in the top of the first, the Wildcats’ offense got to work.

The team sent 11 to the plate in the inning. It only ended because Sereniti Trice was called for leaving base early in her second time getting on base in the frame.

The Wildcats opened with three straight singles to load the bases and bring Sydney Stewart to the plate. There was nowhere to put Arizona’s biggest bat. Baylor starter Peyton Tanner walked her to force in the first run.

Advertisement

A sacrifice fly by Grace Jenkins put the Wildcats up 2-0, then another walk loaded the bases again. A third walk forced in the third run.

That brought up Tele Jennings, who was making her second straight start at designated player. Jennings transferred to Arizona from San Diego in the offseason. In her two seasons with the Toreros, she hit just .239 and had 24 extra-base hits.

She had struggled in her first couple of months as a Wildcat, too. She didn’t get her first hit until her sixth appearance in cardinal and navy. She came into the series hitting .231.

Lowe has been confident that Jennings would find her way, though. She has put her in as the starting DP three times in the past two weeks. This week, the junior broke through. She went 1 for 4 and reached on an error on Friday. Even the at-bats that didn’t result in hits were solid.

On Saturday, Jennings was 1 for 3. The one hit was a double that drove in three to put Arizona up 6-0 in the first. That chased Tanner.

Advertisement

Shockey’s groundout drove in the seventh run, then Trice scored Addison Duke with a single up the middle. If Arizona could keep Baylor under control, it might be on the way to another run rule. It was already 8-0 after the first inning.

Holder continued to have problems in the second inning, though. Her body language indicated she was a bit frustrated with borderline pitches not going her way.

Baylor’s Leah Cran led off the second with a solo shot to put the Bears on the board. A walk and an error by Trice put two on with no outs, then a double made it 8-2. Holder had runners on the corners and still no outs. Another homer and a double made it 8-5, which ended Holder’s day.

Berry entered the game with the bases clear after the 2-run homer. Her first strikeout of the night brought the inning to a close. She continued her run by sitting the side down in order in the third, and her offense responded.

Duke continued to show her power. She had two doubles on Friday. On Saturday, she added a 3-run home run to extend Arizona’s lead to 11-5.

Advertisement

Arizona didn’t score again, but Berry made the runs stand up. She gave up two singles and a groundout that got a runner on, over, and in during the fourth. In the fifth, she struck out the side but a solo home run was sandwiched in between.

“We can handle the ones thrown up there,” Lowe said. “Offensively, we’re gonna punch back. So I think that’s the biggest thing. Is she was able to keep it within reach?”

Lowe was also pleased that the Wildcats didn’t have to use Jalen Adams. Having another arm or two to use is something Arizona needs.

”It also provides us a different look,” Lowe said. “And she’s such a different look than both Rylie and Jalen are. So it’s just really great to have her as a bridge. It’s great to have her as an open, as a close. I didn’t think she was going to get extended that long, but she absolutely just dominated the end portion of that game.”

While the players are too young to remember the last time Arizona couldn’t close out a series against Baylor, they were happy to get the series win for those who were there nine years ago.

Advertisement

“When you wear this uniform, everything means everything to everyone,” Shockey said. “So we carry this A with pride, and we did it for those people in 2017. So I hope they felt this win just as much as we did.”

There’s still a goal left to attain this weekend.

“We need the sweep,” Shockey said. “There’s no other expectation…Our coaches have a very high standard for us, and that is the standard.”



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Arizona

Former Arizona State OL Max Iheanachor Talks transition to NFL

Published

on

Former Arizona State OL Max Iheanachor Talks transition to NFL


TEMPE — Former Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor took part in the school’s Pro Day on Friday in anticipation for the NFL Draft – which is being held from April 23-25.

The three-year Sun Devil spoke with media after the day concluded – discussing what the next month will entail for him, his journey into becoming a standout NFL prospect, and much more.

Advertisement

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

To watch the full media availability, view below.

Advertisement

Iheanachor Reveals Upcoming NFL Visits

The general consensus over the last week or two has been that Iheanachor would be more of a second round pick compared to the previous first-round notion, although revelations on Friday may refute that belief.

Advertisement

The talented right tackle revealed that he is set to have top-30 visits with the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens – among other franchises – in the month leading into the draft.

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) and offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) in action during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Advertisement

Those aren’t the only potential destinations for the rapidly rising prospect, as Iheanachor has previously been linked with the San Fransisco 49ers and Detroit Lions as well. There appears to be a common theme amongst interested parties – as all of the franchises either have an aging tackle that carries an uncertain future, or has an open vacancy at right tackle at this moment.

Advertisement

The New England Patriots have an interest in Iheanachor that is a poorly kept secret in their own right – this was on full display when head coach Mike Vrabel worked extensively with the former JUCO player, even after group drills were finished. The Patriots own the number 31 pick in the first round.

Iheanachor’s Journey Nothing Short of Incredible

Iheanachor didn’t begin playing football until 2021, when he began his career playing at the junior college level. He eventually committed to play for Arizona State ahead of Kenny Dillingham’s first season in 2023. There were certainly questions surrounding his viability in making a transition from a lower level into the power four, but that was short-lived.

Advertisement

The raw prospect grew considerably as the season went on, eventually seeing real playing time later in the season. He returned in 2024 as a definitive starter and was obviously one of the most improved players on the entire roster on a year-to-year basis. He then returned in 2025 and was the best player/prospect on the entire offensive line, with figures such as taking part in 484 pass protection snaps without ceding a sack confirming the elite nature of his season.

Advertisement

Sep 20, 2025; Waco, Texas, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) in action against the Baylor Bears during the first half at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending