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Utah State Volleyball Falls to Arizona State in NCAA Tournament

Courtesy of Utah State Athletics

TEMPE, Arizona – Utah State volleyball put up a strong fight, but its season ended with a 3-1 (25-15, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15) loss to No. 2-seeded Arizona State on Friday night at Desert Financial Arena.

The Aggies finished the season with a 24-8 record. this ties the 2023 and 2010 seasons for the most wins by the program since 1982.

Set One

Utah State started strong with kills from sophomore outside hitter Mara Štiglic and sophomore opposite side hitter loryn Helgesen. Arizona State quickly responded with a 4-0 run, forcing a USU timeout at 14-9. The Aggies battled back, closing the gap to one with four consecutive points, including an ace by junior libero/defensive specialist Kendel Thompson and a block from Helgesen and senior middle blocker Tierney Barlow. Though, arizona State dominated the rest of the set, scoring on 11 of the final 13 rallies to take a 1-0 lead.

Set Two

Arizona State,ranked No. 8 by the AVCA, continued its strong play, opening the second set with three straight points. Štiglic answered with three kills for Utah State’s first three points. ASU maintained pressure with a 5-1 run, leading 9-4. The Aggies and Sun Devils then traded points, but Utah State couldn’t close the gap. Arizona State extended its advantage with another 5-1 burst, winning the set 25-18.

Set Three

Facing elimination, the Aggies showed renewed energy in the third set. After a back-and-forth start, USU went on a 5-1 run sparked by a Barlow ace and a block by sophomore setter