Iowa State to Face Arizona and Arizona State
AMES — Iowa State is off to a strong 2-0 start in Big 12 conference play and is gearing up for two matchups in Arizona, including a game against the No. 12 ranked Arizona State.
Match Details:
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Iowa State vs. Arizona
- When: Friday at 7 p.m.
- Where: ESPN+
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Iowa State vs. Arizona State
- When: Sunday at 4 p.m.
- Where: ESPN
Senior outside hitter Nayeli Ti’a emphasized the importance of maintaining the winning mindset after their recent victory against UCF.
Opponent Breakdown
Arizona – 7 p.m. Friday
Although Arizona (5-7) has a losing record, they’ve shown competitiveness against stronger teams, with three of their losses coming from previously ranked teams: Creighton, USC, and Colorado. The Wildcats have played one conference match, resulting in a 0-1 record after a close 3-2 loss to Colorado.
Arizona’s defensive strength is marked by their digs, led by junior libero Brenna Ginder, who averages 2.39 digs per set. They rank third in the Big 12 for digs per set at 14.14. However, their overall offensive performance lags, ranking last in key categories such as points, hitting percentage, assists, and kills.
Arizona State – 4 p.m. Sunday
Iowa State’s matchup against Arizona State (10-3) could be one of the toughest challenges in their regular season. The Sun Devils have notable victories, including wins against five teams ranked in the top 25.
After an unexpected loss to West Virginia, Arizona State rebounded with a 3-1 win over Cincinnati, bringing their Big 12 record to 1-1. Head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch acknowledged the difficulty of facing the Sun Devils.
Arizona State features two standout hitters:
- Noemie Glover, who averages 3.81 kills per set and has garnered multiple accolades, including Big 12 Player of the Year honors in 2025 and 2026 Preseason Player of the Year.
- Una Vajagic, who adds to the offensive firepower with 3.67 kills per set, recorded 20 kills in a single match against Minnesota.
With Iowa State out to prove themselves in these pivotal games, the upcoming weekend will be crucial for their season’s momentum.
