(Photo: Trey Lanthier/WCSN)
Yesterday the Sun Devils landed in the NCAA’s top-25 rankings, marking the first time the team has accomplished the feat in over 10 years. They flew up in the rankings following their takedown of No. 2 Texas on Saturday, from No. 27 to No. 18.
Arizona State has not been ranked since Nov. 4, 2002, when they were propelled into the rankings after a sweep of then No. 12 Arizona.
In their rise into the top-25, the Sun Devils surpassed two Pac-12 teams: No. 20 Oregon (who made an appearance in the 2012 national championship game) and Cal, who fell out of the rankings this week.
Bianca Arellano earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors, marking the second straight week that a Sun Devil has found their way into the weekly award (Macey Gardner won it last week). As the team’s setter, Arellano recorded across-the-board statistics in the weekend, averaging nearly 5 digs per set along with over 9 assists per set.
After three road trips to start the year, ASU will return home to continue their non-conference schedule in the Arizona State Marriott Invitational. They’ll play Cal Poly, Alabama State, and Louisiana-Monroe; the three teams have a combined 12-22 record in 2013. All three teams will also be playing in mid-week games prior to the tournament in Tempe.
You can reach Trey Lanthier on Twitter @TreyLanthier or by email treylanthier@gmail.com.
