By
Kamy Shaygan
Arizona Daily Wildcat
UA travels up I-10 to face Arizona State
The Arizona women's volleyball team will play in one of their biggest matches of the season today when they travel up Interstate 10 to face rival Arizona State at the Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe.
Since losing their first game of the season to UC-Santa Barbara Sept. 1 at the "Diggin' It 2000" Tournament in San Diego, Calif., the No. 13 Wildcats have won five straight matches and look to extend their winning streak against the Sun Devils.
Wildcat junior outside hitter Jill Talbot is hoping to ride the momentum of last weekend, when Arizona didn't lose a single game - let alone a match.
"I think the last tournament was good for us just for confidence and to get in the flow of things," Talbot said. "As far as ASU goes, there is a little more there. I think we will be up a lot more for that."
The Wildcats know they will be facing a tough challenge with the Sun Devils, as they consistently bring their "A" game when facing Arizona.
"It's a heated rivalry, and they tend to play their best volleyball of the year against us," Rubio said.
The Sun Devils lead the all-time series between the two, 33-25, but UA holds the upper-hand since 1995 - winning six of the last 10 matches.
Sophomore middle blocker Stefani Saragosa has her own formula to get the team motivated for the big match.
"I'm giving an inspirational speech before we play," Saragosa said. "That will get everybody fired up."
One Wildcat that is already fired up for the big match is sophomore outside hitter Lisa Rutledge, who has emerged as one of the team's top outside threats.
"We don't like them very much, obviously," she said. "We're really excited and pumped for the game."
For the Arizona freshmen, the opportunity to play Arizona State will give them their first glance of the intensity of Pac-10 volleyball.
"I'm really excited to play them," freshman outside hitter Christina Frost said. "I think they are going to come out ready to play. Hopefully we will be able to play well and not get too nervous."
For the Wildcats to be successful in Tempe, UA will have to continue their steady play in all facets of the game.
"I think we need to serve and pass consistently and take care of things on our side of the net and that will take care of the winning," Talbot said. "Were always looking forward to that match, and it's a bonus to make them hurt a little."
Arizona junior setter Dana Burkholder, who was named MVP of the Starwoods Wildcat Classic last weekend along with Pac-10 Volleyball Player of the Week, is confident that the match will be close regardless.
"It is always a good match and both teams always step it up for the rivalry," Burkholder said. "It's definitely fun to play ASU."
