By
Kamy Shaygan
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wildcats win 10th straight, tie school record
In sports, it is often said that a team's greatest improvement comes between the first and second matches.
The Arizona women's volleyball team responded to a loss at the hands of UC- Santa Barbara by winning their next 10 matches, tying a school record for consecutive victories.
"I think after losing the first game, it shook us awake," sophomore middle blocker Stefani Saragosa said. "We know what we are capable of. We don't care who is on the other side of the net. If you're on our court, we are going to beat you."
The No. 10 Wildcats continued their winning ways last weekend, winning all six games in victories against Washington State and the University of Washington.
"I was very pleased," Arizona head coach David Rubio said.
The Wildcats (10-1 overall, 3-0 Pacific 10 Conference) were so focused on winning their matches, they had no clue they had tied a school record.
"I don't even think anyone realized that," Rubio said. "We are just taking it one match at a time. We just know that we are focusing on the next opponent."
Sophomore Lisa Rutledge was ecstatic once she found out the Wildcats could break the school record for consecutive victories.
"I think that would be great if we broke the school record," Rutledge said. "It shows that we're ready to win big."
The Wildcats knocked off Washington State Friday night in three games 15-8, 15-4, and 15-5.
Arizona was led by the strong play of senior outside hitter Allison Napier.
Napier finished off with a team high 14 kills along with a strong .458 hitting percentage.
"Allie has elevated her play significantly in the last few weeks," Rubio said. "She has also played a nice part in passing. It is nice having her as a more complete player."
Senior Jill Talbot also dominated the weekend, serving up a season-high three aces along with nine digs against the Cougars.
"Jill always plays good, so it wasn't any bit of a surprise," Rutledge said. "She passed well, played defense great - doing pretty much her normal routine. She does a great job for us every game."
After the Wildcats swept the Cougars in three games, they headed to Seattle to face the University of Washington. The Wildcats defeated the Huskies in three games 15-9, 15-7, and 15-5.
The Wildcats' charge was led by junior setter Dana Burkholder, who finished off with 38 assists.
Burkholder's near-perfect setting was ideal for Saragosa and senior Marisa DaLee, who finished with a combined 23 kills on 34 attempts.
"Marisa and I have been getting beautiful sets," Saragosa said. "The sets were perfect. Anyone can hit with a high percentage getting those sets."
Rubio had no doubt that Saragosa was in for a big weekend.
"Stefani struggled a little last week and came in a little more motivated," Rubio said. "I knew she was out to prove something this weekend. I think she has the opportunity to show off her talents when her mind is in to it."
Despite winning 10 matches in a row, Rubio believes there is room for improvement.
"We still have a ways to go in our serve receive and our ball control," Rubio said. "I feel that's still the area where work is most needed. I'm really picking small things, but I think that will be the difference when we play against the big teams."
Although Rutledge acknowledges there can be room for improvement, she was pleased with her team's performance last weekend.
"I thought our team did really great overall going up there," Rutledge said. "It's kind of hard going up there trying to keep ourselves motivated, but I thought we did a really good job of staying on task and taking care of business."
