By Gabby Roye
The Arizona volleyball team continues to roll – and in a big way.
It has now won seven consecutive matches.
After not losing a set on a roads-schedule weekend since 2009, UA continued to play well, this time in its own Wildcat Classic. Last week it swept three matches in the Kansas Invitational and on Friday, UA won its first two games in the annual Wildcat Classic.
UA has now won 21 straight sets dating back to Sept. 7, just one shy of tying the school record for consecutive sets won.
Arizona defeated Alabama State (25-13, 25-17, 25-10) on Friday morning in the opener of the Wildcat Classic at Mckale Center and then defeated New Mexico State (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) in a Friday night match.
Against Alabama State, outside hitters Elizabeth Shelton and Whittnee Nihipali tied with 10 kills each.
“This year she is playing a lot bigger role for us,” said Paige Whipple on Nihipali’s play.
Head Coach David Rubio said, “Tonight was a good opportunity for Whittnee to kind of be on the floor. She can tend to get a little nervous, and so, the more she plays, I think that the more confidence she’ll build.”
He also commented on Shelton’s abilities, calling her a world-class athlete.
“Tonight she was really the one person that was scoring pretty regularly for us,” he said.
Rubio said the team was not as sharp against NMSU but was able to get the wins.
Arizona will compete again Saturday in Mckale Center, facing off against Sacramento State.
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