UPDATE: The Arizona Wildcats suffered a heart-wrenching defeat to the Utah Utes in a dramatic five-set match on October 13, 2023. After a closely contested game, the final score was 3-2 (19-25, 25-18, 25-21, 29-31, 15-9) in favor of Utah, reversing their earlier victory this month.
The loss is a significant setback for Arizona, who are fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Head coach Rita Stubbs expressed her concerns, noting, “We need to be able to defend our home court,” as their chances of making the tournament dwindle.
Despite a strong offensive display with 71 kills compared to Utah’s 62, Arizona struggled in critical moments, particularly with their serving. The Wildcats recorded only two aces against a staggering 12 service errors, which proved detrimental. Stubbs highlighted the pressure her team felt, saying, “I do—for no reason. You know, I kept telling them it’s like, okay, we gotta go through the fire.”
The match showcased standout performances from outside hitters Jordan Wilson and Carlie Cisneros, both achieving season highs with 29 and 23 kills respectively. Cisneros also served Arizona’s only two aces. Stubbs praised their efforts, stating, “Carlie and Jordan, they attacked well.”
Defensively, sophomore libero Brenna Ginder shone with a match-high 22 digs, showing her growth this season. “She was going after some balls and was like, ‘Okay, this ball can’t fall,’” Stubbs remarked, highlighting Ginder’s determination.
However, Arizona’s inability to involve their middle blockers in the offense was evident. Middle blocker Journey Tucker achieved an impressive 8 kills on 15 swings with a hitting percentage of .533, but Stubbs pointed out the necessity for better passing to maximize their offensive potential.
Blocking was another area where the Utes excelled, with 11 total blocks, significantly outpacing Arizona’s 5. The Wildcats now face a critical week ahead as they prepare for matches against Cincinnati and West Virginia, both of whom are on winning streaks.
As the clock ticks down to selection day, the pressure intensifies for Arizona. Their upcoming games will be crucial in determining if they can secure a coveted spot in the tournament. “I know that they’re hungry,” Stubbs concluded, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Fans and supporters are encouraged to rally behind the team as they aim to bounce back in their next contests. The Wildcats are determined to turn this defeat into motivation for their final push toward the NCAA Tournament.
