Arizona State shocks No. 2 Texas as Wisconsin opens season with straight-set win
The Jeep AVCA First Serve double-header delivered two decisive results, with Arizona State’s historic upset over Texas marking a significant early-season upset.
The women’s college volleyball season commenced on Saturday with the Jeep AVCA First Serve, a nonconference double-header broadcast on FS1. The event served as the opening fixture for the new broadcast era, with FOX set to air 35 matches throughout the season. The double-header featured two high-profile matchups, beginning with a contest between No. 6 Wisconsin and No. 7 Louisville at 4:00 PM ET, followed by a clash between No. 2 Texas and No. 12 Arizona State at 7:00 PM ET.
In the first match, Wisconsin established early dominance, securing a straight-set victory over Louisville. The Badgers controlled the tempo from the outset, with Audrey Flanagan leading the team with 13 kills. Wisconsin’s offensive efficiency was a key factor, as they held Louisville to a .234 hitting percentage. The team’s ability to sustain scoring runs, including a 7-1 surge in the first set, proved decisive in their emphatic win.
The second match produced a more dramatic result, as No. 12 Arizona State delivered a shocking upset against No. 2 Texas. The Sun Devils took control early, winning the first two sets 25-17. Arizona State’s defensive consistency was evident, as they maintained a .345 hitting average through the first two sets. The performance was a stark contrast to Texas’s previous form, with the Sun Devils taking the lead after a 6-6 tie in the second set and never relinquishing control.
Texas attempted a comeback in the third set, securing a 25-19 victory to stay alive in the match. The Longhorns, who entered the contest as national champion runners-up, recorded six blocks in the set. Nya Bunton led the Texas attack with six kills heading into the decisive fourth set. However, the momentum shift did not persist, as Arizona State reasserted its dominance.
In the final set, Arizona State built a commanding 20-10 lead, effectively sealing the upset. The Sun Devils closed out the match 25-10, claiming their first victory over Texas since 2013. The result stands as a significant early-season statement, with Arizona State overcoming a higher-ranked opponent in the tournament’s opening fixture.
The double-header highlighted the competitive depth of the season, with both matches featuring decisive performances. Wisconsin’s controlled win and Arizona State’s upset underscore the unpredictability of the nonconference schedule. As the season progresses, these results set the tone for the upcoming broadcast slate on FS1.
