Live From the Madness: Texas A&M and Arizona State advance to the Round of 32

#6 Texas A&M survived a four-set thriller versus Colorado State. At the same time, #3 Arizona State dominated CAA Champs New Hampshire in three sets. 

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A&M looked good early versus Colorado State, taking a simple 25-20 first set, but Colorado State gave them everything they got from then on. CSU won the second set 25-16 and reached four separate set points in the third. However, Logan Lednicky of Texas A&M was not to be denied, converting kills on three of the four set points before the Aggies finally got the set 29-27. Even with Malaya Jones not missing in the fourth, the Rams could not get to set point, and A&M barely held on 25-23 to win the match 3-1. Logan Lednicky led the way for the Aggies. She finished with 23 kills, while Malaya Jones of CSU held her own and finished with 26 kills. 

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“I’m proud of the entire team.” Texas A&M Coach Jamie Morrison said, “I thought we just found different ways to win. I think that’s been our trademark this entire season. Regardless of the situation, we are finding ways to win.”

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On the other hand, Arizona State dominated all the way through, as they were supposed to. The Sun Devils won the first set 25-17, led by five kills from Shania Cromartie. The Devils took the second set, also 25-17. UNH kept it close early before the Devils turned on the jets again, led by Claire Jeter and Roberta Rabelo. Finally, ASU finished off the Wildcats 25-19 in the third. 

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“It’s good to get that one out of the way.” Sun Devil Head Coach JJ Van Niel said, “I think we had some jitters a little bit, and now we got to get ready to go play a really strong A&M team tomorrow night.” 

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Arizona State and Texas A&M will meet tomorrow at 6:30 MST to determine who will advance to the Sweet 16, and VBAdrenaline will be there, so stay tuned. 

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