Cal Volleyball @ ASU Open Thread

When: 6 PM PT

TV/Online: Pac-12 Bay Area (online for subscribers)

Score update: Cal Volleyball twtitter (@CalVolleyball)

On Pac-12 Networks (and not just online), Cal Volleyball (7-5, 1-1) resume play this weekend at the Arizona schools. First up tonight is Arizona State (12-3, 1-1).

Not (yet) a fan of volleyball? Read my volleyball primer/Cal Volleyball preview.

The injury ravaged Cal Bears are trying to stay afloat before the (possible) return of starting libero Robin Rostratter. to settle the so far inconsistent backrow play. The Cal statistical leaders so far are (from Cal Athletics):

The Cal Leader Board
Kills: Adrienne Gehan - 161 (3.50/set)
Hitting Percentage: Shannon Hawari - .357
Assists: Joan Caloiaro - 418 (9.50/set)
Aces: Nikki Gombar - 11 (0.24/set)
Blocks: Kat Brown - 60 (1.30/set)
Digs: Mary McKennon - 166 (3.61/set)

Bears on Pac-12 Leader Board
Hitting Percentage: Shannon Hawari - .357 (Tenth)
Assists per Set: Joan Caloiaro - 9.50 (Ninth)
Blocks per set: Kat Brown - 1.30 (Eighth)
Digs per set: Mary McKennon - 3.61 (Ninth)

The Arizona schools have traditionally been in the basement of the conference (until the recent new addition of Colorado and Utah). Arizona State, despite a good record on paper, has not really played anyone that good pre-conference. The Sun Devils attack is lead by Macey Gardner and Erica Wilson. The playmaker (setter) is freshman Allison Palmer.

Cal History vs. Arizona State (from thesundevils.com):

The Golden Bears lead the series 27-28 dating back to 1980. In 2011, the Sun Devils were swept by then ranked No. 2 Cal on Oct. 21, after falling 3-1 to the fourth-ranked Golden Bears on Oct. 1. The last time ASU has beaten Cal was Nov. 24, 2010 when the Sun Devils won 3-2 in Berkeley.

ROLL ON YOU BEARS!