Arizona State volleyball upsets No. 2 Texas in season opener

No. 12 Arizona State volleyball defeated No. 2 Texas 3-1 in their 2026 season opener at Fiserv Forum during the AVCA First Serve event. The Sun Devils won the match with set scores of 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, and 25-18.

Arizona State's defense was a decisive factor, holding Texas to a .065 hitting percentage. Freshman setter Elle Mottola earned AVCA MVP of the Match honors after recording 31 assists, seven digs, four blocks, and four kills in her collegiate debut. Senior Noemie Glover contributed 13 kills and 10 blocks, while Ella Lomigo recorded a match-high eight blocks.

For Texas, Nya Bunton led the offense with nine kills and eight total blocks. Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears also contributed nine kills each. Despite winning the third set, the Longhorns were unable to overcome the Sun Devils' defensive performance.