TUCSON, Ariz. -- After totaling 10 kills last week at Utah, freshman
Sofia Maldonado Diaz had a match-high 14 kills, hitting .233, the highest of any Wildcat pin player, in Arizona's three-set loss to 11th-ranked Washington (25-21, 25-20, 29-27) in UA's home-opener.
Arizona's offense posted five more kills than the Huskies, totaling 41 in the three sets to Washington's 36, but UW hit .239 in its 92 attacks while the Wildcats hit .129 for the match.
Maldonado Diaz's 14 kills were the most of any player in the match.
Paige Whipple finished with 11 in a big bounce-back match for the senior.
In addition to its advantage in the kill column, UA also outdug Washington in the match, 36-34. Sophomore libero
Kamaile Hiapo led the Cats with 12Â -- a season-high and the 33rd career match with at least 10 digs.Â
The match was very competitive despite the sweep. Washington was more efficient closing out sets that the young Arizona team. The Huskies ended the first set on a 9-5 run after the teams were tied at 16. In the second set, UA led 18-15 before the Huskies went on a 7-2 run to win the frame. In the third, UA led 24-22, but could not close out three set points as the Huskies came back to win, 29-27.
Arizona (0-3, 0-3 Pac-12) and No. 11 Washington (2-1, 2-1 Pac-12) meet again on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. MST.
MATCH LEADERS
Kills »
Sofia Maldonado Diaz (14)
Assists »
Emery Herman (35)
Aces »
Sofia Maldonado Diaz,
Joy Galles (1)
Digs »
Kamaile Hiapo (12)
Blocks »
Zyonna Fellows (3)
HIGHLIGHTS
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