ASU’s 579 kills power No. 10 ranking ahead of UCF clash

Arizona State volleyball fans will see a potent offensive duo on the floor when the Sun Devils host Central Florida on Friday at Desert Financial Arena. The team’s recent rise to the No. 10 national ranking is fueled heavily by the combined scoring output of outside hitters Noemie Glover and Una Vajagić. The Sun Devils enter the match with a 16-4 overall record, including a 7-2 mark in Big 12 play.

The financial and statistical weight of this partnership is clear in the season numbers. Glover has recorded 303 kills this season, averaging 3.99 per set. That pace places her third in the Big 12 conference. Vajagić has contributed 276 kills at a rate of 3.63 per set. Together, the two players have generated 579 kills, forming the core of ASU’s attacking strategy.

Their effectiveness on the court is matched by a direct line of communication that bypasses traditional seniority norms. Glover, a senior, noted that teammates often hesitate to critique a veteran’s performance. Vajagić, a junior, does not hold back. Glover said she values this honesty because it keeps her accountable. "People can be hesitant to give me feedback because they look at me, they see where I’m at, where I’ve been; they see that I’m a vet, so they’re like ‘She’s got it figured out,’” Glover said. "But Una’s not afraid to tell it how it is, which I love."

This dynamic extends to in-game adjustments. When Glover slows her swing rate, Vajagić provides immediate prompts. Glover recalled hearing, "Hey, we need you to swing. We need you to swing," during matches. The feedback goes in both directions. After ASU defeated No. 17 Kansas on Oct. 18, Vajagić credited Glover for maintaining confidence in her during a difficult stretch. "Even if we do (fight), that’s because she knows what I’m capable of, and I know what she is capable of," Vajagić said.

The duo offers defensive opponents a complex problem. Glover credits Vajagić for varying her shot selection and attacking angles. "Her shot selection is incredible," Glover said. "She has a bunch of different shots in her bag, and she’s always working on a different angle each swing." Vajagić counterpoints that Glover can score from almost any position. "You can set her any ball, and you know that she’s capable of scoring," Vajagić said. This versatility forces opposing blockers to cover multiple threats simultaneously.

Offensive production is not the only factor. Both players emphasize the importance of passing. Vajagić’s consistent first touches allow ASU’s setters to use more hitters. Glover has similarly worked to strengthen her defensive contributions. Teammate Ella Lomigora views their contrasting personalities as a balancing act. "They have similarities, but they are two completely different people," Lomigora said. "I think that’s also something that’s so cool because they can balance each other out."

Competition between the two has occasionally created friction during practice. Glover admitted that early in the season, their head-to-head matches in training led to tension. "At the beginning of practice, the beginning of the year, we were matched up against each other; that was a problem," Glover said. "We were getting mad." Vajagić suggested Glover was more likely to engage in trash talk, while Glover identified herself as the more competitive of the pair.

Both players plan to pursue professional careers after their time at Arizona State. They view their current partnership as preparation for the next level of competition. Glover described Vajagić as an elite athlete who remains willing to help others. "She’s maybe the most elite athlete I’ve played with," Vajagić said. "But she’s still willing to help others."

The Sun Devils will test this chemistry against the Knights on Friday. The match is scheduled for Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. The team’s current standing and the statistical contributions of its top two hitters will be central to the contest.