Arizona State Freshmen Helped Fuel Strong Start
Freshmen Elle Mottola and Grace Martin have helped the Arizona State volleyball team secure a 10-3 record this season.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Volleyball
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Freshmen Elle Mottola and Grace Martin have played key roles in the Arizona State University volleyball team reaching a 10-3 record. The team currently holds a national ranking of 12.
Why it matters
The performance of these freshmen underscores the successful recruitment and development strategy at Arizona State. Their integration has been vital to the team's pursuit of a third straight Big 12 title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Elle Mottola tallied 142 assists over a mid-September stretch, averaging 35.5 assists per game. Grace Martin recorded 12 kills with a .313 hitting percentage in the match against Oregon.
The players
Elle Mottola
She is a freshman setter at Arizona State who chose the program for its history of developing players at her position.
Grace Martin
She is a freshman outside hitter for Arizona State who is known for her ability to compete despite being undersized compared to many blockers.
Sydney Henry
She serves as a graduate assistant and mentor for Arizona State's volleyball team.
The details
Setter Elle Mottola recorded 31 sets against Texas and 42 against Minnesota, while outside hitter Grace Martin added four kills against Colgate and five against San Diego. Mottola develops her game under graduate assistant Sydney Henry, while Martin adapts her play to overcome taller college-level blockers.
Timeline
Mid-September 2026 saw Mottola record 142 assists over four matches.
October 2026 marked the period when these freshmen emerged as impactful contributors.
October 18, 2026 is the scheduled date for the Arizona State match against Kansas.
Season Trajectory
Arizona State's strong start puts them in a favorable position to vie for a third straight Big 12 title. This trajectory highlights the team's ability to maintain high competitive standards despite roster turnover.
The 10-3 record keeps Arizona State firmly in contention for high-stakes seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Their success against opponents like Texas and Minnesota validates the team's current rotation strategy.
The takeaway
The rapid development of freshmen players is often the deciding factor for programs aiming for postseason success. Integrating new talent quickly allows teams to sustain momentum throughout a grueling conference schedule.
What happens next
Arizona State is scheduled to play a match against Kansas on October 18, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the current performance of the team, visit the Volleyball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Statepress.
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