TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona volleyball swept Alabama State (25-13, 25-17, 25-10) and New Mexico State (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) to open the Wildcat Classic on Friday night in McKale Center.

UA (9-2) extended its winning streak to seven matches, the last six of which have been sweeps, and has now won 21 consecutive sets dating back to Sept. 7, one set shy of tying its school record for consecutive sets won. 

The Wildcats will finish up the Wildcat Classic vs. Sacramento State on Saturday at noon in McKale.

Match 1: Arizona 3, Alabama State 0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-10)
Box Score • Photo Gallery

Arizona (8-2) won its sixth straight match, the last five of which have been sweeps, and extended its set-winning streak to 18 straight games, second longest streak in school history, defeating Alabama State in straight sets (25-13, 25-17, 25-10) to open the Wildcat Classic.

The Wildcats hit .438 in the match, their best hitting percentage since hitting .463 vs. CSUN on Aug. 24, 2018. During UA's six-match winning streak, the Wildcats have hit better than .350 four times.

Arizona was led offensively by junior outside hitter Elizabeth Shelton, who needed just 14 error-free swings to net a match-high-tying 10 kills (.714).

Sophomore outside hitter Whittnee Nihipali had a career match, with her best kill (10) and ace (3) totals of her career. Nihpali hit .444 on her 18 swings in the best match of her young career.

Nihipali's three aces were three of UA's 11, its most since recording 12 vs. CSUN on Aug. 24, 2018. Julia Patterson (2), Paige Whipple (2) and Devyn Cross (2) also had multi-ace outings for Arizona.

Match 2: Arizona 3, New Mexico State 0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-22)
Box Score

Arizona (9-2) swept New Mexico State to close out day 1 of the Wildcat Classic (25-19, 25-19, 25-22) in the penultimate nonconference match of the season.

After putting up outstanding offensive numbers in the first match of the day, UA relied on its defense in the nightcap, using 55 digs and eight blocks in the three sets to hold New Mexico State to a .136 hitting percentage in the match.

Elizabeth Shelton had another monster match for the Wildcats, recording a match-high 13 kills on .550 hitting to go along with four blocks -- including a career-most three solo blocks.

Paige Whipple posted her third double-double of the season, recording 12 kills as well as a match-high 14 digs on the night. Julia Patterson finished one dig shy of a double-double; the senior posted 35 assists and nine digs to go along with her four kills and one ace.