The Arizona State women's basketball team kicked off their season with a split decision, showcasing both their resilience and areas for improvement. In a thrilling comeback victory against Jacksonville State, the Sun Devils demonstrated their ability to rally, while a narrow loss to Arkansas State highlighted the need to shore up their defensive efforts.

Navigating a New Era with Renewed Optimism

### A Fresh Start with New FacesIn her third season leading the Sun Devils, head coach Natasha Adair has welcomed a wave of new talent, including seven fresh additions to the roster. With three new starters, the team is undergoing a transformative period, as they seek to blend the experience of returning players with the energy and potential of their newcomers.### Jalyn Brown Shines BrightOne of the standout performers in the early going has been Jalyn Brown, who showcased her offensive prowess in the second game against Arkansas State. After a slow start in the opener, Brown found her rhythm, pouring in 24 points and dominating the first half with 17 points on an efficient 7-of-8 shooting. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made her a valuable asset for the Sun Devils.### Tyi Skinner's Triumphant ReturnThe Sun Devils welcomed back their star point guard, Tyi Skinner, who missed the entirety of last season due to an ACL injury. Skinner's return has been a significant boost, as she wasted no time in making her presence felt, recording a career-high 30 points in the opener against Jacksonville State. Her leadership and scoring ability will be crucial as the team navigates the early stages of the season.### Defensive Woes and Perimeter StrugglesWhile the Sun Devils have showcased their offensive prowess, their defensive performance has been a point of concern. In the loss to Arkansas State, they surrendered 100 points, a stark contrast to their opener against Jacksonville State. Adair has acknowledged the need to shore up the defensive side of the ball, particularly in defending the perimeter, where the team has struggled to contain opposing shooters.### A Promising Future AheadDespite the early challenges, the Sun Devils have shown glimpses of their potential. With a talented roster that blends experience and fresh faces, the team is poised to navigate the learning curve and find their identity as the season progresses. As Adair noted, there are over 30 games left, and the Sun Devils are determined to use this early stretch as a springboard to greater success.