Molly Miller and the Sun Devils get their first win of the season over Coppin State

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State and Coppin State both had huge nights for the season opener. Not only was it the season opener for ASU, it was coach Molly Miller’s first game with ASU.

Miller currently is ranked No. 3 in the NCAA Division I for highest winning percentage amongst active coaches. The Sun Devils coach currently holds a 297-55 record, which is equivalent to .844 winning percentage, prior to her time with ASU. On Friday night, the Sun Devils came out on top, making a huge opening statement for the 2025-26 season.

Who showed up for ASU in its season opener?

The Sun Devils’ success on Friday night came from a few key players, but none more impactful than senior guard Marley Washenitz.

Early into the game, Washenitz was driving in the paint and getting to the line. Not only was Washenitz crucial on free throws, making each of her first five, but she helped develop offensive and defensive plays on the court.

The Sun Devils guard scored the most points for ASU, putting up 17 points in the game.

“I love that kid,” Miller said. “We match our energy so well.”

Just as ASU got their rhythm going, Coppin State was able to catch onto it quickly. This resulted in ASU lacking to defend the Eagles.

Halfway through the second quarter, ASU led 27-18, making a huge statement early in the game. This was the projected dominance for Miller and the Sun Devils.

However, that soon ended quickly as Coppin State caught on and broke into the Sun Devils’ lead by slowly adding points to the board. By halftime, ASU’s lead was trimmed to 29-25.

ASU started the second half slow

After leading at halftime, ASU struggled on offense in the third quarter. The Sun Devils found themselves getting personal foul calls, forcing them to give the ball back to Coppin State, or sending the Eagles to the free throw line.

This really killed the spark ASU had going in the game. With about 7:10 left to go in the third quarter, Coppin State took its first lead of the game, 32-31.

Going further into the season, ASU cannot allow fouls to kill what they have going on the court. 

Despite having the Sun Devils difficulties in the third quarter, they really showed up in the fourth. Both offense and defense really came together making huge plays.

Washenitz, for example, had a game changing play late in the game. The Sun Devils’ guard stripped the ball from the Coppin State defender, took it across the court and dropped a 3-pointer.

Both Miller and the team let their emotions loose after this play, one that encapsulated the Sun Devils’ night. Despite a close game throughout, ASU got everything going in the fourth quarter, scoring 27 points, and capping off its 67-53 win on opening night.

“I wish we could have more quarters like the 4th tonight,” Miller said after the game. 

Miller got her first win as a Sun Devil on Monday night, and hopefully the first of many in maroon and gold. ASU is back in action on Saturday, Nov. 8, against Eastern Washington at Desert Financial arena.

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