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Articles by Mason Seal
Sun Devil debrief: Cougars, Huskies and Wildcats, oh my!
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football nearly completes comeback in Fette's first start By Eric Pacheco Freshman quarterback Jake Fette weathered the early storm at No. 7 BYU in Provo, coming up just short in a 27-20 loss on Halloween. Fette, in his first career start, wassacked six times in the first half as ASU trailed 17-3.
Former ASU setter Sydney Henry finds role on sidelines
After a senior season in 2025 in which then-setter Sydney Henry tallied 792 assists and a Big 12 title, she decided to swap her jersey for a clipboard and join the ASU coaching staff as a graduate assistant. Henry's playing career started at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she spent three years tallying 2,701 assists and 816 digs. Henry transferred to the desert for her final year of eligibility, with coach JJ Van Niel as a key reason.
Not in Kansas anymore: Aniya Clinton acclimated into new role in Tempe
After a four-year stint at Kansas State that featured her making the All-Big 12 Rookie Team and Second Team All-Big 12, graduate outside hitter Aniya Clinton has been just as impactful in her first year as a Sun Devil. After four years in Manhattan, Clinton was looking to flip a new page in her book, and that was when head coach JJ Van Niel got in contact. "(I) just wanted to be somewhere where there were connections, where the practice gym every day was super intense," Clinton said.
Pair of freshmen help bring Sun Devil volleyball to 10-3 start
As No. 12 ASU embarks on the first stretch of Big 12 competition, an older, experienced core has made up the vast majority of the Sun Devils' production. The likes of junior outside hitter Una Vajagić, graduate outside hitter Aniya Clinton, senior opposite Noemie Glover and junior libero Faith Frame have all played primary roles in the Sun Devils' 10-3 start. However, a pair of freshmen have played a key part in the success of the back-to-back Big 12 champs.
Sun Devil Debrief: Tested by travel, ASU sees mixed results across the board
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Volleyball splits week after upset loss By Mason Seal No. 9 ASU began conference play on the road against West Virginia and Cincinnati. The Mountaineers claimed the first set, and the Sun Devils responded by taking the next two, before West Virginia roared back,taking sets four and five to earn an upset.
Volleyball switches sights to Big 12, aiming for a three-peat
One of the toughest non-conference schedules has mercifully come to an end for ASU volleyball. A month that saw the Sun Devils play the 19th hardest schedule in the country has passed with a 4-1 record against ranked teams. Although this stretch of top-competition has passed, a challenge remains for the Sun Devils with Big 12 play on the horizon. The first week of the season alone found ASU battling three ranked opponents in No. 2 Texas, No. 14 Minnesota and No. 20 USC.
Tough nonconference opponents help prep ASU volleyball for remainder of season
Following a loss in the Sweet Sixteen in 2025, ASU volleyball had adjustments to make in order to reach the upper echelon of college volleyball. A 28-4 record and second straight Big 12 title last year didn't satiate the team's thirst heading into 2026. One of the ways coach JJ Van Niel plans on preparing his team for a deep run is the level of opponents in nonconference play. In its first three games, ASU played three ranked opponents, going 2-1.
ASU volleyball strikes a winning weekend at the Snyder-Park Classic
The first-ever Snyder-Park Classic saw ASU host its first home games of the 2026 season in Desert Financial Arena. Over 10,000 people attended to celebrate legendary former coach Patti Snyder-Park, including the sixth-most attended match since 2013. "I honestly loved the crowd," freshman outside hitter Grace Martin said. "I think it helps a lot. I don't think I've ever played in front of that many people.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU football and volleyball fall to Aggies as soccer breaks records
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football falters from fourth-quarter frustrations By Eric Pacheco A catastrophic four minutes in the fourth shifted the tide for ASU in its 48-20 loss at then No. 10 Texas A&M. Entering the final quarter, the Sun Devils were firmly in contention with the Aggies battling back and forth in a 24-20 ballgame with 107,523 in attendance at Kyle Field.
Wave of international talent boosts Sun Devils to hot start
The 2025 ASU volleyball season was arguably one of the best in its history. The Sun Devils finished the year 28-4, won the Big 12, and made it to the third round of the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed. However, following a 3-1 loss against Creighton, the Sun Devils were back at the drawing board heading into 2026. While ASU had a successful season last year, head coach JJ Van Niel knew that he would have to try something new to take another step forward as a program.
Sun Devil Debrief: ASU football's first game and four-star commitments
Welcome to Sun Devil Debrief, your weekly update of everything in the world of ASU athletics. Football opens with a bang By Eric Pacheco ASU football couldn't have asked for a better way to start the 2026 season in its victory over Morgan State. Junior quarterback Cutter Boley led the way in the 70-7 victory and set a record for most passing yards in an ASU debut, notching 387 yards in the air with six touchdowns, earning himself the honor of a Big 12 player of the week.
Megan Bartlett is changing ASU softball culture on, off the field
Since taking over as the head coach of ASU softball ahead of the 2023 season, Megan Bartlett has had two goals: win games and build successful women off the field. "(I'm proud of) the young women that we're raising in this program," Bartlett said. "We've made tremendous strides in the past couple of seasons.
Lack of long ball sinks Sun Devils, loses series to UCF
A two-home run game by junior catcher Samantha Swan was not enough to lift ASU in game three of the UCF series, dropping the series and the Sun Devils' Big 12 record to 5-10. Swan had both of the Sun Devils' hits in game three, depositing them over the wall with little doubt, but the rest of the ASU bats were dead silent. For the second game in a row, they were held to three runs or less. Despite the lack of offense, head coach Megan Bartlett loved what she saw out of her catcher.
Kenzie Brown looks to wrap up ASU career, sets sights on AUSL
Being the ace of a pitching staff is no small feat and can carry a lot of weight on the shoulders of those who are considered as such. However, for graduate pitcher Kenzie Brown, that is just another accolade she can take pride in as she leads ASU down the stretch of the 2026 regular season. "I can't say enough about (Kenzie)," head coach Megan Bartlett said.
ASU women's basketball looks to make splash in Big 12 Tournament
After winning just 10 games last year and going 3-15 in conference play, the ASU women's basketball program was in dire need of a fresh start. That fresh start came in the spring when ASU hired Molly Miller to be its next head coach. The success in Miller's first campaign came early and often, with the Sun Devils winning their first 15 contests and posting a final record of 22-9 (9-9).
Offense comes to life as ASU softball extends winning streak
After an opening weekend showing in the Kajikawa Classic, the Sun Devils' offense scored just 20 runs in five games. However, that was enough to go 4-1 and get ranked No. 22 before their second weekend of action. In the first five games of the season, ASU relied heavily on its pitching, helping carry them to that start, with the only loss coming to No. 3 Oklahoma by a score of 2-1. That script completely flipped in the Littlewood Invitational.
ASU softball pitching staff shines in opening weekend
Following a year that saw the ASU softball pitching staff produce All-American senior Kenzie Brown, the group of hurlers wanted to come into 2026 showing they could be even better than last season. In their first few games, they indicated that this group can carry the offense even during periods when runs are hard to come by. "All of our kids bend the ball really well," head coach Megan Bartlett said following a 2-1 loss to Oklahoma on Feb. 5.
Women's basketball continues to battle in Big 12 gauntlet
As ASU women's basketball enters the final stretch of the regular season, the Sun Devils look to take advantage of the cushion they provided themselves over the first two months. The Sun Devils won their first 15 contests of the year, stretching from Nov. 3 to Dec. 31, before finally losing after the new year. Since then, ASU has gone 4-6 to bring its total record to 19-6 and Big 12 record to 6-6.
Stephanie Norman's experience, leadership helps women's basketball to hot start
Stephanie Norman didn't plan on returning to her alma mater after hanging up her sneakers following her four-year Sun Devil basketball career, which lasted from 1984 to 1988. In fact, Norman planned to retire as a Louisville Cardinal following an illustrious coaching career. "I was going to retire at Louisville," Norman said. "I knew what was coming back, and I had felt pretty strongly that the team at Louisville was going to compete for a final four spot this year.
In her first year at ASU, Ella Lomigora shows value on and off the court
Since she was little, junior middle blocker Ella Lomigora seemed to be destined to don the maroon and gold. With Lomigora growing up just about 20 minutes down the road and attending Corona Del Sol High School, that outcome looked to be a guarantee. "I grew up coming to ASU games, (my parents) came to school here, they graduated from ASU," Lomigora said.
Sun Devils face off against Oklahoma State in Big 12 tournament opener
(Photo credit: Joshua Eaton/WCSN) With the regular season over, Arizona State softball enters the Big 12 tournament as the No. 5 seed. ASU will be taking on the No. 4 seed Oklahoma State in the first round. The Big 12 foes will face off Thursday for just the second time in 2025. In the first matchup, Oklahoma State dominated to the tune of a 4-0 victory on April 2.
Sun Devils close out regular season on the road at Texas Tech
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) After taking two out of three contests from the Baylor Bears, ASU Softball will hit the road for its final series of the regular season. The Sun Devils (33-16 overall, 13-8 Big 12) sit third in the Big 12 Conference. One of the teams they are behind in the conference is Texas Tech. The Red Raiders (37-10, 16-2) are ranked No. 12 and have won 14 of their last 15 contests.
Sun Devils drop series finale to Baylor 12-3
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) TEMPE — As the Sun Devils walked off the field following their loss to Baylor on Saturday, the energy was low throughout Farrington Stadium. After losing the first two games of the series, Baylor rebounded on the Devils’ senior day and drubbed ASU by a score of 12-3. Even more impressive for the Bears was the 18 hits they compiled in just six innings. “It is hard to win on [Saturday],” head coach Megan Bartlett said.
Sun Devils offense delivers in 4-2 win over Baylor
(Photo: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) As senior right-handed pitcher Kenzie Brown closed out the Baylor Bears for the second time in two days, the Sun Devils clinched a series win over their new Big 12 foe. Unlike Thursday, the ASU (33-15, 13-7 Big 12) offense needed every run it produced during Friday’s 4-2 win over Baylor (21-23, 7-10 Big 12). Timely hitting and a surprising power surge were the biggest factors in the Sun Devils’ victory.
Kenzie Brown shuts out Baylor to lift ASU to 5-0 win
(Photo credit: Joshua Eaton/WCSN) TEMPE — As senior right-handed pitcher Kenzie Brown triumphantly strutted off the mound following ASU’s win against Baylor on Thursday night, the Bears’ six-game winning streak came to an end. Brown was dominant in the Sun Devils’ 5-0 win, going all seven innings and striking out nine batters. Not only did the coaching staff recognize Brown’s greatness, but her teammates could see it as well.
Sun Devils close out home slate with Baylor series
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) ASU Softball has hit its stride over the last couple of weeks, and it is doing so at the right time. With just two series left in the regular season, the Sun Devils are looking to be playing their best ball heading into the Big 12 Conference tournament. ASU has won six of its last seven, including a five-game road trip where it swept UTEP in two games, then did the same to Big 12 rival Utah in three games.
Sun Devils look to extend winning streak against Utah
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) After ASU Softball took two out of three contests against Kansas this past weekend, the Sun Devils hit the road to take on UTEP for two games before taking on another Big 12 Conference rival in Utah for a three-game set. ASU and UTEP squared off in a doubleheader Wednesday, which saw the Sun Devils win both contests.
Sun Devils take series in 4-3 victory over
(Photo credit: Nickolas Montei/WCSN) TEMPE — As hyped up senior right-handed pitcher Kenzie Brown exited the circle, concluding her second dominant outing in three days, everyone knew she had been the biggest key to the Sun Devils’ series victory over Kansas. Brown has been fantastic all year, but recently, she has especially hit her stride. In Sunday’s 4-3 victory over Kansas, that was apparent. “She is a workhorse,” graduate outfielder Kelsey Hall said.
Sun Devil offense struggles in 8-0 loss to Kansas
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) As junior infielder Ayden Allen walked off the field after another scoreless inning for the Sun Devils to conclude a loss to the Kansas Jayhawks, everyone understood that they would need to flush this offensive performance to win the series on Sunday. The ASU bats went nearly silent on Saturday, recording only four hits, as the Sun Devils fell to the Jayhawks 8-0 in game two of the three-game set.
Sun Devils look to get back in win column in series versus Kansas
(Photo credit: Joshua Eaton/WCSN) Following Arizona State softball’s loss to No. 18 Oklahoma State, the Sun Devils now prepare for a weekend series against Kansas. The Sun Devils (24-13 overall, 6-6 Big 12 Conference) have dropped four of their last six conference games, including losses in their series against Arizona and Iowa State. Combine that with another loss to the Cowgirls, and the Sun Devils are in dire need of a bounce-back series.
Sun Devils travel to Iowa for first time to take on Cyclones
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) After a tough series against rival Arizona, Arizona State softball takes on another Big 12 Conference opponent as conference play gets into full swing. The Sun Devils struggled on the offensive side of the plate, scoring just five runs across three games, but were able to do just enough in game three to avoid a sweep.
Sun Devils hit the road for the first time to take on Stetson
(Photo credit: Zina Garcia/WCSN) After a successful first Big 12 Conference series for Arizona State softball last weekend, the Sun Devils now hit the road and set their sights on a two-game series against Stetson. ASU (17-7, 2-1 Big 12) is coming off a big series win against the BYU, which saw the Sun Devils take two of three contests. All three games were tightly contested with the final scores ending within one run.
Lack of timely hitting results in ASU's 6-3 loss to Oregon State
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) TEMPE — As junior outfielder Tanya Windle singled into right field to bring home the tying run in the bottom of the seventh inning, the script from the six that led up to it flipped. With the tying run coming to the plate off the bat of Windle, she finally recorded the Sun Devils first hit with runners in scoring position all the way in the seventh. Up to that at-bat, ASU was skunked in the category with no hits on six trips to the plate.
ASU women's basketball falls to rival UA on senior night
As graduate center Nevaeh Parkinson converted another jump shot to put ASU up with just over four minutes left in the first half, the atmosphere in Desert Financial Arena was intense. In the first quarter and a half of The Territorial Cup, the intense rivalry lived up to its billing. The Sun Devils and Wildcats traded blows through the first 15 minutes with Parkinson’s bucket putting ASU ahead by two, 28-26.
Sun Devils effectively utilize small ball to go 2-0 on Friday
(Photo credit: Zina Garcia/WCSN) TEMPE — Junior outfielder Tanya Windle smacking a single into the left-center gap to lift Arizona State softball over Seattle in game one of the Friday doubleheader was the perfect example of ASU’s ability to manufacture runs throughout the entire day. Seattle (9-8) threw the first punch in the third inning, landing four runs due to some timely hitting. That’s when the Sun Devil offense got to work erasing the deficit.
Sun Devils revive offense to beat Portland State
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) TEMPE — As Arizona State softball graduate outfielder Kelsey Hall jogged home following her two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning against Portland State on Saturday, it was clear the momentum had shifted. The Sun Devils (9-5) came out sloppy Saturday as they battled the Vikings in their third game of the Sun Devil Classic.
Changes to infield alignment power Sun Devils to late afternoon win
(Photo credit: Madison Sorenson/WCSN) TEMPE — As graduate utility player AJ Murphy made yet another play to retire the side in the sixth inning of Arizona State’s second game on Friday, it was clear to see that the two games ASU played were heavily influenced by the team’s defense. In the first game of the doubleheader against No. 3 Florida, the Sun Devils had some egregious errors on the field, a massive reason why ASU fell to the Gators 9-1. On paper, the Sun Devils only had one error.
Sun Devils secure Sunday win thanks to the long ball
(Photo credit: Elizabeth Agazaryan/WCSN) TEMPE — As Arizona State freshman outfielder Ashleigh Mejia rounded the bases after a three-run home run, the energy at Alberta B. Farrington Field was completely flipped on its head. With Arizona State squaring off against Utah Valley in the finale of the Littlewood Classic, the Sun Devils weekend looked to be ending on a sour note. The Wolverines put up three runs in the second inning, jumping out to a 3-0 lead.
ASU women's basketball losing streak extends to 11
The season record keeps getting worse for the ASU women's basketball team after its latest loss to Utah in Tempe on Saturday extended the team's losing streak to 11 games. Utah caught fire from three early and built a seemingly insurmountable double digit lead before ASU could respond. The Utes continued to grow the gap until the final whistle to hand the Sun Devils a 98-62 loss. The first quarter showed signs the game could have been a back-and-forth shootout.
Sun Devils rebound after losing doubleheader opener
(Photo credit: Zina Garcia/WCSN) TEMPE — As junior utility player Sydney Saenz dejectedly walked back to the dugout after grounding out to North Dakota’s junior first baseman Katelyn Nuemayer to end game one of Arizona State softball’s doubleheader, she and the rest of her teammates knew they had to regroup for their next game in 40 minutes. After an emotional walk-off win the night before that saw ASU defeat Oregon in eight innings, the Sun Devils came out flat in their first game on Friday.
ASU women's basketball's Jazion Jackson shines during difficult season - The Arizona State Press
Despite the ASU women's basketball team's shortcomings, graduate guard Jazion Jackson's arrival to Tempe has been one to celebrate. The transfer guard is known for her cutthroat defense and seemingly constant energy. Jackson began her career at North Texas, where she started 72 of her 81 appearances and led the team in assists during the 2021-22 season. Jackson transferred to the University of Texas at El Paso for the 2022-23 season.
ASU women's basketball free-falling down Big 12 rankings
ASU women's basketball has had its struggles throughout Big 12 play in the 2024-25 season. After a promising start that saw them win two of their first three conference games, it has been a rocky road for the Sun Devils since mid-January. ASU needed a win against BYU on Saturday to get things back on track, but the game only served as further proof of the team's conference woes.
Tyi Skinner returns, leads ASU Women's Basketball to victory in home opener
ASU women's basketball started the season strong in front of their fans in Tempe on Monday. More notably, a player returned to the court with renewed determination. Graduate guard Tyi Skinner scored her seventh and final point of the fourth quarter on a difficult, contested layup from the right block, and she hit the deck hard. With ASU up by four points and just over a minute to play, it was a two-score game, and much harder for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks to get back into it.
ASU Soccer faces Kansas in season-defining Big 12 Tournament first round matchup
(Photo By: Sam Farsky) KANSAS CITY — Losing to a rival is never fun, especially on senior night. That was the case for Arizona State Soccer last Friday when it hosted its biggest adversary, the Arizona Wildcats. ASU had numerous opportunities to end their season on a better note, but the team could not capitalize on numerous scoring chances during a 1-0 defeat. After an emotional night, the Sun Devils look to rebound as the Big 12 Tournament gets underway.
Missed chances yet again plague ASU Soccer in season finale against rival Arizona
(Photo By: Sam Farsky/ WCSN) In the most anticipated game of the season for Arizona State Soccer, the Sun Devils were shut out, ending their regular season schedule with a sour taste in their mouths. For the second year in a row, ASU fell to Arizona, ending their regular season with a loss. On one side of the midfield line, the Wildcats celebrated their second straight victory over their bitter rivals the Sun Devils. The other side of the line showed a team deflated.
ASU looks for final postseason surge aganst Kansas
(Photo By: Katherine Gore/ WCSN) TEMPE — After starting 1-1-1 in conference play, Arizona State Soccer has hit a rut. Since a 1-1 tie on September 22nd, ASU has only won two matches and has been outscored 8-16 in that time frame. The Sun Devils now sit 8-5-3 overall but just 3-5-1 against Big 12 opponents. Though it has been a struggle for the Sun Devils there is still hope on the horizon if they are able to get hot at the right time.
Coach ejection emphasizes frustrating night for ASU Soccer vs. West Virginia
(Photo by: Hazel Foubert/ WCSN) TEMPE — In the final minutes of the Arizona State soccer (6-2-3, 1-2-1) Big 12 home opener against West Virginia (8-2-1, 4-0), head coach Graham Winkworth stormed off the pitch capping a frustrating game for the program. After a night that saw ASU have one shot during the final 66 minutes, Winkworth received a red card for leaving the technical area more than once. “Apparently I left the technical area and then apparently I left it again,” Winkworth said.
ASU Soccer: Strong 2024 defense anchored by new center back pairing
(Photo by: Hazel Foubert/WCSN) TEMPE – The Arizona State Soccer program has been known for its defense in recent years. Last year its backline helped boost the team to the 2023 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament before falling in the first round. This season has seen that proficient defense take yet another step forward with senior defender Olivia Coleman and transfer junior defender Grace Gillard stepping up into larger roles.
ASU Soccer sets sights for Houston after first loss of the season
(Photo By: Hazel Foubert/WCSN) Following its first loss of the season to the BYU Cougars (3-3-2, 1-0), the Arizona State Soccer team (5-1-2, 0-1) has a new sense of urgency in its practices leading up to its road trip to Houston and Central Florida. “No one felt like they played their best,” senior defender Olivia Coleman said “Everyone’s taking that and we are going to apply it to our next game.
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