ASU blows away competition for second Big 12 victory

(Photo: Sun Devil Athletics)

With a rise in strong winds making playing conditions at Whiteman Tennis Center difficult for both teams, the match between No. 23 Arizona State University and Brigham Young University was a one-sided masterclass in dominance.

Despite the unpredictable gusts, the Sun Devils (7-3) would win in a dominant fashion, blowing away the Cougars (10-5) in a 4-0 victory at home. The Sun Devils set the tone early by securing the doubles point, winning two out of three sets. With momentum firmly in their grasp, ASU carried their energy and confidence into the singles matches, where they overwhelmed their opponents despite the challenging weather. The strong winds made every serve, volley, and return unpredictable, but ASU adapted swiftly, proving why they remain dominant on their home court.

“You can never really control conditions like these,” head coach Jemea Jackson said when asked about the Sun Devils being able to persevere through the wind conditions. “The wind was hard to play in, but you have to remember that you aren’t the only one playing in bad conditions. It’s up to our players to be mentally tough and keep fighting like we always do.”

The Sun Devils did just that, demonstrating composure under pressure and adjusting their strategies to counteract the swirling winds. By keeping their shots low and maintaining their aggressive play, ASU never allowed BYU to get into a rhythm. The ability to adapt and stay mentally strong ultimately became the deciding factor in this matchup.

With this victory, Arizona State now improves to a 7-3 record for the season, continuing their dominance at home with an unblemished record. This win over BYU also marks ASU’s third consecutive victory and second Big 12 conference win, building on its previous triumph over Big 12 opponent Utah.

For the Sun Devils, this streak is about more than just wins—it’s about building confidence and momentum as they prepare for a tough slate of upcoming conference matchups. The team is focused on maintaining their high level of play as they look to make a statement in the latter half of the season.

“We are a strong team, and our mentality, even when we play on the road, is to be as tough mentally as we are physically,” senior Patricija Spaka said. “Our team is young and hungry. All we need to do is keep the energy up, smile through the negative times, and never stop fighting.”

Spaka, a key leader for ASU, has been instrumental in instilling a fighting spirit within the squad. Her experience and competitive drive have helped fuel the Sun Devils’ success, especially in high-pressure matches. But she isn’t the only one emphasizing the importance of energy and camaraderie.

“As a team, we strive to keep the energy up during our matches,” freshman Lilly Taylor said. “When it comes to doubles, if my energy is up, then so is Patricija’s, and that leads to us working harder for the win. Then in singles, if I continue to hype up my teammates and keep the energy high, it only leads to positives for all of us.”

The Sun Devils’ chemistry and ability to feed off each other’s energy have been vital to their home-court dominance. With an impressive balance of seasoned upperclassmen and eager underclassmen, ASU is shaping up to be a formidable force in the conference.

Following the dominant win against BYU, Arizona State now shifts its focus to a challenging stretch of road games as they prepare to dive deeper into Pac-12 play. Their next opponent, the Kansas Jayhawks, will provide another test for ASU, especially with the added difficulty of playing away from home.

“We have a lot of young talent ready to do some damage next week,” Jackson stated. “As long as we keep up the energy, stay confident in our abilities, and continue the momentum we have right now, then I feel confident in my girls and what they can do.”

Road games bring a different set of challenges, but with its recent string of victories, ASU is entering this next phase of the season with high spirits and determination. While the Whiteman Tennis Center has been a fortress for the Sun Devils, they know they must bring the same intensity and focus to away matches if they want to maintain their winning streak.

The Sun Devils will first travel to Lawrence, Kansas, where they will take on the Jayhawks on March 7th. After that, they head to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State on March 9th before returning to Tempe. These two matchups will be crucial in determining ASU’s standing as they approach the heart of the season.