The wait is over! Women’s college basketball is officially back, and opening night gave us plenty to unpack. From statement performances and breakout debuts to early reminders of why certain teams belong in the national championship conversation, the first slate of games offered an exciting preview of what’s ahead.

It’s only the beginning, but there are already a few things worth keeping an eye on. Here are my five takeaways from opening night, plus one bonus from Sunday’s season opener.

Tyler reacted to the Liberty making a coaching change…

Tyler gave his postgame thoughts on South Carolina vs Maryland…

The No. 1 Gamecocks looked unstoppable in the first half of their top-20 matchup against No. 20 Maryland, building a lead as large as 31 points. However, the Terrapins managed to cut that lead to six in the closing moments.

In just one game, we saw how good South Carolina can look when all cylinders are clicking, and how vulnerable the team can appear when the offense goes cold. Fortunately for the Gamecocks, they have the depth and versatility to make adjustments, move pieces around, and counter whatever opposing teams throw their way.

Despite falling short, Maryland gave fans plenty to be excited about, especially a team that seemed to be overlooked in preseason conversations. After a sluggish start, the Terrapins fought their way back into the game, outscoring South Carolina 60-40 in the second half.

Addi Mack finished with an impressive 35-point performance, looking primed for a huge sophomore campaign. If this game taught us anything, it's that Maryland deserves more attention than it received heading into the season.

Oklahoma lost a significant amount of production this offseason through exhausted eligibility and the transfer portal, leaving plenty of questions about what this year's team could accomplish. After their season-opening matchup against No. 12 UNC, the No. 21 Sooners may have provided an early answer.

While UNC’s star freshman Kate Harpring was held in check during the first half, Oklahoma’s own talented freshman LeeLee Bell stepped up leading all scorers with 25 points.

As I mentioned in my preseason Top 10 contenders breakdown, the trio of JuJu Watkins (21 points), Jazzy Davidson (23 points), and Saniyah Hall (22 points) is going to be a tough combination for opposing defenses to contain.

And just when you thought that was enough, Sitaya Fagan showcased her versatility off the bench. At 6-foot-4, she made an impact both beyond the arc and attacking the basket. Sara Okeke had a quieter offensive debut as a starter, but her potential contribution within this group is another element worth watching as she settles into the system.

I mentioned in my preseason breakdown that Jovana Popović had the potential to become UConn's next star, and she certainly made an impression in her season debut. Popović matched Sarah Strong for a game-high 19 points, showing just how impactful she can be.

With Blanca Quiñonez back in the mix, one question worth watching is how Geno Auriemma manages his rotation. Does Popović maintain her spot in the starting lineup, or does Quiñonez eventually work her way back into the starting five? After her preseason performances and opening-night showing, Popovic has certainly made a strong case to remain there.

While much of the attention was on Monday's slate of games, the No. 13 Fighting Irish quietly opened their season in Rome with a 24-point win over Villanova. Hannah Hidalgo (32 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds) did what she does best, but it was the newcomers and emerging contributors who made their presence felt.

Graduate transfer Madison St. Rose (17 points) showcased her ability to stretch the floor, while true freshmen Jacy Abii and Jenica Lewis combined for 21 points and 12 rebounds. However, it was redshirt freshman Leah Macy who stole the show, finishing with 27 points and 14 rebounds while shooting an impressive 78.6% from the field.

If Sunday's performance was any indication of what's to come, Hidalgo could have the supporting cast necessary to help Notre Dame make a serious push toward the Final Four.