Washington State Women’s Tennis Preps for Key Road Tests Against BYU and Utah
The road trip rolls on for Washington State Women’s Tennis as the Cougars head to Utah for a pair of weekend matchups that could set the tone for their spring campaign. First up is a Friday morning clash in Provo against a strong BYU squad, followed by a quick turnaround Saturday in Salt Lake City to face Utah. Both matches promise to be measuring sticks for a WSU team looking to build momentum after a solid start to the season.
BYU Up First: A Test Against a Hot-Handed Team
Friday’s opponent, BYU, is off to a red-hot 7-1 start this season, dropping only one match so far-to San Diego. The Cougars from Provo have already stacked wins over Cal Poly, Boise State, Memphis, and Arkansas State, showing depth and consistency across their lineup.
But Washington State has history on its side. WSU leads the all-time series 15-8, including a tight 4-3 victory last season in Pullman. That win featured clutch performances in singles and doubles, and if the Cougars want to repeat that success on the road, they’ll need similar grit and execution-especially in the middle of the lineup, where matches are often decided.
Utah on Saturday: A Chance to Even the Series
After BYU, WSU heads north to face a Utah team that’s quietly putting together a solid campaign of its own. The Utes are 4-1, with their only loss coming in a narrow 4-3 decision to UC Santa Barbara to open the season. Since then, they’ve rattled off wins against Idaho State, Utah State, Montana, and Hawaii.
Utah holds a slim 12-11 edge in the all-time series and won the last meeting in 2024 by a score of 5-2. That match showed Utah’s strength in doubles and depth in singles, so for Washington State, flipping the script this time around likely starts with capturing the doubles point and getting early momentum.
Weather Disruption and a Schedule Shake-Up
Last weekend, WSU was slated to compete at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Athens, Georgia-a high-profile event that would’ve seen the Cougars face San Diego State in the opening round. But with severe weather forecasted in the Southeast, WSU, along with Maryland and SDSU, opted out of the trip due to safety concerns.
To make up for the missed matches, Washington State quickly adjusted its spring schedule. The Cougars added two home contests-Portland State on February 20 and Eastern Washington on March 21. It’s a smart pivot that gives the team more match reps and keeps the rhythm of the season intact.
Cougars Land Third in WCC Preseason Poll
In the 2026 West Coast Conference preseason poll, WSU earned the No. 3 spot, a nod to the program’s consistency and returning talent. Pepperdine, the defending WCC champion, took the top spot with eight of ten first-place votes. San Diego slotted in second, with Washington State not far behind.
Seniors Eva Alvarez Sande and Maxine Murphy were both named to the WCC Preseason Team-two of just six players across the conference to earn that recognition. Their leadership and experience will be crucial as the Cougars navigate a competitive WCC slate.
Recent Results: Dominant Win at UC Davis
WSU heads into the Utah road swing with some momentum, fresh off a commanding 4-0 win at UC Davis. The Cougars controlled the match from the opening serve, showcasing depth and poise throughout the lineup. It was the kind of performance that can build confidence heading into tougher battles.
WCC Affiliation Nearing Its End
This season marks the second and final year of Washington State’s temporary affiliation with the West Coast Conference. After the Pac-12’s realignment following the 2023-24 season, WSU Tennis was one of 10 Cougar programs that joined the WCC as affiliate members. Starting in 2026-27, Cougar Tennis is expected to return to full Pac-12 membership.
A Special Signing: JoLynn Garrett Joins the Team
In early January, Washington State added a unique and inspiring new teammate-10-year-old JoLynn Garrett, who joined the program through Team IMPACT. JoLynn, who lives with Williams syndrome, officially signed with the Cougars and will be part of the team for the next two years. She’ll be alongside the players at matches, practices, and team events, bringing a special kind of energy and perspective to the program.
Roster Rundown
The 2025-26 Cougar roster blends experience and youth. Seniors Maxine Murphy and Eva Alvarez Sande lead the way, supported by juniors Yura Nakagawa and Zali Morris. Sophomores Chisato Kanemaki, Martina Puvill, and Haylee Conway bring valuable depth, while freshman Ava-Monet Sycamore adds new talent to the mix.
At the Helm: Coach Josh Graetz
Head Coach Josh Graetz is in his first year leading the program after serving as an assistant for the past two seasons. He played a key role in WSU’s 2025 National Invitational Tournament title run and brings a player-first approach honed during his time as head coach at Metropolitan State University in Denver, his alma mater. Graetz knows this team inside and out and has the kind of calm leadership that resonates with players.
What’s Next
After the weekend trip to Utah, the Cougars return home to face Portland State on Friday, February 20. With the WCC season heating up and a full slate ahead, every match counts-and this weekend’s road tests could go a long way in shaping how the rest of the spring unfolds.
For fans looking to follow along, both matches will have live video and stats available online.