Washington State Women’s Tennis Set to Open 2026 Home Slate Against Undefeated Fresno State
The Cougars are back on home court this Friday, and they're bringing some momentum with them. Washington State Women’s Tennis opens its 2026 home schedule on Jan. 30, hosting Fresno State at Hollingbery Fieldhouse. First serve is set for 4 p.m., and it marks more than just a home opener-it’s a matchup against a future Pac-12 opponent and a chance for WSU to keep building on a strong start to the spring season.
Fresno State Comes in Hot
Fresno State arrives in Pullman sporting a 3-0 record, and they haven’t exactly been squeaking by. The Bulldogs have rolled through Fresno Pacific, Pacific, and Santa Clara, dropping just one point in their most recent match. Against Santa Clara, they took the doubles point early and then dominated singles play, winning five of six to secure a 6-1 victory.
Historically, Fresno State leads the all-time series 13-8, but that stat comes with an important caveat: Washington State has owned the recent stretch, winning the last six meetings. That includes a convincing 6-1 win last season in San Luis Obispo. So while the Bulldogs are off to a strong start, the Cougars have had their number in recent years.
Weather Derails ITA Kickoff Weekend Plans
Last weekend was supposed to be a big test for WSU at the ITA Kickoff Weekend in Athens, Georgia. The Cougars were slated to take on San Diego State in the opening round, with No.
1 Georgia and Maryland also in the regional bracket. But Mother Nature had other plans.
With severe weather looming in the Southeast, Washington State, Maryland, and San Diego State all opted out of the trip, citing safety concerns. The decision kept the Cougars off the court, but it also kept them healthy and focused as they return home.
WCC Preseason Poll: Cougars Slotted Third
WSU enters the season with some respect from the West Coast Conference coaches. In the WCC preseason poll, the Cougars were picked to finish third, trailing only powerhouse Pepperdine-who took eight of the 10 first-place votes-and San Diego, who claimed the remaining two. Loyola Marymount and Gonzaga rounded out the top five.
Adding to the preseason accolades, Cougar seniors Maxine Murphy and Eva Alvarez Sande were both named to the 2026 WCC Preseason Team. Only six players across the conference earned that nod, and WSU’s veteran duo took up a third of the list. That’s a strong indicator of the leadership and talent this team is bringing into the year.
Building Momentum After a Strong Opener
Washington State kicked off its 2026 spring campaign with a statement win, going on the road and defeating Idaho 6-1. The Cougars grabbed the doubles point and then took five of six singles matches to close it out. It was a performance that showed depth, poise, and the kind of early-season form that could set the tone for what’s ahead.
Looking Ahead: California Swing on Deck
After Friday’s home match, the Cougars are heading south for a two-match road trip in Northern California. They’ll face Sacramento State on Friday, Feb. 6, followed by a Saturday showdown at UC Davis. It’s a quick turnaround, but also a valuable early-season test for a team looking to establish rhythm and consistency.
Navigating Conference Realignment
This season marks year two of Washington State’s temporary stay in the West Coast Conference, part of the broader conference realignment that reshaped the Pac-12 landscape after the 2023-24 season. Cougar Tennis is one of 10 WSU programs competing as affiliate members of the WCC for the 2025-26 campaign. That arrangement will wrap up at the end of this academic year, with WSU set to return to full Pac-12 membership beginning in 2026-27.
Off-Court Addition: JoLynn Garrett Joins the Team
In early January, the Cougars made a special addition to their roster by signing 10-year-old JoLynn Garrett through Team IMPACT. JoLynn, who lives with Williams syndrome, officially joined the program and will be part of the team’s activities for the next two years. From practices to match days and team events, JoLynn brings a new kind of energy and inspiration to the squad-and the Cougars couldn’t be more excited to welcome her.
Roster Rundown
This year’s Cougar roster blends experience with youth. Seniors Maxine Murphy and Eva Alvarez Sande anchor the lineup, with juniors Yura Nakagawa and Zali Morris bringing veteran presence as well.
The sophomore class features Chisato Kanemaki, Martina Puvill, and Haley Conway, while freshman Ava-Monet Sycamore adds new talent to the mix. It’s a balanced group, and one that head coach Josh Graetz will look to guide through a competitive season.
Coach Graetz Leading the Way
Josh Graetz took over as head coach in the summer of 2025, stepping into the top job after two seasons as WSU’s assistant coach. He already has a championship on his résumé, having helped lead the Cougars to the 2025 National Invitational Tournament title.
Before coming to Pullman, Graetz was the head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs at Metropolitan State University in Denver-his alma mater. Now in charge at Washington State, he’s building a team with a clear identity and a strong foundation.
How to Follow
Fans can catch all the action from Hollingbery Fieldhouse with live video streams and scoring available online. And for those who want to stay plugged in throughout the season, WSU Tennis is active on social media-follow @WSUCougarTennis on Twitter, @wsucougartennis on Instagram, and Washington State Cougar Tennis on Facebook.
The Cougars are back home, and they’re ready to make some noise. With a veteran core, a promising roster, and a matchup against an undefeated Fresno State squad, Friday’s home opener sets the stage for what could be a compelling spring in Pullman.