Utah Edges Washington State in 4-3 Nail-Biter Despite Cougars’ Singles Rally
SALT LAKE CITY - Washington State came into Saturday’s matchup looking to build momentum early in the season, but despite a spirited comeback in singles play, the Cougars fell just short in a 4-3 battle against Utah at the George S. Eccles Tennis Center.
The loss drops WSU to 3-3 on the year, while Utah improves to 5-1 behind a strong doubles performance and timely wins in the middle of the singles lineup.
Doubles Set the Tone
Utah wasted no time seizing control, sweeping all three doubles matches to secure the opening point. The Utes struck first at No. 3, where Dylan Lolofie and Andjelika Markovic cruised to a 6-1 win over Washington State’s Martina Puvill and Ava-Monet Sycamore.
The clincher came at No. 2, where Sara Akid and Emmie Moore showed resilience, clawing back from a 3-5 deficit to take a 7-5 decision over Eva Alvarez Sande and Yura Nakagawa. Over on Court 1, Emma Kamper and Emma Valletta completed the sweep with a 7-5 win over Maxine Murphy and Chisato Kanemaki.
Falling behind 1-0 after doubles has been a tough hurdle for WSU so far this season, and Utah made sure to capitalize.
Cougars Fight Back in Singles
Utah extended its lead to 2-0 after Akid picked up a straight-set win over Puvill at No. 4, but that’s when the Cougars started to turn the tide.
Sycamore got WSU on the board with a composed 6-3, 6-2 victory over Lolofie at the No. 6 spot, showing poise and consistency from the baseline. Murphy followed with an authoritative 6-4, 6-2 win over Moore at No. 2, leveling the match at 2-2 and giving the Cougars a real shot at stealing one on the road.
But Utah responded in kind. Valletta delivered a 6-4, 6-3 win over Kanemaki on Court 5, and Barksdale clinched the team win for the Utes with a 6-1, 6-4 decision over Nakagawa at No.
- That gave Utah a 4-2 lead with just one match left on the court.
Alvarez Sande Finishes Strong
Even with the team result already decided, Alvarez Sande and Kamper put on a show at No. 1.
Kamper edged the first set in a tiebreak, 7-6, but Alvarez Sande bounced back with a 6-3 second set. The two then played a 10-point tiebreak in lieu of a full third set, with Alvarez Sande taking control and closing it out 10-4.
It was a strong finish for the Cougar veteran, who continues to anchor the top of the lineup with grit and experience.
What’s Next
Washington State returns home next Friday, Feb. 20, to host Portland State at Hollingbery Fieldhouse. First serve is scheduled for 11 a.m. PT as the Cougars look to regroup and get back above .500.
Match Summary: Utah 4, Washington State 3
February 14, 2026 - George S. Eccles Tennis Center, Salt Lake City
Doubles
1.
Kamper/Valletta (Utah) def. Murphy/Kanemaki (WSU) - 7-5
- Akid/Moore (Utah) def.
Alvarez Sande/Nakagawa (WSU) - 7-5
3.
Lolofie/Markovic (Utah) def. Puvill/Sycamore (WSU) - 6-1
Order of Finish: 3, 2, 1
Singles
1.
Alvarez Sande (WSU) def. Kamper (Utah) - 6-7, 6-3, 10-4
- Murphy (WSU) def.
Moore (Utah) - 6-4, 6-2
3.
Barksdale (Utah) def. Nakagawa (WSU) - 6-1, 6-4
- Akid (Utah) def.
Puvill (WSU) - 6-2, 6-2
5.
Valletta (Utah) def. Kanemaki (WSU) - 6-4, 6-3
- Sycamore (WSU) def.
Roberts (Utah) - 6-3, 6-2
Order of Finish: 4, 6, 2, 5, 3, 1
It was a match that showed both the fight and the potential of this Washington State squad. While the doubles point proved costly, the Cougars’ singles depth continues to shine. If they can tighten things up early, this is a team that could make some real noise as the season wears on.