Washington State Women’s Tennis Hits the Road for Seattle Showdown
After a triumphant weekend at home, the Washington State Women’s Tennis team is packing their bags for a challenging road trip to Seattle. The Cougars, fresh off three consecutive victories, are set to face off against formidable opponents at the Nordstrom Tennis Center.
Matchup Breakdown: Washington Huskies
First on the docket is a clash with the powerhouse No. 12 Washington Huskies on Friday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m.
The Huskies have been on a tear, boasting a perfect 7-0 record. Their recent victories over ranked teams like Utah and San Diego have solidified their top-tier status.
Keep an eye on their nationally ranked players, including Reece Carter and Erika Matsuda, who are sure to bring their A-game. Washington’s doubles duo of Matsuda and Carina Syrtveit, ranked No. 80, will also be a key matchup to watch.
Historically, the Huskies have dominated this rivalry, leading the series 54-13.
Next Challenge: UC Santa Barbara
The following day, the Cougars will take on No. 36 UC Santa Barbara at 1 p.m.
The Gauchos, sitting at 5-5, have demonstrated resilience with wins against top teams like Texas Tech and Florida State. Although they’ve faced setbacks against ranked opponents, their competitive spirit makes them a tough contender.
The Cougars hold a 7-3 lead in their all-time series against UCSB, a stat they’ll look to build on.
Player Spotlight: Eva Alvarez Sande
Senior Eva Alvarez Sande is making waves this season with an impressive 9-0 start in dual matches. Her overall record stands at 14-5, pushing her career wins to 78. Her performance has been nothing short of stellar, and she’s a player to watch this weekend.
Dynamic Duo: Alvarez Sande and Nakagawa
The pairing of Eva Alvarez Sande and Yura Nakagawa has been turning heads, earning them the WCC Doubles Team of the Week honors. Their synergy on the court was evident in their recent victories in Northern California, where they played pivotal roles in securing the doubles point for the Cougars.
WCC Preseason Poll Insights
In the 2026 WCC preseason poll, Washington State was picked to finish third. With defending champion Pepperdine and San Diego leading the pack, the Cougars are in a strong position. Seniors Alvarez Sande and Maxine Murphy have been recognized for their talents, making the WCC Preseason Team.
Looking Ahead
Post-Seattle, the Cougars will return to Pullman for a high-stakes match against No. 14 Pepperdine on March 3. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter as they face the reigning WCC champions.
Reflecting on Recent Success
The Cougars recently wrapped up a successful home stint with a decisive 6-1 victory over Montana State, completing a perfect weekend run.
Conference Context
As affiliate members of the West Coast Conference, the Cougars are navigating a transitional phase following the Pac-12 realignment. This season marks their final year in the WCC before returning to full Pac-12 membership.
Community Connection: JoLynn Garrett
In a heartwarming move, the team welcomed 10-year-old JoLynn Garrett through Team IMPACT. JoLynn, who has Williams syndrome, is now a cherished member of the Cougar family, participating in practices and events.
Meet the Team
The Cougar roster is a blend of experienced seniors like Maxine Murphy and Eva Alvarez Sande, alongside promising talents such as junior Yura Nakagawa and freshman Ava-Monet Sycamore.
Leadership Under Coach Graetz
Head Coach Josh Graetz, who took the helm in 2025, has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. With a background as both a player and coach, Graetz brings a wealth of experience and passion to the program.
As the Cougars gear up for their Seattle matches, fans can expect a weekend of intense competition and thrilling tennis action.