WSU kicks off Pac-12 Conference play with two losses
USC, UCLA are too much for Cougs, even on the Palouse
WSU tennis player Eva Alverez Sande serves the ball during an NCAA tennis match against UCLA, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
March 7, 2023
WSU tennis (7-6, 0-2 Pac-12) saw its three-game winning streak snapped at the beginning of Conference play against two schools that will soon depart from the Conference.
Played on the indoor courts due to consistent snow, WSU hosted USC (7-3, 1-1 Pac-12) and UCLA (4-3, 1-1 Pac-12) but fell in both matches. First, USC beat the Cougs 6-1, then UCLA took down the squad 5-2.
WSU tennis player Fifa Kumhom celebrates with her partner Yang Lee during an NCAA tennis match against UCLA, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
WSU played without its star Maxine Murphy, as she is recovering from her injury against Saint Mary’s earlier this season. The timetable for her return is completely unknown, with the worst-case scenario being that she will miss the entire season.
Against the Trojans, the Cougs looked outmatched, losing in doubles and losing five of six singles matches. However, the lone win was a big one for the Cougs and the competitor who notched the victory.
Playing in the No. 1 position due to Murphy’s injury, Eva Alvarez Sande took on No. 24 ranked Eryn Cayetano and accomplished a couple of firsts in an intense 6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (10-7) victory. For Alvarez Sande, it was her first win at No. 1 and her first win against a nationally ranked opponent.
WSU tennis player Eva Alverez Sande goes to hit the ball during an NCAA tennis match against UCLA, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
There was not much else to write home about, as the rest of the Cougs lost in straight sets in all of the other matches.
The tune was much the same against the Bruins, as instead of only one victory the Cougs had two. Yura Nakagawa followed Alvarez Sandez’s footsteps and took down a ranked opponent, hers being No. 64 Ava Catanzarite in a 6-3, 6-4 straight-set sweep. Elyse Tse was the other victorious Coug, with a 6-4, 6-3 win.
WSU tennis head coach Raquel Atawo talks with WSU tennis player Yura Nakagawa during an NCAA tennis match against UCLA, Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Pullman, Wash.
Despite losing, several student-athletes from Wazzu showed their support. Athletes such as RJ Stone, Argentina Ung and Karly Basham were just three of many that came out to support.
Following the losses, WSU will have a two-week break before continuing its home stand with more Conference action. They play Arizona at 1:30 p.m. March 17. Then at 11 a.m. March 19, they take on Arizona State. Both matches are scheduled to play on the Outdoor Tennis Courts in Pullman, barring any weather complications.
