Cougars Shine in 4-0 Win Against Eastern Washington
On March 21, 2026, the Washington State Cougars showcased their talent with a solid 4-0 victory over Eastern Washington. Both Yura Nakagawa and Ava-Monet Sycamore were standout players, winning their singles and doubles matches.
With this win, the Cougars improved to an 8-6 record, while Eastern Washington also stands at 8-6.
In doubles, the Cougars swept all three matches, taking the early lead. The pairing of Morris and Nakagawa won decisively at No. 3 with a score of 6-1. Alvarez Sande and Sycamore followed suit at No. 2, also winning 6-1. The top pairing, Murphy and Kanemaki, faced some challenges but emerged victorious with a tighter score of 6-4 against their EWU rivals.
When it came to singles, Nakagawa dominated her match against Veronika Gayevyk, winning in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2. Martina Puvill made quick work of her opponent, finishing at 6-2, 6-2. Sycamore closed the deal for the Cougars with a solid performance, winning 6-2, 6-3 against Aneliss Zamfirescu. With the victory in hand, the team did not complete the match at No. 5 singles, which was tied at 6-0, 2-6, 1-1.
Looking ahead, the Cougars are set to host LMU for their next match on March 22.
Match Highlights
Doubles Results:
- Maxine Murphy / Chisato Kanemaki (WSU) defeated Olivia Marais / Zoe Pradel (EWU), 6-4
- Eva Alvarez Sande / Ava-Monet Sycamore (WSU) defeated Anait Arutiunian / Sara Vasic (EWU), 6-1
- Yura Nakagawa / Zali Morris (WSU) defeated Leandra Nizetic / Maria Lopez Gomez (EWU), 6-1
Singles Results:
- Martina Puvill (WSU) defeated Zoe Pradel (EWU), 6-2, 6-2
- Yura Nakagawa (WSU) defeated Veronika Gayevyk (EWU), 6-0, 6-2
- Ava-Monet Sycamore (WSU) defeated Aneliss Zamfirescu (EWU), 6-2, 6-3
While the match was a definitive win for the Cougars, it also reflects a growing trend in college sports. As teams increasingly invest in training and resources, competition levels have surged. Recent surveys show that 75% of collegiate athletes believe that the quality of training has improved since the last decade.
This win serves as a reminder that hard work and strong teamwork often yield positive results on the court. The Cougars are eager to keep this momentum going as they prepare for their next challenge.
