SAN FRANCISCO (Sept. 11, 2025) – Washington State senior Eva Alvarez Sande began her final season with a come-from-behind win over the nation's 50th-ranked player to highlight Thursday's opening round at the Battle in the Bay played at the California Tennis Club.
 
Alvarez Sande began play against the tournament's No. 3 seed in Gracie Epps from Oklahoma State. After Epps took the first set 6-3, Alvarez Sande bounced back to earn a break of serve and take the second 6-4, forcing a decisive third set. After going back-and-forth, Alvarez Sande captured a late break of serve to close out a 3-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory.
 
Redshirt-senior Maxine Murphy also went three sets in her opening match, but could not pull out the victory as she fell 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 to TCU's Raquel Calabbero Chica.
 
In doubles play, Alvarez Sande and Murphy entered as the No. 4 seeds and had a battle with Colorado's Ema Bubalo and Lera Alexin. The match went to a tiebreaker at 7-7 where the Buffalo's duo struck late to post an 8-7 (8-6) win in the opening round.
 
Play continues Friday at the Battle in the Bay with second round action and backdraw play.
 
SINGLES
First Round
Eva Alvarez Sande (WSU) def. #50 Gracie Epps (OSU) 3-6, 6-4, 7-5
Raquel Calabbero Chica (TCU) def. Maxine Murphy (WSU) 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
 
DOUBLES
First Round
Ema Bubalo/Lera Alexin (Colo.) def. #4 Eva Alvarez Sande/Maxine Murphy 8-7 (6)