By: Marilyn Anye (@_marilynbride) – Spear Reporter – Freshman Tara Mihaljevic prepares to return a shot during a match against Utah State on Wednesday at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by SJSU Athletics)
San Jose State women’s tennis (8-14, 1-10 MW) saw its 2026 season come to an end with a 4-2 loss to Utah State (12-10, 5-6 MW) in the opening round of the Mountain West Tournament on Wednesday at the Darling Tennis Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Aggies set the tone early by claiming the doubles point with wins at No. 2 and No. 3, forcing the Spartans to play catch-up for the rest of the match.
SJSU answered in singles play with strong performances from sophomore Emma Fantousis and freshman Tara Mihaljevic, who each earned straight-set victories to keep the Spartans within reach.
Fantousis earned a 6-0, 6-3 win at No. 2 singles, while Mihaljevic followed with a 6-0, 6-1 victory at No. 4.
Despite the strong response, Utah State remained consistent on the other courts. The Aggies picked up wins at No. 3, No. 5 and No. 6 singles to seal the match and advance.
At No. 3 singles, sophomore Soledad Fayos Capilla gave the Spartans an early boost by taking the opening set 7-5.
However, Aggies’ sophomore Maria Ramos Garcia came back to win the next two sets 6-1, 6-1 to clinch the match.
Freshman Camila Celis also pushed her match to three sets at No. 5, winning the second set 7-5 before falling 6-3 in the third set.
Sophomore Cristina Mateos Losada dropped her match in straight sets at No. 6, while junior Duru Durgun’s match at No. 1 went unfinished.
SJSU head coach Chad Skorupka said the team will now turn its focus to the upcoming fall season.
With the loss, the Spartans conclude their season after entering the tournament as the No. 11 seed.
