GLENDALE, Ariz. — The College of Idaho women's tennis team saw its 2026 season come to a close Thursday, falling 4-3 in a tightly contested opening-round matchup against Ottawa University Arizona in the GSAC Championships at Paseo Racquet Center.

The No. 4-seeded Yotes came up just short against the No. 5 seed in a match that closely mirrored their regular-season meeting, which had gone the Yotes' way earlier this year.

College of Idaho set the tone early by securing the doubles point with strong play at Nos. 2 and 3. Hristina Ljuba and Nicole Tran earned a 6-2 win at No. 2 doubles, while Berkley Klarich and Adele Long rolled to a 6-0 victory at No. 3 to give the Yotes the early advantage.

OUAZ responded in singles, ultimately taking four of six matches to edge ahead in the team score. The Yotes continued to battle throughout the lineup, with Tran delivering a comeback win at No. 5, rallying for a 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory. At No. 6, Alyssa Johnson backed her Freshman of the Year recognition with a 6-3, 6-1 win to help keep College of Idaho within striking distance.

Ljuba also pushed her No. 2 singles match to a deciding set after a tightly contested first-set tiebreak, but the Yotes were unable to swing the final result.

Despite the narrow loss, College of Idaho finishes the season with a competitive postseason effort and a match that went down to the final points, as OUAZ advances in the GSAC Tournament.