Boys’ Squash Adds Two Losses to Season Record
Exeter boys squash suffered two tough losses of 0-7 last week against Brooks on Wednesday and Noble and Greenough on Saturday, which leaves them with a season record of 4-4.Co-captain, second seed and senior Will Ettinger admitted that “The last two games have probably been two of the hardest games we’ve started this season. They weren’t unwinnable matches, but they were against teams who had, as a whole, a lot more exposure to the game than ours.”However, Ettinger remains optimistic about the team’s future. “The team is certainly changing, though. There is much more emphasis on practicing under pressure,” he said.He elaborated on this mindset, explaining how the team has modified practice to mimic the competition atmosphere. “It’s no secret that you play how you practice, and we’re trying to observe that ... If you know how to hit the ball when all you can think about is how tired you are, then come game time, you can be sure you’ll hit the ball right,” he said.
“We’ve got a strong team and we’re very dedicated to the sport.”
Ettinger hopes this fresh approach to practices will pay off in future matches. “It’s harder work, but it looks like we’re willing to put it in,” he said. “Hopefully it will show in the end of the season. I know it will this Wednesday when we take on Andover on our home courts.”First seed and postgraduate Michael Kacergis enjoys playing under such strong leadership from the captains. “Will and [senior] Rex [Tercek] are outstanding captains. They work great together. Will tends to take charge of on-court drills and games, while Rex leads off court workouts.”Kacergis also appreciates how coaches Frederic Brussel and Paul Langford work to strengthen the team. “Both are great coaches. Coach Brussel leads us through drills and on match days. And Mr. Langford helps a lot with the JV players and their development.”Upper Ali Hassani is currently ill and has not had the chance to compete yet this season, but has been able to practice with the team. Although the team has not been entirely successful, they have been putting in a great deal of work. Hassani is also confident that boys squash will be able to make a comeback.“We work hard during practice … I think we’ve got a strong team and we’re very dedicated to the sport, and I think that we have what it takes to end the season on a strong note,” Hassani said.Boys’ squash started the season strong, and although they know they recently suffered a few grating losses, Ettinger is confident that rigorous practices will pay off.He also hopes to see a fan club clad in bandanas to support him and the rest of the team on their journey to redeeming their dignity at the Fisher squash courts.