Girls’ Squash Soaks In Successful Season
Exeter girls’ varsity squash triumphed in their 16 game season, totaling 10 wins out of 13 dual meets and finishing with a record of 12-4. The team has consistently improved over the past few years, and this season was no different, with new players filling the first and second seeds. However, with a dynamic roster, and motivation from co-captains and seniors Alix Hunter and Josie Russ, the team prevailed during most of their matches.
Representing PEA and playing for a unfamiliar team was intimidating and stressful at first for the new players. Prep Ursula Sze, who played second seed throughout the season, described the trouble she had at first adjusting. “One of my weaknesses is handling pressure,” she said. “I think that with experience I will learn to gain more confidence when playing. The older players really helped me as role models and gave me useful advice.”
Sze added that “the team still has things to work on outside of competition.” Russ agreed, saying that the girls “could improve on confidence and work ethic in practice.”
“I think this year the team is a lot closer as a whole. This helped us support each other and and want to win for each other ... That's what made a difference.”
The team had a strong start to the season, beginning with eight consecutive wins. In their two first home games, the girls beat Groton School and St. George’s School with a score of 5-2 and 7-0, respectively. The rest of the wins during their winning streak came from away games, during which the team showcased their skills with several shutouts: they beat St. Paul’s School 7-0, Taft School 7-0, Loomis Chaffee 7-2, Brooks School 7-0, Andover 4-3 and Dana Hall School 7-0.
Unfortunately, at the end of the first month, the girls suffered a disappointing 0-7 loss at their home courts against Noble and Greenough School. Less than a week later, they had another crushing loss at home, falling 1-6 to Milton Academy. Despite these losses, the girls bounced back quickly, closing their third home match in a row with a 7-0 win against St. Mark’s School.
The most important tournament of the year was the HS Nationals—the girls hoped to obtain a high seed at this competition. They left classes early on February 12th for the 6-hour drive to Philadelphia. At the competition, the team performed well, advancing all the way to the semifinals. However, facing off against Hopkins, a team that closely matched their abilities, they fell 4-3. This loss was difficult for the team to accept, as it prevented them from advancing to the finals and playing Taft, a team they had beaten earlier in the season. In the end, they came home after the three days of competing with a third-fourth placement overall, tied with their rivals, Phillips Andover Academy. The girls were forced to default their match against Andover in the tournament after too many matches had gone overtime, but they played them again for E/a less than two weeks after.
Despite the disappointment end to HS Nationals, it proved to be a great team bonding experience and the team was happy with the way they progressed throughout. “Our captains Josie and Alix took care of the team—they acted like moms but in a fun way,” prep Euwie Park, who played first seed, said.
In regards to team spirit, Russ said, “I think this year the team is a lot closer as a whole. This helped us support each other and and want to win for each other ... That's what made a difference.” This strong support network pushed the girls through hard matches.
Lower Alyssa Kuwana further elaborated on the importance of teamwork. “Even though squash is an individual sport, we had to work as a team. We supported each other, giving tips between games and cheering and giving encouragement after every point,” she said.
After the tournament, the girls faced off against Middlesex School and Deerfield, winning with scores of 7-0 and 4-3. Despite these wins, the team still knew facing Andover at E/a would be difficult, and wanted to be in top shape, having only beat them 4-3 earlier in the season. Although Exeter fell to Andover 3-4 in the end, it was still a huge improvement from their 6-1 loss the previous season. To close off the season, the team then played their last games on home courts for Interschols. They finished in 8th place, largely due to the injuries of several top players. This was a tough finish for the girls to take after such a successful season.
Still, Exeter girls’ squash had an overall high-winning season, showing great progress from their record of 7-10. Next year, the team hopes to continue their improvement, stay healthier and capitalize on the last few games of the season.