Girls' Squash Places 5th at Prep Nationals

Girls’ Varsity Squash competed in the Division III Prep Nationals at Wesleyan University last weekend. Going into their matches, the girls were seeded eighth but managed to climb up the rankings, securing fifth at the end of the tournament.

During the initial rounds, Big Red came out on top against Rye High School with a final score of 4-3. Lower Leandra Sze, upper Catherine Fortin, senior Charlotte Kaufmann and prep Lassiter Foregger all secured wins over the Rye players. 

Scoring fifth place was no small feat, especially considering the team was missing its number two player, upper and co-captain Anne Brandes. “Everyone had to play up a place on that ladder,” coach Bruce Shang said. “Matches were hard, but our girls played their best squash of the year.”

The players all brought enthusiasm and determination to their matches. Foregger found Kaufmann’s match especially inspiring. “She was running for every ball and was playing her heart out. It was a difficult match, but she put in her all and won.” This victory contributed to the overall success against Rye and helped push the team into the quarter plays.  

Facing off with Potomac High School in the quarters, prep Isabella Vesely surprised herself by winning with a one-point lead over Potomac’s player. “After being down 0-2 in a best of five game match, I ended up making a comeback and winning the match against Potomac,” Vesely said. “Although the team didn't pull through, it was a lot of fun, and I was very happy that I was able to change my game to win it.” 

Shang highlighted Vesely’s outstanding improvement through the season. “[Vesely] started at 16th on the ladder and is ending the season numbered 7th on Varsity.” 

Overall, the team was well-prepared and hopeful going into its matches. Everyone on the team supported one another during individual plays. The team’s ability to work together despite competing individually allowed Exeter to pull ahead of their initial eighth place ranking. 

Vesley appreciated this positive dynamic. “I always had multiple teammates and our coach, Coach Shang, cheering me on. In tough and close matches, this can really make a difference in regrouping and pushing through.” 

Foregger agreed, noting that every player performed as best they could, and that “if there ever was a day where a player wasn’t feeling their best, another player would step it up.”

 Building off this energy, the team is ready to train technique and give its all to their next competition. Foregger specifically described her individual focuses. “I’m hoping to work on hitting with more direction instead of just power, which is what I will be focusing on for Interschols.” 

Vesely is also looking to improve upon certain aspects of her match. “I'd like to have a better, more aggressive serve and be able to hit more accurately on the backhand rails. Going into these matches, I hope that I also have a bit more self-confidence in myself.”

Despite not moving onto the semi-rounds, the team will head to Interschols to face off against other schools in the prep school league. 

Vesely anticipates great outcomes for Big Red's last tournaments of the season, looking at the team’s hard work and positive mentality. “At practice, these are the people that push you forward and make you improve, and, off the courts, they are super nice people to hang out with. I'm really excited to see this again at Interschols, as it made [Nationals] a lot more enjoyable.”