Beat - Girls Varsity Squash against Taft and Loomis

By: Catherine Wu, Stella Song, Rohit Kantamneni

The Academy’s varsity girls squash team traveled to Loomis Chaffee on Jan. 15 for the team’s second match of the season against two other New England preparatory schools: Loomis Chaffee and Phillips Andover Academy.

Exeter was able to score a five to three victory over Loomis, but they unfortunately suffered a crushing eight to zero loss against Andover. Players Kate Manderlink, Lucy Lukens, Lassiter Foregger, Carolyn Fortin and Athena Wang contributed to the 5 wins against Loomis Chaffee. Fortin, Manderlink and Lukens brought forth three 3-0 wins against the Loomis players. 

Coach Lovey Oliff shared her thoughts regarding the team’s performance. “We played well against Loomis for our first match but the intensity of the first round and the short break between matches made our second set of matches against Andover a little more challenging,” she said.

Players on the team reflected on their overall experience as well. “The match was a lot of fun. It was our first away game of the season, so it was a great experience to get to travel as a team and play on another team's courts. I think that playing away from our home courts brought us together as a team and heightened our spirit,” lower Lucy Lukens said.

Senior Carolyn Fortin shared similar thoughts. “This was our first match since before the break, so it was a lot of fun to travel with the team and compete against other schools again,” she said. “A highlight for me was getting to ref Athena’s matches. She played great all day and stayed super composed.”

Though the team suffered a loss against Andover, the team was still able to retain a positive attitude and stay hopeful for the upcoming season. “The loss was definitely anticipated. Andover has a really strong team with many recruits. I think that since we came into the match expecting to lose, we weren't too devastated by the loss,” Lukens continued.

Fortin agreed, noting that Andover would be a challenge for the team. “Although we lost this time, I’m excited for us to play them again at the end of the season!” Fortin agreed.

Coach Oliff shared her thoughts regarding the team’s loss against Andover as well. “I am beyond proud of how our team played even when we were losing,” she said. “Teammates were coaching and encouraging each other in between games and I was happier to see that level of support rather than a simple win on the court.”

With the ongoing pandemic, coach Oliff commented on ways the team has altered their practice to accommodate safety protocols. “When we returned to campus, players could only solo practice on court which has its benefits but there is something special about drilling and playing with others on court so that was certainly missed,” she said. “In addition, playing with goggles and masks can add an extra layer of difficulty but our players have really adapted to the new modified levels of play.”

Lukens shared her thoughts regarding COVID-19 as a player. “There have been a few matches that have been canceled due to COVID, but we will still hopefully get to play in numerous matches this season. Our practices have been largely back to normal, with the exception that we have to wear masks,” she said.

Overall, the team had an amazing time at the interscholastic match. “We have an amazing team this year and I feel lucky that I get to coach them and see them continue to excel as squash players, teammates, friends and leaders,” Oliff concluded.