Seniors succeed at final home meet

Nationally-ranked squash teams compete in last regular season match

by Hannah Grace O'Connell '14
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Hamilton men’s and women’s squash teams had a successful home showing this past weekend, where both teams won two out of three matches in the Little Squash Center.
The women’s team is now 11-9 overall for the season. While they lost the first match of Saturday, Feb. 12 to nationally ranked No. 16 George Washington University, they came back to beat University of Toronto 9-0 later in the day. The following day, Sunday, Feb. 13, the Continental women defeated Wesleyan 8-0.

Sunday was also Senior Day, celebrating class of 2011 players Anne Edelstein, Leila Clifford-Ong, Danielle Forsyth and Jane Hannon. The size of the team grew to 15 this season, and every member played an important role in group dynamics.

“Even though only the top nine matches count, the bottom of the ladder has been extremely supportive, our biggest cheerleaders at every match,” Edelstein said.
As they head towards the Howe Cup team championships, the team is becoming even more determined to do their best. Already cohesive and supportive of one another, they plan on bringing all their energy and focus to the court.

“I’d really like for us to bring our inner squash diva to the courts in our matches over the next three weeks. Having a presence, and knowing you can work the ball, your opponent and the crowd, is uplifting and necessary for a winning mentality,” Edelstein said.

The men’s team had a similar victory over the weekend, leaving their season record at 7-13. The Continental men started out on Saturday, Feb. 12 by losing to 24th-ranked George Washington University 7-2. The team later stepped up their game to defeat University of Toronto 5-4, and improved their record further on Sunday when they beat 30th-ranked Northeastern University 8-1.

The men’s team also celebrated its seniors, Captain James Hogan, Captain Hal Lee, and Mark Clark. Of note is Lee, who has had 42 wins with the squash program and has made fifth place on the program’s career list.

From their victories this past weekend, the 24th-ranked Hamilton men progress to Harvard University on Friday, Feb. 25 for the 2011 CSA team championships.