Squash Competes in Tourney at Yale

Last weekend marked the halfway point of the season for Middlebury squash. Both the men’s and women’s teams entered the Yale Round Robin a combined 12-2, both of those losses occurring all the way back on Nov. 16 against perennial power Trinity. Unfortunately, the men’s side dropped matches against number-five Columbia and number-17 George Washington, while the women went winless against number-nine Columbia, number-four Yale and number-seven George Washington University.

Despite the disappointments last week at Yale, optimism remains high for both the men and the women.

“Leadership’s been great,” Interim Coach Mike Morgan said.  “Robert [Galluccio ’15] and Reed [Palmer ’15] have done a fantastic job [for the men’s side]. Same goes for Annie [Wymard ’15] and Charlotte [Dewey ’15]. They bring experience and focus that has helped tremendously with [each team’s] growth.”

Growth is important because of the youth on both sides. Five players regularly in the lineup on the men’s team are underclassmen: two first-years and three sophomores. The women’s side, at times, plays with as many as four first-years in the lineup.

Morgan added that the leadership of experienced players across the board helps guide younger players.

“The wisdom that [our captains] bring helps us when we go into a place like Yale. The first years could be overwhelmed by the situation or the competition. Thanks to our older guys that doesn’t happen.”

The experienced Galluccio indicated that the team forms a genuine bond that ensures every player is on the same page.

“From our team hike at the beginning of the year, to just hanging out or going to movies, we’re a tight knit group on and off the court,” Galluccio said. “We push each other to succeed and enjoy the challenge of striving for our goals.”

The program’s goals remain lofty, as both teams have set their mark on winning the “B” division cups at the end of the season. But given the success they have enjoyed to this point, there is no reason to temper expectations. The teams are taking a day-by-day, match-by-match approach.

“Anything can happen,” Morgan said. “A couple things go off, a team gets hot, has a great day. Being focused on every match and every day, without losing focus of the long-term goals is our approach.”

The team exuded confidence heading into the weekend in New Haven, and although the trip didn’t produce victories, there are many positives each team gained from the experience. The challenge presented at the Yale Round Robin better prepares each team for Middlebury’s own round robin tournament this weekend and an important stretch on the horizon for the Panthers.

The Panthers are prepared and determined to overcome these obstacles in their run at winning the “B” cups.