Women's Squash Team Takes Three of Four

Author: Holly Haertel

The Middlebury College women's squash team proved itself to be a group of tough competitors this weekend at the Williams College Invitational. From the very start it was apparent that it was going to be a challenging weekend. With the loss of several juniors who left to study abroad for the spring, many players were forced to move into higher positions on the team ladder.
Going into the weekend, the women were undefeated with a 4-0 record, including wins over Colby, Wesleyan, Hamilton and St. Lawrence University. And, despite the loss of some key players, the Panthers were able to step up to the challenge and take significant wins over three of the four schools they competed against.
The team scored victories by beating Smith 9-0, Mt. Holyoke 8-1, and Wellesley 6-3. Unfortunately, the women were faced with some tough competition from the Bowdoin Polar Bears, to whom they lost 7-2 in a hard-hitting and well-fought match. The Bowdoin team is usually strong, but as Lauren Smith '05 pointed out, "We beat them last year, so I was surprised to see how good they had become this year."
With a slight change in the Middlebury ladder and some new players on the Bowdoin team, Beth Seeley '05 couldn't have said it better. "It is amazing how the addition of one or two new players can really make a difference in the overall strength of a team." The women will have a second chance to compete against the Polar Bears in the upcoming team nationals at Yale University in February. The winner of that tournament will take home the coveted Howe Cup.
The four matches this weekend bring the women's squash team record to a solid 7-1. On the whole, the weekend was an impressive one for the Middlebury women's team. The squad will now attempt to build on its recent success as it looks ahead to the remainder of the season.
Next weekend the women travel to the Amherst College Invitational where they will compete against league opponents Amherst, Bates and Tufts University.