Women's Squash Finishes Behind Brown at Nationals

CAMBRIDGE, MA- After a long weekend, the Ephs lost after a close match against a graceful rival, the Brown Bears.

After a long weekend, the team arrived at the courts ready to give their all to the final match of the 2017-2018 season. Hopeful expectations motivated the Ephs throughout their warmup and all of the team was ready to play an opponent they had played just a couple of weeks before. In a very close match, the team lost, ending the tournament at the number 3 position. Highlights of the match include Co-captain Hayley Parsons' incredible 5 game battle, in which she made amazing gets and really played a beautifully balanced offensive and defensive match. Co-Captain Ananya Mahalingam-Dhingra also played fiercely, winning in 5 games. She kept the audience on their toes when she climbed back from a 10-7 deficit to win 12-10 in the 5^th; her play inspired all who viewed her match. Caroline Hogan at the number 9 position played a crisp game, winning handily in 3: she set a wonderful tone for the match with her solidity, sportsmanship, and excellent straight drops. Abby Leblanc, at the number 7 position, had two very exciting first games: in the first, she came back from 8-0 to game ball at 10-8; but sadly lost that game 12-10.  In the next game, she won 11-1 very impressively. Co-Captain Nicole Friedman lost in 3, but still inspired the team with her hard work and close game scores. All of the other matches played were played with heart and intensity, and the Ephs leave the weekend's tournament disappointed with the result, but still proud of their efforts.

Senior Caroline Hogan said, "Although we are disappointed with the outcome today, I am very proud of the entire team's hard work, focus, and high level of play. This team did not give up on any point and left it all in the court. It was (as always) a great day to be an Eph."

Coach Blair Dils stated, "It's definitely disappointing to come up a match short today. But we can't fault the effort of anyone. It's a tough result for our seniors, but it doesn't take away from the great season we had. In a few days, we'll realize just how strong this team was."