WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – Last night, the Williams women's squash team squared off against Amherst in the most anticipated match of the season. After concluding last season with a devastating 5-4 loss to this team, the Ephs have been training for their opportunity for revenge. The home court advantage served them last night, and Williams flipped the score to defeat the Mammoths 5 to 4.
The evening began with a powerful start with matches from #1
Haley Jefferson, #5
Deena Iqbal, and #8
Isabel Kelly. Jefferson's impressive victory over a talented Amherst opponent started the momentum for the night. She focused on playing simple, patient squash until she had the opportunity to attack which gave her the edge to take games 1 and 2 11-9 and 12-10, respectively. She dropped the third but came back to clinch the match. Kelly's match followed a similar pattern and overpowered her opponent in games 1, 2, and 4 for the day's second point. Lastly, Iqbal found herself in tough battle. A few too many crosscourts cost her some close 11-9 games and she fell in 3.
Up next, both #2
Quan Ng and #7
Nora Brant closed out overtime games to clinch key victories for the Ephs. Co-Captain Ng fell behind early in her first game. She showed great mental strength and clawed her way back from a 10-5 deficit to win 16-14. Her strategy and drop shots helped her follow that up with wins in the second and third. Brant came out with intensity and with powerful shots from her backhand to take down her opponent in straight games. #6
Roshni Pal faced off against a skilled competitor whose front court game helped achieve a 3-0 win.
The final round began with 4-2 score in favor of Williams. #4
Amanda Solecki focused on finding length and volleying but was unable to take a game from her Mammoth opponent. #3
Theresa Kay played strong as well and took the first game. Her competition didn't give up and eventually got Amherst their 4
th point of the day. #9
Nikita Srivastava had a slow start, but after dropping the first game 11-9, she came back her a new intensity. She used fast pace and volleys to succinctly clinch games 2, 3, and 4 and, with roars from the crowd, the overall win for the Ephs. With the win over Amherst the Ephs have now won nine consecutive matches.
After the match, Co-Captain
Nikita Srivastava commented, "Just so proud of the team. This was a fight of a match, through and through, so to see everyone give it their all was just amazing; being able to avenge our loss at nationals last year was a nice little bonus too."
The Ephs are looking forward to clinching the Little Three title as they travel to challenge Wesleyan today at 1 pm.
