Ephs Fall to Cornell, but Down Hamilton on Opening Weekend

WILLIAMSTOWN, MA – Starting off the day with a home match with the #9 ranked Big Red of Cornell University, part one of a doubleheader, the Ephs knew their match against Cornell was going to be challenging. The women's squash team was able, however, to put one point on the board.

Anika Kakarla(#5), Rachel Miller (#1), and Roshni Pal (#8) played the first round of matches. Kakarla was able to win the second game in her match, with a very close first two games, but fell to her Cornell opponent towards the end. Her unwavering resilience through her match, especially as a first year was inspiring to watch.

Next on were Sophia Koehler(#3), Co-Captain Nora Brant(#6), Annie Chang (#9). Koehler, another first year, was able to sweep her Cornell opponent in a 3-0 result, earning the only point for the Ephs against Cornell.

In the last round were Rhea Pandit(#2), Deena Iqbal (#7), and Melanie Wang (#4). Melanie's match was a grueling one, with hard-hitting shots and long rallies but eventually fell in three games. After the match, Coach Heshem Aly commented that the Ephs played strong and fought hard, and will come back stronger for their tough matches after the Thanksgiving break.

Later in the evening, the Ephs played Hamilton College as part two of their double header and home opener. The Ephs swept the Continentals 9-0 while playing strong and consistent squash.

In the first round, Roshni (#8) played efficiently with her specialty high flying lobs and dying lengths. Miller (#1) swept her opponent in three games, stumbled her footing in the second game, but quickly regained her balance in the last game with tight and smart points.

On next were, Sophia Koehler (#3), Co-Captain Nora Brant(#6), and Annie Chang (#9). These three were able to find their rhythm quickly from the start in 3-0 results for the Ephs.

The last wave of matches were Rhea Pandit(#2), Deena Iqbal (#7), and Melanie Wang (#4). These three helped close out the day with the last three wins for the Ephs. Rhea was the last player on court, was finished her home opener debut with high energy and efficient movement. Deena and Melanie were able to keep the same energy for the last matches until the break.

After the win, Coach Heshem Aly commented, "The women's team played well and consistently throughout the matches and will continue to train hard over the next couple days of break to keep the momentum going."

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Players Mentioned

Nora Brant: Junior

Deena Iqbal: Sophomore

Roshni Pal: Sophomore

Annie Chang: First Year

Anika Kakarla: First Year

Sophia Koehler: First Year

Rachel Miller: First Year

Rhea Pandit: First Year

Melanie Wang: First Year

Players Mentioned

Nora Brant
: Junior

Deena Iqbal
: Sophomore

Roshni Pal
: Sophomore

Annie Chang
: First Year

Anika Kakarla
: First Year

Sophia Koehler
: First Year

Rachel Miller
: First Year

Rhea Pandit
: First Year

Melanie Wang
: First Year