Ithaca, NY — This Saturday, the Williams Men's Squash team began their season by traveling up to an already bitterly cold Ithaca to face off against a dangerous #14 ranked Western Ontario team. There was no easing into the season as this match was a must win for the team if they want to be ranked top 12 to make the 'A' Draw Nationals bracket. Not only was the match important for rankings, but also vengeance, as this was a Western Ontario team that had bumped the Ephs out of the top nationals bracket just last season. However, the Ephs emerged victorious, winning in a commanding 6-3 fashion. Co-captain Andrew Minnis put it perfectly: "The bottom court and the freshman showed up today; when push came to shove, we wanted it more."
Starting off the Ephs on the three court systems was co-captain Jack Lee, who used his holds and angles to break down his opponent, winning 3-0. In the mid-court, Pierce Henderson who was battling a knee injury fought hard, but unfortunately lost in three. Rafay Syed, a former walk-on and one of the hardest workers on the team, stepped up and played in the #9 spot. Syed won clinically 3-0.
The next round of players began with freshman Will Newton at the #7 spot. He looked like a seasoned veteran out there, winning in dominating fashion in three. Playing on the court beside Newton, was junior Alex Akbari facing off against a familiar foe. He won the first game easily, but some great attacking shots by his opponent had him drop the second. However, he recovered well, winning the next two games in quick succession. Co-captain Minnis rounded out the second batch of players. The first three games were super tight, with Minnis relying on his absurd athleticism to keep him in it. Unfortunately, his opponent hit some great shots in the fourth game and he lost 3-1.
Rounding out the last group of players was Sophomore Nick Agger playing in the #1 spot. His opponent outmatched him in terms of pace and he fell in a quick three. At this point, the match score was 4-3 in Williams favor. It came down to the last two first-years, Ty Green and Himu Pannu, to close out the match. They both dropped the first game, dealing with understandable nerves. However, Green showed no fear, grinding his opponent down and using his flexibility in the front corners to win 3-1 and clinch the match for the Ephs. Fellow first-year Himu Pannu, motivated by the eruption from Green's court, followed shortly after, also winning in four.
The cherry on top was the brilliant cameraman Leonard Lee playing in the #10 spot. After he was relinquished of his photo taking duties, he locked in and won in a tight three games.
This match was circled from the very beginning of the school year for the team. After a great pre-season training regime led by the captains, it was clear that the team's physical shape was a cut above.
The team will remain in Ithaca tonight to take on Cornell Sunday and then trek down to Hamilton that same evening in a double-header.
