Women's Squash 11/24/2024 9:32:00 PM

Ephs Triumph Over Hamilton and Fall to Cornell on Opening Weekend

CLINTON, NY – The Ephs started off the day with a match against #8 ranked Cornell University Big Red, part one of a double header to round out the opening weekend. Heading into the match, the Ephs knew it would be a difficult one, but had a good showing nonetheless.

Rhea Pandit (#3), Nora Brant (#6), and Naomi Jefferson-Sambanis (#9) took to the court first. Pandit played skillful squash putting her highly rated opponent under pressure with accurate length and attacking shots, but ultimately fell in three games. Brant and Jefferson-Sambanis also lost in three.

Next on were Sophia Koehler (#2), Rachel Miller (#4), and Anika Kakarla (#7). After a strong showing and several close games, all three lost 3-0.

In the last round were Melanie Wang (#1), Theresa Kay (#5), and Amanda Solecki (#8). Wang played impressive squash against a very highly rated opponent, putting her under pressure with consistent squash and smart shot selection, but ultimately fell in three games. Solecki similarly pressured her opponent but ultimately lost in straight games.

Last to take to the court, captain Theresa Kay (#5) faced a battle against her sister, representing Cornell in the #5 position. Kay fought to the end in front of a cheering Williams squad, ultimately losing to her sister in 5 very close games. Kay played true to her game of fast paced shots and very accurate shots, and said it was a good way to round out her last match against her sister.

That same day, the Ephs headed back onto the bus for a 2-hour road trip to the second match of the day, against Hamilton College. The Ephs swept the Continentals 9-0, despite having little time to warm-up, while playing decisive and consistent squash.

Using the five court system, the first to take to the courts were Rhea Pandit (#2), Nora Brant (#4), Anika Kakarla (#5), and Catherine Li (#8). Brant and Kakarla had a strong showing and dominated their opponents quickly with good serves and smart shot selection. Pandit triumphed over her opponent after dropping the second game in a temporary lapse of focus, rounding out the match with an 11-2 score in the fourth. Li had an impressive showing in her first official college match, scoring a "bagel" (11-0) against her opponent in a quick 3-game match.

The last wave of matches were Melanie Wang (#1), Rachel Miller (#3), Amanda Solecki (#6), and Naomi Jefferson-Sambanis (#7). Annie Chang (#9) won by default, while the others won in a satisfying three games each.

The win over Hamilton was a great way to round out the Ephs' opening weekend, after a strong showing and losses against two higher ranked opponents. After the Hamilton match, Eph head coach Hesham Aly commented, "The team fought hard this weekend, despite not having Christina Yen, a freshman and our number 3, in the lineup. The matches this weekend were a great learning opportunity for when we return from Thanksgiving Break. I am excited to see what this team accomplishes this season."

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Players Mentioned

Nora Brant: Senior

Annie Chang: Sophomore

Naomi Jefferson-Sambanis: Sophomore

Anika Kakarla: Sophomore

Theresa Kay: Senior

Sophia Koehler: Sophomore

Rachel Miller: Sophomore

Rhea Pandit: Sophomore

Amanda Solecki: Senior

Melanie Wang: Sophomore

Catherine Li: First Year

Christina Yen: First Year

Players Mentioned

Nora Brant
: Senior

Annie Chang
: Sophomore

Naomi Jefferson-Sambanis
: Sophomore

Anika Kakarla
: Sophomore

Theresa Kay
: Senior

Sophia Koehler
: Sophomore

Rachel Miller
: Sophomore

Rhea Pandit
: Sophomore

Amanda Solecki
: Senior

Melanie Wang
: Sophomore

Catherine Li
: First Year

Christina Yen
: First Year