Over the weekend the Boys Varsity Squash team traveled to New Haven for the National High School Championships. Placing seventh, the Big Blue had a great weekend full of amazing squash. Coach Tom Cone commented, “this weekend was great, we did very well, better than I had expected. Everyone played competitive and intelligent squash.” The Big Blue played Delbarton in the first round, easily defeating them 5-2. Next, PA had to play one of the toughest teams in the country, Brunswick; it is a team known for its depth, and it lived up to its reputation. It swept Andover 7-0, but with some close matches. Captain Dan Wagman ’06 lost to his opponent at the number two spot after drawing the match out five games. The Big Blue quickly bounced back from the loss to crush Shadyside Academy 7-0. During this match everyone drove the ball hard and deep, keeping their opponents moving. In perhaps the sweetest victory of the tournament Andover defeated Choate 4-3. PA was determined to win after losing twice 4-3 to Choate. This win was great for the Big Blue as it showed how much they had improved individually and collectively over the course of the season. Coach Cone said, “We displayed superior skill and a higher level of fitness.” With the blizzard approaching, Belmont Hill defaulted. This was disappointing as Andover was looking to avenge their 4-3 loss of the previous week. However, this situation proved beneficial to Andover because it gave them much needed rest. Unfortunately in the next round Andover lost to a tough Taft team 6-1. At the number two spot Captain Wagman was the only player to win, easily defeating his opponent 9-3, 9-5, 9-2. Finally in the most exciting match of the tournament, the playoff for the seventh and eighth places, Andover faced Groton. At the beginning of the season Andover had lost to Groton 6-1. However, with both teams bruised and battered from a hard weekend of squash, both coaches decided to flip a coin for the winner. This was the first time such an occurrence had happened at the tournament, and it drew a large crowd. Andover was able to pull off a 4-3 victory and take seventh out of thirty-two teams. Coach Cone said, “This weekend was incredible; we showed real resilience and ability.” After a great weekend Andover traveled to St. Georges to easily win 6-1. Sam Gould ’07 could not find his rhythm losing 3-0, but the other players each won their matches in three easy games.
