Despite three competitive losses on Wednesday, the Andover Boys Squash team was able to finally claim a gratifying victory over St. George’s. Winning four out of the seven matches, the team defeated its opponents by a final score of 4-3. Trey Meyer ’09, Tony Zou ’09, Jorden Zanazzi ’08 and Dave Koppel ’08 all won their matches against difficult competition. Meyer and Zou each swept their opponents by a score of 3-0. Zanazzi played an outstanding game, only dropping two points in his entire match versus St. George’s. The team suffered three losses by Captain Graham Miao ’09, Andrew Chan ’08, and Foster Jebsen ’08. Jebsen, still recovering from his leg injury, fell to his opponent 3-1. Captain Miao, playing at the number one spot, faced arguably the fiercest competition of his season on Wednesday. His opponent, Antonio Diaz, currently holds the spot as the number one squash player in the league. Miao battled throughout the match but eventually fell to Diaz 3-0. The team traveled to Milton last Friday, facing a Milton team that came out more prepared than expected the team suffered a tough loss, 5-2. Andover faced a very aggressive style of play from its Milton opponents. Although the team had been ready to win a few days earlier, the players seemed to be worn out from a hard week. Milton proved superior with its excellent court coverage and impressive level of play. Both Chan and Meyer brought good focus and intensity to their games. Despite this effort they were unable to overcome their opponents and each lost in four -game matches. John Bukawyn ’08 and Zanazzi both staked victories for the team. Zanazzi played an extremely hard-fought match and defeated his opponent in five games. Bukawyn was able to easily shut out his opponent and win his match 3-0. On Saturday the team traveled to Middlesex, anticipating a hopeful victory. Although Middlesex proved to be solid competition, they were unable to contend with Andover’s depth and skill level. The team won a satisfying match with a final score of 5-2. Bukawyn and Meyer both came out prepared and quickly crushed their opponents with 3-0 victories, respectively. Zanazzi and Zou also won their matches comfortably, adding two more wins to the team’s score. Koppel showed moments of lackluster play, but eventually held on to win his final matches. Relaxed after winning his first two games he reluctantly lost the next two, forcing a fifth and final deciding game. His powerful length and great reach helped him overcome his Middlesex opponent in the final game, securing the 5-2 victory for the team. Chan lost an unfortunate match on Saturday against a solid opponent. Despite his relentless efforts, he hit errors at crucial times and was unable to pull away with the win. Captain Miao faced a highly ranked Middlesex senior and managed to earn several good points, but unfortunately he fell to his opponent, 3-0. Captain Miao commented, “This match was a good win and experience for the team because it tested our control, and it puts us in a stable state of mind for the next couple of matches.” Andover looks to continue to improve its record and keep the momentum going after the St. George’s win. The team will host St. Mark’s on Friday and travel to Brooks next Thursday.
