After two years of losing to Choate in the season opener, Co-Captain Jessica Lee ’13 and Andover Girls Squash’s younger players were able to come away with a 5-2 victory on Saturday.
Lee said, “This season started on a different note than every other season I have had on Andover squash. During the past three seasons, we were the underdogs going into nearly every match, but with a strong returning ladder, this year feels more in our control.”
Andover lost to Winsor 5-2 the following Wednesday.
Young star Claire Kister ’16 won her first official Andover career squash match with a 17-15 victory in a tight fifth game.
“It was a really tough match, and I felt really proud to be able to contribute to the win for the team, and I was also really proud that I was able to come back and finish the match because I started off losing the first two games,” said Kister.
Lee won in four games with impressive offensive play.
The Lowers on the team came away with three wins at Choate.
Madeline Mayhew ’15 won in four games. After losing the first game, she was able to come away with three straight wins to earn the victory, while Camille Price ’15 swept her opponent, winning three consecutive games, and Emma Crowe ’15 also won quickly in a three game match.“
Emma [Crowe] relied on her low hard passing shots to frustrate and defeat her opponent,” said Coach Jennifer Elliot.
Misha Hooda ’14 was the third girl to sweep her opponent on the day, and she allowed the fewest amount of points.
Co-Captain Adèle Bernhard ’14 and Hannah Burns ’15 dropped their matches, but the great success of the rest of the ladder propelled Andover to a victory.
Bernhard said, “Our team is especially close this year, because we only lost two people. Having this atmosphere is really great for team spirit and continuing to support each other on and off the court.”
After defeating Choate, the team headed into its match against Winsor with confidence but lost 5-2.
Bernhard and Lee won their matches, defeating the second and third seed opponents, respectively.
Lee won 11-7 in the fifth and final game to earn her a victory.
Lee said, “When I noticed a weak spot in her deep backhand, I was able to take advantage of that. I began to hit continuous lobs to her backhand, which allowed me to come out on top.”
Mayhew played her first game as the number one seed but suffered a loss in three close games.
“It was extremely rewarding. It made me proud of all the hard work I have put into squash. I was very nervous in the beginning, so I don’t think I played well until the second or third game. It was a matter of two or three points in the last two games, so it ended up being very close, even though the scores don’t necessarily show that,” said Mayhew.
Andover’s efforts bode well for the rest of the season. Elliot said, “We are a young, determined, hard working and feisty squad, and we are thankful that our efforts paid off.”
Andover will host Taft and Loomis at home on Saturday
