With the score tied at 11-11 and the match at two games apiece, Jack Quamme ’16 anxiously battled back and forth with his Brooks opponent. Unable to lock down the last two points of the game, however, Quamme eventually fell 3-2.
The team lost to Brooks 6-1 and to Nobles 7-0, which extended Andover’s losing streak to six games.
Recurring injuries and an abundance of newcomers have made it difficult for the team to secure victories.
“It is hard to lose, but we practiced keeping a strong mentality and focused on playing the best to our ability during our last couple matches,” said Cole Benedict ’14.
Benedict dominated the game at the seven-spot with a 3-0 sweep to bring home Andover’s only win. Benedict’s opponent made multiple unforced errors, while Benedict consistently hit well-placed shots, resulting in an quick victory.
A top-ranked team in NEPSAC Division I, Nobles swept Andover 7-0, with most of Andover’s players losing in three games.
At the top of the ladder, Huang and Co-Captain Jack Wain ’14 lost 3-1 and 3-0 respectively.
“Overall the team played well against Brooks and Nobles, but they are both good teams who are very tough to beat. We are playing in Nationals without Kunwoo, but are still hoping to do well. This week we’ve taken it a little easier to prepare for this weekend.” said Jake Rauh ’14.
Andover has been preparing for its upcoming 2014 U.S. High School Team Squash Championships by focusing on its individual matches and skills, gaining experience and building team unity.
The team will also utilize player-to-player coaching to its advantage in the championships.
Andover will compete in Division III of the Championships this weekend.
“We aren’t expecting any certain outcome at Nationals, but rather to just play our best and represent Phillips Academy in the best way we can. While it is true we are coming off of a few tough losses, we played some of our best and most competitive squash during our last two matches against Brooks and Nobles and Greenough,” said Benedict.
