With a decisive 6-1 win over Tabor last Saturday, Andover Boys Squash picked up where it left off last season. After finishing with a winning record of 10-7 and advancing from Division B to Division A in Interschols, Andover’s momentum seems to have carried through to the 2013-2014 season. Captain Jake Rauh ’14 will lead the team, which includes six new additions to the roster. Returners Michael Huang ’15, Justin Curtis ’15 and Alex Kun Woo Kim ’14 will accompany him in this task as they look to integrate newcomers Jack Wain ’14, Cole Benedict ’14, Armaan Singh ’14, Rem Remmel ’14, Robby Schwartz ’15 and Jack Quamme ’16 into the team. Andover swept the top of the ladder against Tabor. At number one, Huang made quick work of his opponent 3-0. Kim and Rauh posted the same scores while Wain beat his opponent 3-1. The team only had one loss, at the number five spot on the ladder, as Singh lost 1-3. Andover rounded out the bottom of the ladder as well, with wins from Benedict (3-1), Quamme (3-1) and Robby Schwartz (3-0). This was a crucial win because the team was playing without Justin Curtis ’15 and Rem Remmel ’14 due to injuries. Both players are on the top of the ladder and the team hopes to have them back after break. “Tabor had an average skill level and unfortunately we played down to their level. We have a long way to go to reach our full potential and strength as well as reach our highest level of play,” said Head Coach Tom Hodgson. Andover also had a promising scrimmage against a very skilled Belmont Hill team. Although the teams did not keep the official score, Andover felt it generally outplayed this young and talented team. It was especially impressive seeing as Belmont Hill was among the top five teams in the country last year. “I think this could be a very strong season, and the goal is to be in the top division for Nationals and Interschols. Right now we are focused on first getting everyone healthy, and then working on the basics of the game. After break we are going to focus more on fitness, however, we will still spend much of practice on the basics,” said Hodgson. This Thursday, Andover will face Brooks, another skilled team in its division. Brooks fell to Andover 5-2 in their matchup last year. Although the team lost many experienced Seniors last year, the fresh roster this season, along with positive outcomes from its scrimmage and game, indicate a promising continuation of last year’s success.
