Sports

DII High School National Champions

Seeded fourth in a bracket of 16 teams, Andover Girls Squash captured the coveted Division II High School National Championship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team posted a 14-4 record and finished seventh at the NEPSAC Squash Interschols.

After a quick start with victories over Milton and Brooks, Andover was shutout 7-0 by a talented Windsor team. Andover then rebounded with victories over Tabor, Groton and archrival Exeter.

“The Exeter match was so much fun,” said Co-Captain Adele Bernhard ’14. “The courts were packed with Andover fans and because the courts are so close together, the crowd had big presence during the match. I love playing in that kind of atmosphere.”

Andover also defeated Middlesex and Brooks, but lost to Nobles and Deerfield, two of the strongest Girls Squash programs in the nation.

At Nationals, Andover bested Hotchkiss, Roland Park and Brooks before playing Choate in the final.

Against Choate, Co-Captain Madeleine Mayhew ‘15 set the tone early with a three-game win over her opponent from the second position on the ladder. Camille Price ’15, Emma Crowe ’15 and Claire Kister ’16 followed suit to give Andover a 4-0 advantage.

Misha Hooda ’14 added on with a close five-game win and Andover took the title 5-2 in dramatic fashion.

“The championship was definitely the highlight of the season for me. Not only have we grown as players in the last four years but as teammates and Nationals really exemplified that,” said Hooda.

Andover was led by Co-Captains Bernhard and Mayhew, who anchored the number one and two positions, respectively.

Bernhard, a Captain for an unprecedented three straight years, will be missed for her stellar play and leadership.

“Adele was born to be a captain—this season she really grew into the position, and always put the team before herself. I am so proud of her for all her accomplishments,¨ said Mayhew.

“Adele and Madeleine are outstanding. They lead by example, they think of their teammates first, and they create a positive, productive, and supportive environment for the team,” said Coach Elliott.

Bernhard will graduate alongside Hooda, a strong player number seven position throughout the season.

“In the beginning of the season, I really tried not to think about [leaving], but by the end of the season I was a tad nostalgic,” said Hooda. “Though I will miss going to the courts every day and being with the team, I know the girls will do brilliantly next year.”

Mayhew will captain the team alone next season.