The bare trees, low temperatures and increased workload of December represent the end of a semester and the proximity of a month-long vacation for most Amherst students. For the 13 players on the women's squash team, however, the end of fall signifies the beginning of a new season, a fresh start and an opportunity to pick up where last year's squad left off.

The disappointment of last year's season-ending loss to Bates College has provided additional motivation for the 2004-05 Lord Jeffs. On Feb. 22, Bates narrowly defeated Amherst, 5-4. The frustration of the close loss is one that the Jeffs are hoping to avoid this season. Although Amherst's schedule begins Dec. 10 against Tufts University, many of the Amherst players appear to be most concerned with a future meeting with Bates. "One of the biggest matches this season will be against Bates, as they beat us in the finals of the B division of the Howe Cup last season, so we are all really excited to face them again," said senior co-captain Ali Gibbs.

The women displayed their determination to succeed this year by attending optional preseason workouts. In these workouts, players would hit around and play informal matches in order to begin the season physically and mentally conditioned. The players will return from break on Jan. 4 to begin preparing for the Williams Invitational on Jan. 8 and 9 at Williams College.

Head Coach Jackie Bagwell's squad is ranked 10th nationally by the College Squash Association. Bagwell, whose coaching prowess is recognized nationally, was honored in 2000 as the Boston Area Coach of the Year. She looks to guide Amherst to a victory in the finals of the B division of the Howe Cup, for teams ranked ninth to 16th in the nation, where the team came up just short last season. Another primary goal for the upcoming season is to beat Cornell, a team that is ranked 11th nationally.

This year's Jeffs have the potential to perform even better than they have in recent years. They possess a unique blend of youth, talent and leadership. While a few underclassmen have the ability and confidence to push for top positions on the ladder, senior co-captains Gibbs and Ashley Harmeling will lead the Amherst team throughout the 2004-05 campaign. Gibbs, who played the fourth spot last season, is optimistic that the group can improve upon last year's 19-7 record. "This seems to be one of the strongest and deepest teams that we have had in a while," she said.

Harmeling, a First-Team All-America selection in soccer and lacrosse, and Amherst's top player, dominates her opponents with her athleticism. Fellow senior Erin Murphy is a crossover tennis player who has shown vast improvement in recent weeks. Caroline Shannon '07, is a fierce competitor, and Emily O'Brien '07 has been described by her teammates as a "smart player." Both have displayed the ability to battle with the top five on the ladder. First-year Libby Martin has impressed the team with her nearly flawless technique and looks to be an asset this season.

The team also features juniors Lauren Coape-Arnold and Margo Nathan. Sophomores Abby Mantica, Emily Zandy, Dana Kuper, and Sarah Harper, and first-year Di Kirkwood will compete for position and add talent and depth to the squad.

"Although the team is smaller this year than in years past, it seems to be a close group of girls who will challenge each other in practice each day to improve and to eventually avenge our loss to Bates," said Coape-Arnold.