Women
The women’s squash team, in spite of a few slumps in the middle of last season, return with ready enthusiasm for a new one. Top team goals at this moment are “to build on the gains made by last year’s young team and to compete in the Div. II championship at the end of the year,” said Head Coach Thomas Carmean. The Jeffs have a very young lineup, with only two upperclassmen, but are more than ready to prove their mettle against Northeastern in their first match on Wednesday.
Women’s squash lost three players to graduation: Di Kirkwood, Libby Martin, and Moriah Donelan. Co-captains Martin and Kirkwood started at top spots on the roster last year, and Donelan returned from a one-year hiatus to showcase solid performances.
“Even though we lost three starters, I think this will be a strong season for women’s squash,” hyped senior captain Melissa Moulton. “Our five new players add a lot of talent and energy to the team.”
Last year’s stellar rookie player Allie Dalglish agreed. “I am really looking forward to the upcoming season. I think we have a deeper lineup than last season. Hopefully we can close the gap on some of the teams that beat us easily last year and beat the teams we lost close matches to.”
The Jeffs are confident that their preseason training has given them the ability to achieve their goals. “We worked much harder as a team in the fall to get ready for the season, so everyone is playing with a level of competition and aggression that we did not have at the beginning of last season. Northeastern was our first match last year as well and, even though we won, it was definitely a rusty start. Everyone looks loose and thirsty for an early win this season,” continued Dalglish.
Sophomores Hayley Milbourne and Caitlin Demkin are also valuable players who will be reprising their roles in the top half of the Jeffs’ ladder. Hannah Merves ’10, Mimi Bell ’10 and newcomers Kate Savage ’12, Caroline Dreyspool ’12, Anna Scheidt ’12, Megan Clower ’12 and Veronica Roca ’10 will provide further depth.
“I couldn’t have asked for a more positive, supportive, and hardworking group of girls to spend my senior year with,” remarked Moulton. “Thanks in large part to Coach Carmean’s effort and attitude, all of us seem to genuinely love coming to practice every day. We really challenge each other on the court and look to learn from each other — I think that’s something special. “
Men
Last year, the men’s squash team had a turbulent if not topsy-turvy season. The Jeffs often saw double or triple wins followed by a string of losses. This year, however, the Jeffs look to improve upon their record as they prepare to confront top-ranked teams in four matches before Winter Recess.
Head Coach Peter Robson has set the standards high as the men’s squash team heads into the season. He said that beating Williams College is a high priority for the squad, as the Jeffs want revenge against the Ephs after settling for second place at the Little Three Championships.
Three valuable players — Doug Barnett, Mark Rapisarda and Andrew Slutsky — graduated last May. Co-captains Rapisarda and Slutsky played the number one and number four spots, respectively. Rapisarda, as the team leader in wins (10) and a selection to the All-NESCAC team, was the Jeffs’ reliable ace in competitive matches.
Despite the losses, this year’s senior co-captain Jerome Giovinazzo has great expectations for the Jeffs’ potential: “I’m excited to see how far the seniors have come and what our rookies can bring to the team. If they’re fearless competitors we’ll have some tight matches.”
Fellow senior Drew Blacker might be sharing the top spot on the roster with Giovinazzo. Helping to lead the squad will be senior co-captain Ben Bishop. “Ben Bishop has become wily in his old age,” commented Giovinazzo. “I expect him to pull a few rabbits from his sleeve and cards from his hat ...well, either way he knows some tricks.”
Additional seasoned veterans are juniors Lee Banta and Nick Kramer. Tom Rapisarda ’11 had a standout rookie season, finishing 3-0 at No. 3. Sophomores Kevin Cecala and Saahil Sud hope to jumpstart the winter season in the middle of the lineup. Rounding out the Class of 2011 are Jacob Glass and Marcelo Cifuentes.
Rookies will undoubtedly add new talent and depth to the squad. According to Coach Robson, “The four freshmen will be instrumental in our success this season.” First-years Matt Arnold, Todd Lavine, Zach Porges and Stephen Severson are welcome additions to a team looking to build a winning momentum.
“All of our freshmen will have important roles to fill this season, said Giovinazzo. “Matt Arnold has been a great surprise so far. He has the mental toughness of a young Mariano Rivera.”
Although the Jeffs are prepared to rally for a successful winter campaign, they will have to overcome challenging opponents within the first few weeks of the season.