Winter Sports Preview: Women’s Squash

The 2009-10 season will present challenges for the Haverford College women’s squash team, but a mix of newcomers and upperclassmen have the opportunity to compete for spots in the lineup and prove to first-year head coach Damon Leedale-Brown that the future is bright. Five newcomers join 10 returnees with hopes of becoming a competitive and skillful team.

“With this team, my goals are to help them learn the game as well as train and motivate them,” said Leedale-Brown.

The lineup Seniors Sarah Gilarsky and Vanessa Sergeon will battle it out for the No. 1 position. Gilarsky held the top spot a season ago, going 0-6, while Sergeon went 1-6 at No. 2.

Fellow seniors Elle de Moll and Lauren Tetri are expected to be solid contributors in the Nos. 3-4 positions. de Moll had a 3-4 record last season and won her final two matches. Tetri posted a 1-2 mark at the Nos. 6-8 spots in 2008-09.

Freshman Liza Baker will be counted on to play at either No. 4 or 5.

“She’s done well so far and has learned the game rapidly,” said Leedale-Brown.

The bottom of the order Leedale-Brown will tap into a young group to fill out the rest of his lineup. Sophomore Kira Jones, junior Jennifer Tong and freshmen Katherine Pryor and Zoe Becker will compete for the final four spots.

“This group is new to the game and will work to hone their technical skills,” Leedale-Brown said. “They have done well in practice and will develop those skills.”

What to watch for The expectations from Leedale-Brown are for his team to develop as players while focusing on winning.

“They will have goals in each match to work on,” he explained. “We want to be competitive and try to win, but we also need to improve our skills.”

Through positive and constructive guidance the Fords will try to transition from a team developing to a team competing for a Howe Cup championship.