By Grace Wang (III)
Girls’ squash has enjoyed a successful season this year. Players Renee Chan (IV), Rachel Chen (VI), Mahek Hemani (III), and Alisa Chokshi (V) led the team to a final placement of eleventh at High School Squash Nationals.
Each player on the team had great records. Some outstanding records were held by Chen, who finished the season at 4-2, Hemani, who finished at 5-1, and Lauren Drzala (III), who finished at 2-2.
The team played multiple matches over the course of their season, winning against schools Blair Academy 5-2 and 7-0, Poly Prep 5-2 and 7-0, SCHA 5-2, and Penn Charter 4-3, and losing to Lawrenceville 1-6, Greenwich Academy 0-7, and Choate Rosemary Hall 3-4.
The team traveled to Philadelphia for the High School Team National Championships seeded 16th, the bottom of Division 1. However, with great effort and skill, they were able to walk away with the eleventh-place title.
Individuals Chen and Chan competed in the NJ High School Squash Championship on January 7, with Chan walking away with the win. Both Chen and Chan competed at US Squash Junior Nationals last year with teammate Alisa Chokshi; their success further demonstrates the aptitude of the team.
Girls’ squash not only had successful individuals but also “a lot of team bonding,” according to newcomer Eva Schiller (III). “The team is really close-knit.”
While captains Chen and Namita Davey (VI) will be leaving this year, the team is sure to continue to produce exceptional performances in the years to come.