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Volume CXXXIII, Number 16 |
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Squash teams end on high note
HEATHER MACNEIL
STAFF WRITER
Bowdoin's men's and women's squash teams have both had successful seasons this year by capitalizing on their strong leadership and impressive rookies.
The women's team finished off its season last weekend at the Kurtz Cup at Yale University. They placed 13th in the nation in the B division, down five places from last year. "This is a rebuilding year for us, so we were really proud of that finish. Everyone played their hearts out," said co-captain Eileen Schneider '04.
The women lost their first round match to Colby College, just weeks after a regular season win over the Mules. The first three seeds, Niki Clement '06, co-captains Katie Irving '04, and Schneider all won their matches for the bears, illustrating their strong leadership. After the first round loss, the Bears dominated Mt. Holyoke in the second round; they beat them 8-1, with strong performances from every player. Bowdoin solidified its 13th place finish with a final 6-3 victory over St. Lawrence.
Schneider commented, "At the beginning of the season, Irving and I decided that this season's success wouldn't be evident until we see where the classes of '06 and '07 are two years from now. If they keep working as hard as they have been, it looks like they'll be a big threat in our division."
The strong leadership of seniors Irving, Schneider, and Kara Oppenheim has had a large impact on the younger members of the team. Learning by example, first-year Allie Chin was able to clinch three matches this season for the Polar Bears.
Clement will take over as Captain next year, and Schneider comments, "We are really comfortable leaving Clement in charge. Besides bringing a new level of talent to the Bowdoin program, she has been setting a phenomenal example for sportsmanship and dedication for our players. She has made waves in the broader squash world with her tenacity and All-American quality play." Clement has performed so well this season that she is headed to the Individual Nationals in early March and is seeded in the teens.
The men's team is headed to its National Championship this weekend, also hosted by Yale. The Bears finished off their season with an impressive 13-6 record, despite their small roster and numerous injuries. Like the women's team, the rookies were instrumental in the Bears's season. Captain Grant White explains, "First years Matt Dresher and Zach Linhart contributed a great deal to the team."
With a four-game winning streak behind them, three of which were solid 8-1 wins, the men are looking for an impressive finish this weekend.
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