Tough competition from Princeton and Penn this past weekend left the men's and women's squash teams winless despite several strong individual performances.
The men lost to Princeton 1-8 on Saturday, despite a gutsy performace from co-Captain Scott Hammond '96, who lost 2-3
"Scott Hammond turned in another stellar performance against a top national player," co-Captain John-Keith Wasson '96 said. "While the Princeton player squeaked away from an upset, Scott demonstrated his ability and steady determination." Hammond lost 3-2.
The women lost to the Tigers 0-9 but will look for revenge at the Howe Cup in two weeks.
"There were some close four and five game matches,"co-Captain Jenny Gallagher '96 said. "Everyone played well and fought hard."
Both squads returned to Berry Center Sunday to face Penn. For the women, the results were positive. Having lost to Penn 2-7 last fall, the 4-5 loss Sunday showed marked improvement.
Gallagher at number five and Jen Karlen '98 at number six both lost close four-game matches on Saturday but compensated for this by winning on Sunday. Gallagher won in three games, Karlen in four.
The men lost to Penn 1-8. Zach Segal '98, who plays at number six, however, said many individual matches were close and hard-fought.
"The scores aren't at all representative of the matches," Segal said. "Each match is an improvement."
Arguably, the most consistent player this weekend was Bill Tarr '98. Tarr, playing at number eight, was responsible for the men's only victories against both Princeton and Penn.
"Bill has been consistently turning in victories," Segal said.. Tarr's two victories this weekend are part of an undefeated run in the 1996 season.
Competition will start again tomorrow at home as the men and women face Harvard and Tufts. The competition should be heated as Harvard is ranked number one in the nation. This will be the final Ivy League match of the season for both squads.
