KO boys varsity squash has a whopping nine seniors spearheading the competitive ladder, and the team’s leadership, experience, and prowess on the court have fueled them to an impressive record of 6-2 through their first eight matches.
Freshman Jack Krieble and talented seventh-grader Cole Keegan round out the lineup and have contributed greatly to the team’s successes. The Wyverns seek to reach the Class B New England Championship once again after winning the title in 2020, as well as achieve a top finish at Nationals towards the end of February.
After a lengthy hiatus from competition, the team showed no immediate rust and opened up the season on a five-match win streak. Three of those were convincing 7-0 shutout wins against Williston Northhampton School, Suffield Academy, and Portsmouth Abbey School. The two others were gutsy 4-3 nailbiters against Westminster School and the Winged Beavers of Avon Old Farms that showcased a high level of play from all involved. Senior Co-captain Henry Pelletier has been tremendous in the number-one spot for the Wyverns and believes the team is in great form with the ability to keep the momentum rolling.
“Our season is off to a great start,” Pelletier said. “We’ve taken down some very strong opponents and are looking to [build upon] our [winning] record.”
The experienced group tasted defeat for the first time against Choate Rosemary Hall by a score of 6-1 on Wednesday, Jan. 19, followed by another 6-1 loss on Saturday, Jan. 22 against one of the premier squash programs in New England, Kent School. Keegan shined at the #6 spot against the Lions and was the lone victor that afternoon.
With a cleared rearview mirror and optimism for desired results ahead, the Wyverns got back in the winning column on Wednesday, Jan. 26, cruising to a 5-2 triumph over Loomis Chaffee School. The black and red yield a perfect 5-0 record at home, comfortably defending the den and giving every opponent a run for their money.
Head Coach Robby Lingashi has done an incredible job making sure the team is adequately prepared for every match and instilling his wealth of knowledge and passion for the game to his players.
“Robby has always been a great coach to us,” Pelletier said. “He combines conditioning and specific technique training to make sure we’re playing as well as we can. He also keeps the ladder accurate by having us do challenge matches before every match.”
One of Lingashi’s other skilled veteran players this season is senior Co-captain Aidan Dillow, playing in the #2 position. He was thrilled to be recognized as one of the leaders after two previous years with the varsity team, and, like his teammates, he is aiming high to go out on top when all is said and done.
“We hope to win the New England [Championship] for Class B,” Dillow said. “We have a real shot this year, and beating really good teams like Avon Old Farms and Westminster gives us the confidence that we can do it.”
The Wyverns will be hitting the road for their next four matches but return home for senior day on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 4:45 against the Dragons of Greens Farms Academy.
