With the 2023-2024 season underway, the girls varsity squash team looks to compete following their stellar season last year despite losing some seniors and other key players. The team is led by Head Coach Cameron Biondi and senior Captain Illiana Brett. The team consists of eight varsity players and six JV players.
The team started their season with a match against Ethel Walker School, coming up with a close 4-3 victory. Brett had a great comeback against her opponent in this opening KO victory. Next, they lost a competitive match against Suffield Academy.
To close out 2023, the team then suffered a tough 7-0 defeat against the strong Loomis Chaffee School. Coming back from winter break, they lost a close match to Millbrook School with a score of 5-2 with standout sophomore Ava Marseglia and seventh-grader Valerie Perkins both winning their matches 3-0.
Despite these tough losses, the team has prioritized keeping a positive attitude. “One thing we have been working on is keeping a positive mindset,” Brett said. Coach Biondi also agreed. “You need to have a positive mentality and know that you improved even if the ladder or score doesn’t show that,” Coach Biondi said.
During practices, the team works on many technical drills such as target practice, shot consistencies, and swing skills. The team looks to accommodate many new players during practices while allowing the more experienced players to continue working on their game. “It is super important for everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the sport, and gain confidence,” Brett said. The team has called upon many younger, less experienced players to participate on their varsity roster.
The team had their next match against Canterbury School on Jan. 10. The match was one of the closest, ending in a 4-3 loss. Marseglia, Perkins, and Brett all won their matches. Coach Biondi also noted sophomore Lia Prahl who also had a close and competitive game against her opponent.
Next, the team entered a tougher stretch of their season, facing three formidable opponents. They first played Westminster School on Jan. 13 and lost 6-1. Perkins won her match while Marseglia lost a close match with a score of 3-2. The team then lost 7-0 to Choate Rosemary Hall on Jan. 17. Following this, the team played Kent School at home and ended up losing 6-1 despite an excellent game from Brett who won her match 3-0. Junior Alyssa Tousignant lost a close match as well.
The team looks forward to bouncing back in their upcoming matches against Miss Porter’s and Berkshire. They are also excited to face tough competition in the New England Championships and Nationals at the end of the season. We wish them the best of luck!
