Squash Runs the Table at Home Invitational
SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Jan. 24, 2010) – For the fourth year in a row, the Mount Holyoke College women’s squash team went undefeated at its home invitational. The Lyons picked up victories over Middlebury College (5-4) and Columbia University (9-0) today at the Kendall Sports and Dance Complex, pushing their overall record to 10-4. Over the past four seasons, they have posted a perfect 16-0 mark at the tournament.
The 2010 version of the Mount Holyoke/Smith Invitational began on Friday and concluded today. A total of twenty-six men’s and women’s squads from around the region competed in the event, which was hosted by Amherst College in addition to Mount Holyoke and Smith. Over the course of the weekend, 53 matches were played.
Mount Holyoke opened the day with a thrilling 5-4 triumph over Middlebury College. It was the Lyons first win over the Panthers since the 2003-04 season.
Leading the way for the hosts were junior Vidushi Gurunada, sophomore Shara Robertson and first year Tempest Bowden, who posted shutouts at the numbers one, three and five positions, respectively. Robertson dropped just 14 points in her win over Sarah DeCamp.
The most exciting contest of the match was between senior Laura Robinson and Kathryn Bostwick at the number two slot. After falling in the first two games, Robinson regrouped to take the next two. She eventually prevailed with an 11-5 triumph in the fifth and deciding game.
Mount Holyoke’s remaining point came from senior Laurian Lue Yen, who earned a 4-1 win over Molly Hubbard at the number four position.
Lindsay Becker, Annie Ulrich, Alexandra Boillot and Ashley Panichelli picked up wins for Middlebury, which entered with contest riding a 14-match winning streak.
Mount Holyoke rounded out the weekend with a 9-0 triumph over Columbia. The Lyons won all nine contests 3-0. From top to bottom, the lineup featured Gurunada, Robinson, Robertson, Lue Yen, sophomore Paulina Rojek, senior Lila Khan, senior Hillela Simpson, senior Michelle Zagardo and first year Kathryn Brummer.
Mount Holyoke (10-4) will pay a visit to Maine for a pair of matches next Saturday. After making the trip to Bates College at 2:00 p.m., the Lyons will travel to Colby College for a contest beginning at 5:00 p.m.