Haverford, PA –After losing to Georgetown 1-8 in the opening round of last year’s Epps Cup at the National Team Championships (Howe Cup), Haverford dug deep to win close matches against Wellesley and Smith and take the consolation finals. The Fords will need to draw on the same kind of resilience as they head into a potentially challenging 2009-2010 season.
Haverford has lost half of its team to graduation, with most of the losses coming from the middle of the ladder. Seniors Sarah Gilarski and Vanessa Sergeon will return to play at the top of the ladder. Sophomore Rachel Emonds, who played number 5, and three returners from the bottom of the ladder — senior Ellen de Moll and juniors Margo Schall and Laura Tetri — will likely move up, as no players with previous squash experience are known to be joining the team.
The Fords face another loss in the retirement of head coach Sean Sloane, but his successor, Damon Leedale-Brown, brings international coaching experience and is enthusiastic about working with the Haverford squad. The team, which annually volunteers with SquashSmarts in Philadelphia, is focused on improving skills, having fun, and maintaining good sportsmanship, on and off the court.
2008-2009 Season Recap
SEASON RECORD: 4-7
FINAL RANKING: 29th
HOWE CUP: 29th; 5th (consolation winner) in Epps Cup (D Division)
2009-2010 Season Preview
Returning Players from Howe Cup roster: Sarah Gilarsky ’10 (1); Vanessa Sergeon ’10 (2); Rachel Emonds ’12 (5); Ellen de Moll ’10 (8); Margo Schall ’11 (9); Laura Tetri ’11 (10)
Graduating Players from Howe Cup roster: Jenny Millman (3); Sarah Powell (4); Monique Wong (5); Sarita Kapida (7); Maggie Matthews (11); Emily Walden (12)
Captains: Ellen de Moll and Sarah Gilarsky
Team Goals: To work hard to improve skills and conditioning, have fun, and always have great sportsmanship, on and off the court
Key matches: Vassar and Drexel
To read other team previews, please visit the 2009 – 2010 College Squash Preview Page.
