Northampton, MA — Though Smith lost their top two players from last season, expect the Pioneers to be stronger and deeper this season.
Several seniors will be back from study abroad and should have an immediate impact on the ladder. Clair Oblamski, Joanne Poon, and Jaimi Inskeep all came to squash with experience in other racquet sports, and Oblamski and Poon both played in the top two before they went abroad.
Two first year players, Jacqueline Zhou and Vivian Lee, should also help raise the standard of play on the team. They are expected to play in the top four, with Zhou vying for one of the top spots.
The other returners on the team all showed steady improvement at the end of last season, and they should all continue that growth this season. The Pioneers improved three spots in the final rankings last season over their 2009-2010 finish, and they have the potential to continue moving up the rankings this year.
2010-2011 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 5-19
Final Ranking: 27
Team Championships: 3rd in Epps Cup (D Division)
2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Tim Bacon
Returning Players from Team Championships: (3) Helen Queenan (All-Seven Sister Teams); (4) Eunice Zhao; (5) Jennifer Krain; (7) Catie Blunt (CSA Scholar Athlete); (8) Elena Plesco (CSA Scholar Athlete); (9) Xizhu Zhao (CSA Scholar Athlete); (11) Szilvia Kiss
Graduated/Non-returning players from 2010-2011 Team: (1) Margaret Oliverio (CSA Scholar Athlete); (2) Jasmine Wallas; (6) Elizabeth Guyman (All-Seven Sister Teams); (10) Julie Wang
Additions to the 2011-2012 roster: Clair Oblamski, Jaimi Inskeep, Joanne Poon, Rachel Canfora, Jacqueline Zhou, and Vivian Lee
To read other team previews, please visit the 2011-2012 College Squash Season Previews page.
