Medford, MA — Tufts may have lost their top two players from last season, but there are plenty of enthusiastic new players ready to step up and contribute to the team.
Among the new faces is a more familiar one: Madison Newbound, who is returning from study abroad and is expected to play in the middle 3. Joining Newbound in the middle of the order will be Ann Bellinger and Jeniffer LaCara, with Charlotte Griffiths, Kirsten Gute, and Desen Ozkan expected to play in the bottom 3. Lauren Taylor, Abbie Cohen, and Angela Xu will be some of the new players waiting in the wings.
The team is planning a training trip for January, and many of the players are actively involved with other community groups on campus.
“This year, the team will be very strong, not only in their game, but more as a team, being true teammates to supporting each other,” says head coach Belkys Velez.
2010-2011 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 9-14
Final Ranking: 21
Team Championships: 5th in Walker Cup (C Division)
2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Belkys Velez
Returning Players from Team Championships: (3) Mercedes Barba; (4) Jessica Rubine (NESCAC All-Academic Team); (5) Alyse Vinoski; (6) Ushashi Basu; (7) Hafsa Chaudhry; (8) Risa Meyers (NESCAC All-Academic Team); (9) Caitlin Doherty; (10) Chelsea Dickson
Graduated/Non-returning players from 2010-2011 Team: (1) Alix Michael; (2) Valerie Koo (Second Team All-NESCAC, NESCAC All-Academic Team, NESCAC All-Sportsmanship Team); (11) Xiaomeng Wang (NESCAC All-Academic Team)
Additions to the 2011-2012 roster:
- Expected to play in the middle 3: Ann Bellinger, Jeniffer LaCara, and Madison Newbound
- Expected to play in the bottom 3: Charlotte Griffiths, Kirsten Gute, and Desen Ozkan
- Other additions: Lauren Taylor, Abbie Cohen, and Angela Xu
Captains: Mercedes Barba and Alyse Vinoski
Team Goals: To improve ranking and move into the top 16
Key Matches: All of them!!
To read other team previews, please visit the 2011-2012 College Squash Season Previews page.
