Brunswick, ME — Bowdoin was no stranger to close matches last season. The Polar Bears went 6 for 6 in 5-4 matches. That experience will benefit the team this season. Bowdoin returns 6 starters from the 2016 Women’s College Squash Association National Team Championships. In addition, the squad is expecting three players to join the team. Head coach Tomas Fortson, who is beginning his 16th season at the helm of the Polar Bears, has three goals for the season: “Improve throughout the season. Develop strong team dynamics. Compete well under pressure.” Bowdoin’s strength last season came at the top of their order. If the Polar Bears would like to improve this season, they will need more wins through the ladder, especially from the lower third of the line-up. If Bowdoin’s new players can fill the gaps from last season’s graduates and the team can improve at the bottom of the ladder, watch for the Polar Bears to be in the hunt for the Walker Cup.
2015-2016 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 12-10
Final Ranking: 19
Team Championships: 3rd in the Walker Cup (C Division)
By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 6 of 6… Top 3 Win%: .591… Middle 3 Win%: .439… Lower 3 Win%: .273…
2016-2017 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Tomas Fortson
Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. Sarah Nelson (2017 – NESCAC Second-Team); 3. Alexa Horwitz (2019); 4. Tully Ross (2018); 5. Chloe Polikoff (2017); 6. Mariela Mendoza (2019); 7. Zoe Wood (2018 – NESCAC All-Academic); 10. Perla Rubi (2017);
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships: 2. Torey Lee (2016 – NESCAC Second-Team; NESCAC All-Academic; NESCAC All-Sportsmanship); 8. Nicole Ampatey (2016); 9. Natalie LaPlant (2016 – NESCAC All-Academic; CSA Scholar Athlete); 11. Katherine Gracey (2016 – NESCAC All-Academic);
Additions to the 2016-2017 Roster:
- Lindsey Bindra
- Laura Howells
- Allegra Bersani
Captains: Sarah Nelson, Tully Ross, and Chloe Polikoff
Team Goals: To improve
Key Matches: All matches
To read other team previews, please visit the 2016-2017 College Squash Season Previews page.
