The Franklin & Marshall Women’s Squash team got off to a bit of a slow start in the 2017-2018 season, losing their first 12 matches to some of the best teams in the country. The Diplomats were able to turn it around, however, winning four of their last seven matches, including two of three to earn a ranking of 21 in the final list. In order to carry over the momentum from the end of last season, Head Coach Gavin Jones will have to rely on some untested talent at the top of his ladder. With the top three starters from last year’s roster graduating, including Sherilyn Yang and her 39 career wins, there is an open competition for those critical positions. Supplementing the six players returning to the starting lineup will be five incoming recruits, who must be ready to play at a high level from Day 1. The 2018-2019 schedule does not present as much of a gauntlet as last year’s schedule, which should offer an opportunity to build confidence among the newly formed roster. F&M suffered two tough 5-4 losses to conference rival Dickinson last season, and they will renew their rivalry again this year. Other tough match-ups include the three teams that F&M met in last year’s CSA Team National Championships: Wesleyan, Colby, and Hamilton.
2017-2018 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 4-15
Final Ranking: 21
Team Championships Result: 5th in the Walker Cup (C Division)
2018-2019 SEASON PREVIEW
Head Coach: Gavin Jones
Returning Players from Team Championships:
- Ellen Verry; 5. Katherine Galambos; 6. Grace Smith; 8. Liana Zranchev; 9. Katherine Anderson; 10. Kendyl Kratzer
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships:
- Sherilyn Yang; 2. Lauren Johnston; 3. Andreina Benedith; 7. Clare Tompkins
Additions to 2018-2019 Roster:
- Emily Bartos
- Meredith Fairbanks
- Emily Knapp
- Pratiksha Mishra
- Adina Rubenstein
Team Goal: “We are looking to continue on our journey in strengthening our team culture while representing Franklin & Marshall College with Pride and Passion, while upholding our high standard of academic excellence.”
Key Matches: Wesleyan, Hamilton, Colby, Dickinson
To read season previews for other CSA teams, please visit the 2018-2019 College Squash Season Previews page.
