On Friday evening at the Tufts Squash Center, the #13-ranked Tufts University took on #12-ranked Georgetown University in a season opener that had all the hallmarks of a classic. Fans were treated to an evening of nail-biting action, heart-stopping comebacks, and epic battles that defined the spirit of collegiate squash. When the dust settled, Tufts emerged victorious with a 6-3 win in a match that will be remembered for its drama and intensity.
From the start, the energy in the arena was electric as players from both teams battled for every point. Tufts gained early momentum with wins at the #8 and #4 positions, both decided in grueling five-game marathons. Indira Moshi and Riddhi Joshi showed incredible composure under pressure, clawing back from 2-1 deficits to deliver crucial victories. Georgetown’s Rachel Mashek countered with a commanding performance at #2, ensuring her team stayed within striking distance.
The tension only grew as the matches progressed. Tufts’ Sonya Bajaj provided one of the evening’s defining moments at #9. Starting the match down two games to none and then trailing 4-8 in the fifth, she mounted an extraordinary comeback, stunning her opponent with a decisive 11-8 win. The crowd erupted as Bajaj’s grit gave Tufts the edge they needed. Meanwhile, at #1, Vharshamithraa Dinesh fought in a 51-minute battle, ultimately emerging victorious in another five-game thriller.
However, Georgetown was far from finished. Ella Schoonmaker delivered a gutsy performance at #5, fending off a match ball at 12-11 in the fifth game to claim a dramatic 14-12 victory. Her clutch win kept Georgetown’s hopes alive and highlighted the unyielding spirit of the visiting team. However, Tufts’ depth proved too strong. Nieve Monderer sealed the victory with a commanding three-game win at #7, clinching the decisive fifth point and sparking celebrations from the Tufts squad and their fans.
Tufts Head Coach Joe Raho reflected on the team’s performance with pride. “It was a great first weekend, punctuated with two stellar wins over Georgetown [for the women] and Western [for the men] in our first matches of the season. Georgetown’s women’s program is very strong and is on the rise. They have a lot of momentum, and we knew that coming in. I thought our women showed incredible poise and composure to push through in some tense hard-fought five-game matches.”
Raho also praised the leadership and individual efforts that defined the win. “Riddhi Joshi, Nieve Monderer, and Aleezah Burhan all showed their experience and leadership to pull through against tough opponents. As captains, they have led with their words, play, and attitude. Vharsha Dinesh also pulled through in five, showing her grit and determination to outlast a talented freshman in Sanah Syed. I am just proud of our women’s team energy, fight, and care for each other. I think that all helped push us through against Georgetown.”
Tufts’ hard-fought win positions them as a rising force in the rankings and a team to watch this season. For Georgetown, the narrow loss will surely fuel their determination to rebound stronger in the matches to come. As opening matches go, this was an unforgettable battle that set the bar high for the season ahead.
