In a showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, Haverford College secured a narrow 5-4 victory over Connecticut College in the CSA Women’s Match of the Week. The contest, held at Vassar College on Saturday, November 23, showcased the grit and determination of two closely ranked teams, with Haverford ranked #28 in the country and Connecticut College sitting just ahead at #26.
The first round of matches saw a methodical start, with both teams trading wins. Haverford’s Laine Reshefsky got her team on the board first with a composed performance in the #9 position. Connecticut College’s Crystal Dixon quickly equalized with a win at #6, and Gwyneth Perez-Perez secured a victory at #3, nudging Connecticut College ahead 2-1. While the opening matches hinted at a close contest, it wasn’t until the middle rounds that the tension began to rise.
Haverford’s Ofri Geva squared the match with a victory at #7, only for Connecticut College’s Miranda Medina to reclaim the lead after a hard-fought win at #4. Refusing to back down, Haverford’s Matilda Chartener dominated at #8 to bring the score to 3-3. The back-and-forth momentum underscored the teams’ parity, setting the stage for a gripping conclusion.
The energy reached a crescendo as the final matches unfolded. At #2, Haverford’s Catherine Fortin displayed remarkable endurance and mental toughness, prevailing in a five-game marathon to give her team a 4-3 lead. Connecticut College’s Crystal Dixon responded with equal determination, taking her own five-game thriller to tie the match at 4-4.
All eyes turned to the decisive #1 matchup between Haverford’s Joelle Phuah and Connecticut College’s Mariam Anwar. With everything on the line, Phuah rose to the occasion, delivering a commanding four-game victory to clinch the match for Haverford. Her performance embodied the resilience and focus that defined her team’s effort throughout the day.
After the match, Haverford head coach Niki Clement praised her team’s preparation and effort. “The team knew that Conn was going to bring a strong lineup and that we’d have to work hard and run down every ball in order to win. There was a lot of great play that day from both teams.”
Clement added “I was happy for Joelle Phuah to win the fifth point for Haverford, especially when it was tied 4-4. She cares deeply for her team, and I know that she wanted to win for her teammates. I am grateful to have a group of players who take seriously the responsibility of representing Haverford College and their team every time they step on court.”
The win marks a pivotal moment for Haverford, allowing them to close the first half of their season on a high note. The confidence gained from such a tightly contested match will undoubtedly carry into their busy second half of the season, which resumes in January.
