The Dartmouth women’s squash team, ranked #11 nationally, showcased their dominance on Friday, December 6, with an impressive 7-2 victory over #15 Amherst at home. The win solidified Dartmouth’s standing and highlighted their depth, while Amherst displayed commendable tenacity in a hard-fought contest.
Dartmouth set the tone early, with Chelsea Cho earning the first point after a four-game victory. Freshman Maya Shroff followed with a thrilling five-game win over Amherst’s Isabelle Tilney-Sandberg, bouncing back from a 12-14 loss in the third game to take the final two games 11-8, 11-8. Shroff’s determination under pressure was outstanding and marked a standout performance for the first-year player.
Amherst struck back with a highlight performance from Kristen Daniel, who clinched a marathon fifth game 19-17 at No. 4 to put the visitors on the board. However, Dartmouth’s Maria Clara Ramirez Velasquez regained momentum for the Big Green with a decisive win at the top position, and Nathalie Taylor added a straight-games victory at No. 9, pushing Dartmouth’s lead to 4-1.
The clincher came from Senior Captain Aubrey Lennon at No. 6, whose composed three-game victory sealed the team match for Dartmouth. Lennon’s performance was pivotal, delivering a dominant start with scores of 11-4 and 11-5 before holding off a determined comeback attempt to close the final game 11-7.
Despite the result being decided, the final matches did not lack intensity. Dartmouth’s Kriti Muthu delivered an impressive straight-games win, while Amherst earned their second point through Brigid Brandon’s four-game victory at No. 5. The evening concluded with an electrifying match at No. 2, where sophomore Eleanor Clifford delivered a performance that epitomized resilience. After saving three match balls in the third game to win 13-11, Clifford controlled the fourth game 11-4. In the decisive fifth game, she saved two more match balls at 12-11 and dug deep to secure a 14-12 victory, showcasing her exceptional retrieving skills and composure.
Reflecting on the match, Dartmouth coach Vikram Malhotra expressed pride in the team’s effort, noting that the recognition as CSA Match of the Week was a significant morale boost. “Senior Captain Aubrey Lennon’s dominant clincher match and sophomore Ellie Clifford’s incredible comeback were pivotal to our victory,” Malhotra shared. “Freshman Maya Shroff also shined under pressure, making her win a highlight of the evening. This victory reflects the team’s commitment and determination, and we’re energized to build on this momentum as the season progresses.”
Dartmouth’s strong showing against a tough opponent underscores their depth and resilience as they continue their campaign. For the Big Green, this victory is not just a milestone but a testament to the hard work fueling their long-term goals.
