Not Quite Enough in the Tank

In the finals of the consolation round, the Martlets fell 3-4 to a squad from St. Louis. Fittingly, it was a hard-fought and very even match that came down to the final game. In the opening round Khalil Walker '19 went up 2-1 at No. 2, but couldn't close the match, losing at (8) and (9). Meanwhile at No. 7, Peter Miller '22 played smart and controlled squash to defeat a talented opponent in three tight games, 11-8, 13-11 and 11-7. Nate Swift '19 won the final two games of his match at No. 5, 11-9 and 11-8, to put the Black and Gold up 2-1 in the overall match. Unfortunately, Sean Gregg '22, still recovering from the flu, just didn't have the legs to stay with his skillful opponent and lost at No. 3, (3), (4), (7). Ethan Na '19 just couldn't find his magic touch at No. 7 after playing outstanding squash on Friday and Saturday, losing in straight games. But Alex Unruh '22 played his best squash of the tournament at No. 1, defeating his opponent 3, 3, 4 and evening the overall match at three apiece. All eyes and a raucous crowd were on the No. 4 match, the final match of the morning. Sam Pagon '21 lost the first game 6-11 but then came out strong to win games two and three (11-6 and 11-9). But Pagon's opponent had more left in the tank than Pagon and he controlled the final two games, allowing Pagon only four total points in those final two games. So, although it was a good weekend of squash for the Martlets, the team had to settle for being 10th in Division V of the High School Team Nationals. Overall, it was a fun and successful weekend. Thanks to all the parents for their support and especially to Jay Keough for being the team chaperone.