Baldwin School Squash Team 2021-22 Inter-Ac Champions
Members of the 2021-22 Championship Team- Eugenia Li ,Christa Kay, Rashi Goverdhanam, Naomi Jefferson, Sydney Bramen, Penelope Furnas, Jaclyn Dichter, Saranya Singh, Isabelle Feigenberg. (photo/Ryan Nix for PSD)
By: Angela DelVecchio
Baldwin School uses season victories as momentum Heading into Nationals.
BRYN MAWR, PA--Baldwin School Varsity Squash defeated Penn Charter on January 26, 8-1 Clinching the Inter-Ac League Championship.
Baldwin ended the season with a 4-0 league record.
This was the Polar Bears 9th league title in twelve years.
“I’m not only proud of the results but I’m more proud of how they have come together as a team after not having much of that last year, so it’s refreshing to see it…and then to go unbeaten as well- it has made the season even better,” said Baldwin head coach Madeline Perry.
This season, the Bears also defeated Agnes Irwin 9-0, Episcopal Academy 7-2 and Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 8-1
"Every single one of us is really really proud of being a Bear,” said senior co-captain Sydney Bramen.
“We always have a lot of team spirit and that really pumps us up and that keeps everyone determined in the matches and training.”
Senior teammate and co-captain Jaclyn Dichter concurs.
“We definitely have a really great mix of determination and drive to both improve on the squash court and also as a team."
The team is now preparing for Nationals which both Bramen and Dichter agreed they are ready for.
Baldwin head Coach Madeline Perry Talks about her team's dynamics. (video by Ryan Nix/Editor Mark Zimmaro for PSD)
Senior Captains (L) Sydney Bramen and Jaclyn Dichter discuss their winning season and how they are preparing for Nationals. (video/Ryan Nix/Editor-Mark Zimmaro for PSD)
“This is just another win under our belt to help propel us to the win at Nationals,” said Bramen.
“We are just going to keep doing what we did to build up to this match and in the past and we are going to keep using that to take us to Nationals and to win it!” said Dichter.
Haverford School Squash Team 2021-22 Inter-Ac Champions
Members of the 2021-22 Championship Team- Andrew Glaser, Mitav Nayak, Matthew Kang, Owen Yu, Grady Herbert, Graeme Herbert, Devon Li, Jame Stait, Preston Wu. (photo/Dan Hilferty for PSD)
Haverford School wins 51st Title
NEWTOWN, PA--The Haverford School won their 51st Inter-Ac Title after defeating Episcopal Academy 9-0 on January 27th. It was a season worth waiting for after the challenges the team faced last year due to Covid.
“It is amazing to be competing again.” said Haverford head coach Alex Stait.
“Being in an atmosphere like this were EA really brought a good crowd today and they were really up for playing us and that is what our boys really want to do. Just to be able to compete and back playing is really special and to be unbeaten so far is even better,” said Stait.
The team clinched the Inter-Ac title with a 4-0 league record defeating Malvern Prep 9-0, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 9-0 and Penn Charter 9-0.
Haverford Coach Alex Stait discusses his team's determination and drive. (video/Dan Hilferty/Editor-Mark Zimmaro for PSD)
"Covid threw a wrench into everything so with the masks and playing in those it was definitely very difficult. So, to come back, get this win and get the Inter-Ac title and get a normal year it’s very good to end off as a senior. And for the team to clinch the Inter-Ac in the way that it did in a pretty dominate showing it’s very nice, very rewarding,” said Haverford senior captain Grady Herbert.
Haverford senior captain Mitav Nayak talks about how last year's season set the foundation for this championship win. (video/Dan Hilferty/ Editor- Mark Zimmaro for PSD)
Haverford senior captain Grady Herbert talks about team environment and being a part of the historical program. (video/Dan Hilferty/ Editor-Mark ZImmaro for PSD)
For senior captain Mitav Nayak this season was a long time coming.
“We have been waiting for it for a really long time. Excitement has been building up for a while with Covid. So, it was really special to get out there and win the Inter-Ac,” said Nayak.
Both Nayak and Herbert realize the importance of being a part of a team with such a long history and legacy.
"Being part of one of the most prestigious teams in the country, we really know that when we put on the “H” we are becoming part of that legacy,” said Nayak.
The Fords are hoping to bring home a second National Title- their first being won in 2017.
Baldwin and Haverford will be competing for that National Title at the new Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia, located on the campus of Drexel University, this Friday, Feb. 25th.
