SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 10) – The No. 22-ranked Denison University women's squash team wrapped up their winter training trip with a hard-fought 8-1 loss to No. 12 Tufts University at Access Youth Academy.
Denison's lone individual victory came from first year Charlotte Jones in the No. 1 spot. Facing a higher-rated opponent, Jones delivered a commanding performance, defeating Riddhi Joshi in straight games. Jones won her first game 11-7, claimed a narrow 11-9 victory in the second, and closed with a dominant 11-5 win in the third.
First year Tess Lanza and junior Kate Manderlink showed determination in their matches, each securing one game. Lanza claimed her second game 11-7 but fell in four (2-11, 11-7, 0-11, 1-11). Similarly, Manderlink fought back to win her third game 11-7 before being edged out in four games (3-11, 3-11, 11-7, 6-11).
Junior Lane Harding, competing in the No. 8 position, narrowly missed extending her match, pushing her opponent to a tiebreaker in the third game before falling 12-10. Across the lineup, the Big Red battled closely, gaining valuable experience against one of the nation's top-ranked teams.
"The women's team played very well," said Head Coach Michael MacDonald. "We stepped up to the challenge but unfortunately didn't win the team match. This was the toughest team we'll face all season, and it was a great chance to see where we stand as we head into spring. I feel good about our progress and look forward to the tournament this coming weekend."
Denison will look to build on this experience as they prepare for a big match weekend to kick off their spring schedule.
Results
No. 12 Tufts - 8
No 22 Denison - 1
1 - Charlotte Jones def. Riddhi Joshi 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-5)
2 - Aleezah Burhan def. Antoinette Ramsey 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-1)
3 - Nieve Monderer def. Amelia Keng 3-0 (11-0, 11-6, 11-8)
4 - Mia Kim def. Tess Lanza 3-1 (11-2, 7-11, 11-0, 11-1)
5 - Sonya Bajaj def. Kate Manderlink 3-1 (11-3, 11-3, 7-11, 11-6)
6 - Sora Karanja def. Charlotte Sigg 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-5)
7 - Maria Fernanda Pinot def. Virginia Lawrence 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-7)
8 - Anika Parr def. Lane Harding 3-0 (11-6, 11-6, 12-10)
9 - Bridget Schutt def. Madeleine Ruggie 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 12-5)
Order of finish: 6, 3, 9, 2, 1, 7, 8, 5, 4
