After a 7-0 statement opening win against GFS, the SCH girls’ squash team is looking to continue their early-season run at the Mid-Atlantic Squash Association (MASA) tournament this weekend. Qualifying for Division One of the tournament, the girls will be seeking to challenge the likes of Agnes Irwin and Lawrenceville at the top of the draw.
With just four returning Varsity players from the previous season, this young, new-look team is capable of sending shockwaves through the high school squash scene. Led by senior captains Eloise Levin and Finley Redpath, the team consists of three freshmen and eighth-grader Kaitlyn Wright. Wright, currently ranked #15 nationally in the girls under-15 division, hopes to bring a boost to this already strong roster, currently playing at the #2 spot on the team. Additionally, Agnes Irwin transfer Kenzie Aitken ’28 has found a new home with the Blue Devils, already picking up her first win of the season at #3 on the team against GFS.
Senior captains Levin and Redpath have also taken on a major leadership role, helping younger players adjust to the intensity of high-level high school squash.”What makes this team special is how connected we are,” Redpath said. “Everyone is all-in, and that brings out the best in us.”
The team is looking forward to the MASA tournament, and as senior captain Finley Redpath put it, “It’s going to be a great test to see where we’re at this early in the season. We all believe we’re capable of accomplishing great things this season, not just at MASA, but throughout the entire season. Hopefully, we can kick off the season with a few big matches at MASA. It’s also a great opportunity for us to connect and be together as a team.”
Head coach Stuart George said he “is very excited for the team. The energy amongst the girls is high after the win against GFS, and I’m buzzing to see us compete at MASA.” With so many newcomers, the early focus has been on building chemistry and preparing the younger players to compete in high-pressure matches. “The team is learning every day,” Stuart said. “Everyone is pushing each other in practice, and you can already feel how much we’ve improved as a team since last season.”
While MASA is the first major hurdle of the year, the team has its sights set on long-term goals as well, including a deep run at High School Nationals in February. With a roster full of talent, the Blue Devils believe this group is only beginning to scratch the surface of what it can become. For now, however, Coach Stuart instills the belief of “taking it one practice and one match at a time.”
