Clinton, NY – A championship season demands that players have resilience and belief to be able to compete with the nation’s best. This past weekend at the NESCAC Championships, both men’s and women’s squash teams competed to do exactly that. They competed with pride against elite competition, and now they set their eyes on the College Squash Association National Championships in Philadelphia.
The Colby men’s squash team saw its conference tournament run come to an end in the semi-finals with a 9–0 loss to the number one seed Trinity College. The Bantams are also ranked first in the nation; they headed into the matchup as the favorites. But the final score didn’t showcase the competitiveness and fight that the Mules displayed across their games.
Sebastian Campos `26 delivered one of the team’s best performances of the afternoon. Campos came out firing; he claimed the opening game 11–7 with confidence. Though he ultimately dropped the next three games, he showcased his growth against one of the top teams in the country.
First-year Omar Bastawy `29 also pushed his opponent into battle. After dropping his first game, he responded with a very impressive 11–8 win in the second game, leveling the match. The final two games were tight, both ending in an 11–9 decision. But despite the loss, Bastawy’s performance demonstrated his ability to compete under pressure and adjust throughout the match.
The Mules continued to test Trinity in tight exchanges. Carlos Zendejas `27 fought through long rallies and secured a close 11–9 third game, when he refused to yield momentum so easily. Seif Ashraf `27 faced a nationally ranked top-100 opponent and forced a dramatic 15–13 third game, which was a testament to his amazing shot selections and determination on the defensive side. Each match showed one thing: Colby never backed down.
Although Trinity advanced, the experience provided great exposure for the men’s team at the highest level of collegiate squash. With the CSA National Championships set to begin at the end of February, the Mules will look to continue to build on their competitive edge from their time in New York.
On the women’s side, the seventh-seeded Mules fell 8–1 to second-seeded Amherst in the NESCAC quarterfinals. Having faced the Mammoths earlier in the season, Colby entered the match aware of the challenges they faced. The afternoon featured multiple close contests and one amazingly thrilling comeback win.
That moment belonged to Nathalie Sim `27. After losing out last time, Sim returned to the court determined to change the outcome. She opened with discipline, cruising her way to an 11–3 first-game win. She lost the next two games, but Sim came back with poise as she captured the next two, 11–6 and 11–7, sealing her comeback win and showcasing mental toughness in a crucial moment.
Colby’s number one seed, Laavanya Kugan `26, delivered another incredible effort. After dropping the first two games, she came back to take the third and push the fourth game to a 12–10 finish before just falling short. Abhishekha David `26 showed that same resilience, bouncing back from two games down to take a tight third game 12–10.
The sophomore class added another great team effort. With Maggie Motch `28, Reshika Rajarathinam `28, and Tori Thill `28 all battling competitively in 11–8 games, Haley Coon `28 forced a tight 11–9 opening game in her match. The margins were slim, but the team showed great determination.
While the results did not go in Colby’s favor, the championship atmosphere showed a team that is gaining confidence. With lessons learned, the Mules now turn their focus to the CSA National Championships. Beginning Feb. 27 in Philadelphia, this offers another place for the teams to go on and showcase themselves, and we wish them the best of luck.
Championship season continues, and the Mules are ready for the next challenge.
~ Kameron Mohammed `29
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