HAVERFORD, Pa. - The No. 28 Haverford College women's squash team (0-1) was defeated by No. 3 Drexel (1-0) at the GIAC Squash Courts on Friday afternoon, in the opening game of Penn Cup action. Drexel was making its first visit to the GIAC Squash Courts since the 2012-13 season.
The Fords, who tuned up with an exhibition opener against a co-ed Swarthmore side at the end of October, opened College Squash Association women's play in earnest against a talented Dragons side who finished last season as the national runner-up.
Reigning All-American Alina Bushma defeated Ariana Solecki at the top flight, but Solecki did well to make things difficult for her opponent before falling 11-3, 11-5, 11-2. Noa Romero Blazquez also got past Emi Krishnamurthy at the second flight (11-4, 11-2, 11-2) while Catherine Fortin was defeated by Margot Prow (11-2, 11-1, 11-3) at the third spot on the ladder.
Amirah Rusydina Binti Rosli defeated Caroline Smith (11-2, 11-3, 11-1) at #4 while Moa Bonnemark took a victory over Lyvia Yan in her collegiate debut at the fifth flight.
Amelia Stevens was locked in a battle with Emma Bartley at the sixth flight, firing up her teammates as she battled the Drexel newcomer before falling 11-6, 11-5, 11-4. At the seventh flight, Lara Varma defeated Emilia Zegers (11-2, 11-1, 11-2) while Aman Hamdard was defeated by Ava Prokes at the eighth rung (11-2, 11-3, 11-3). Hatti Specter got the better of Maya Johnson-Fraidin at the ninth position, taking an 11-0, 11-1, 11-0 victory to round out the ladder.
Haverford now continues Penn Cup action on Saturday, heading out to Lancaster for a 9 a.m. first serve against Saturday host No. 21 Franklin & Marshall. The matchup with the Diplomats will be one of two this season as the sides will also meet at the Centennial Conference Round Robin in February.
