Both the Exeter boys and girls squash programs traveled to Philadelphia this weekend to take on the nation's top competition at the U.S. High School Team Championships.
The Exeter boys secured a spot in the Division I bracket. Big Red opened the tournament against St. Andrew's School, where
Tony Zhu delivered an emphatic performance at the #7 position, earning a decisive 3–0 victory (11–2, 11–2, 11–6) for Exeter's lone point in the match. In the first consolation round, Zhu shined once again, grinding out a thrilling five-game win over Episcopal, 3–2 (10–12, 11–9, 13–11, 10–12, 14–12). Exeter closed the weekend against Kent School, where Zhu capped a perfect individual tournament with another straight-game triumph, 3–0 (11–5, 11–6, 11–5), and
Andrew Chen added a strong 3–1 win at #6 (11–3, 11–6, 9–11, 11–8).
The Exeter girls opened Division III play in impressive fashion with a 5–2 victory over Westport Staples.
Mathilde Senter set the tone at #3 with a four-game win, 11–5, 11–8, 6–11, 12–10, while
Alva Carlston delivered a strong performance at #4, outlasting her opponent in five, 9–11, 11–7, 11–8, 8–11, 11–9.
Serena Yue was in control throughout her straight-game win at #5, 11–6, 11–1, 11–8,
Ava Nwaochei rolled at #6, 11–7, 11–2, 11–3, and Olivia Mulliken sealed the team victory with a poised 3–0 result at #7, 11–8, 15–13, 11–7.
In the second round, Exeter faced a strong St. Catherine's lineup and continued to produce standout individual results.
Tiffany Sun was sharp at #2, winning 11–5, 11–8, 11–5, and Senter followed with her second straight three-game victory, 11–3, 11–5, 11–7. Nwaochei showed tremendous resilience at #6, rallying from two games down to earn a thrilling five-game comeback, 11–13, 10–12, 11–8, 11–5, 12–10.
Exeter's tournament was cut short due to the impending blizzard approaching the northeast.
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