Varsity Boys Squash

The boys and girls varsity squash teams both exceeded their predicted rankings at this past weekend’s U.S. High School Squash National Championships in Philadelphia.

The girls team, seeded last in their division, upset higher-ranked St. George’s School from Middletown, RI, by a score of 4-3 and finished 30th in the nation (out of 85 teams). Individual highlights include Layah Nasr ’23’s dominating 3-0 win in the #1 slot against St. George’s School, Sophia Calkins ’24’s dual wins against St. George’s and Middlesex School, Meera Vadlamani ’24’s three wins at the demanding #3 position, Haley Coon ’24’s wins over Middlesex and St. George’s, Yabbie Maelaf ’23’s and Anya Aggarwal ’25's amazing five-game battles against their opponents from Middlesex, and Sami Krilla ’25’s come-from-behind win against Seven Hills School. Substitute player Cici Miliaras ’23 gave her teammates confidence to risk full-out play throughout the weekend.

The boys team, expected to finish in 15th place, upset local 10th seed Springside Chestnut Hill Academy 4-3 and finished in 12th place in boys division III (44th nationally, out of 102 teams). Playing four matches in just three days, every player contributed to the team’s success, and each faced their share of victory and adversity. Notable results include Ben Levy ’25’s dominating 3-0 win playing in the #1 slot against SCH Academy, co-captain Jeffrey Nuechterlein ’23’s two come-from-behind wins over higher-rated opponents, co-captain Jack Wigmore ’23’s diving saves and relentless determination, Jackson Mackney ’23’s nearly hour-long battle to prevail against SCH Academy, and Alexander Zhou ’23’s 3-1 record at the pivotal #5 position throughout the weekend. Will Scribner ’25 and Graham LaForce ’25 both went 2-2 overall and notched impressive wins against skilled opponents. Aidan Corwin ’24, our substitute player, provided excellent coaching and support to teammates throughout the weekend.

All Potomac squash players, including those unable to travel this past weekend, share in the teams’ successes this season. Special thanks to our squash team parents for their provisions, support, and encouragement, and to U.S. Squash for organizing the world’s largest squash tournament with nearly 1,700 players competing across 13 divisions at five venues.

On January 26, the varsity boys squash team demonstrated their skills and abilities on the road against Episcopal, winning 8-1 in regulation (9-1 overall) with most of our victories coming in three straight games. The only match loss was by just two points in a very close fifth game. The home team's advantages (more supporters, greater court familiarity) were not enough to match Potomac’s preparations and efforts.

Potomac hosted St. Christopher’s on January 31 in the Spangler Center. In very competitive matches, most Panthers pressed their opponents into overtime games before St. Chris finally prevailed 5-4. Ben Levy ’25 had a notable 3-2 win playing at our number one position, defeating his higher-rated opponent 13-11 in the fifth game by hitting a back wall dead nick after 36 minutes of high-tempo, corner-to-corner squash. Alex Zhou ‘23, Will Scribner ’25, and Aidan Corwin ’24 posted impressive wins, and co-captain Jeffrey Nuechterlein ’23, Max Revis ’23, and Daniel Overdeck ’24 competed hard, forcing their opponents into overtime. 

The Panthers were playing without our number 3 player, while the Saints appeared to have a full roster. Hopes remain high for our February 9 rematch, which will be played at the Country Club of Virginia, in Richmond. Enjoy the photos!

In a dramatic turn of events, the boys varsity and JV squash teams upset visitors Woodberry Forest one month to the day after both teams had lost to them on the road. The Panthers varsity team defeated Woodberry 6-3 in regulation (7-3 overall) and the JV team won 5-4.

Boys JV was missing three athletes and had to fill the line-up by recruiting the number 11 and number 12 varsity players for the top of their lineup, making a key difference in the nail-biting wins. Max Revis ’23 and Daniel Overdeck ’24 (varsity), Cliff Kanner-Bitetti ’25, John Cayenne-McCall ’23, and Nik Bhargava ’26 all had wins. This was a significant win for the JV team against a squad that seemed invincible a month ago, and a fine reward for our athletes who have been giving 100% at every practice! 

The varsity match was hard-contested. Solid wins from co-captain Jack Wigmore ‘23, Will Scribner ‘25, and Revis, helped jumpstart the competition. Will Forkner ‘25 notched a quick 3-0 win, leaving the official tally 3-2 in favor of Potomac at the end of the second round of play. In the third round, Jackson Mackney ‘23 prevailed 3-0, and Graham La Force ‘25 clinched the win for the team with his 3-0 victory. Ben Joel’s ‘23 dominant and conclusory 3-0 victory was exactly what was needed to upend Woodberry’s hopes and reverse our prior loss. 

The team had a strong 8-1 win over Gonzaga yesterday as they prepare for the Mid-Atlantic squash tournament on Saturday, January 21.