The Wesleyan women’s squash team capped off an extraordinary season with a groundbreaking victory at the Walker Cup in Philadelphia. This achievement was the result of months of hard work, preseason preparation, and team cohesion, setting the stage for a season filled with memorable performances and important victories. The team’s determination, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence were key factors in their successful journey, as reported by Etruesports.
The Foundation for Success: Preseason Preparation
As with any championship-worthy team, a solid foundation is essential, and for Wesleyan, the revamped preseason approach was critical. Aanya Anand ’26 reflected on the changes, stating, “We changed our preseason a lot… The lifts were super intense, making sure we were doing conditioning, and we kept up with lifting better.” With a focus on intense physical conditioning and strength-building, the team entered the season fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Captains and leaders of the squad were deeply committed to ensuring the team was ready to succeed, setting the tone for a successful year.
The season began on November 18, with the Cardinals participating in a two-day round-robin event at the Rosenbaum Squash Center. They faced off against Middlebury, Vassar College, and Brown University. Despite a loss to No. 16 Middlebury, the team achieved dominant victories against Vassar and Brown, with scores of 8–1 and 7–0, respectively. The team’s resilience and skill were evident as they won all 15 matches in straight sets, allowing their opponents to score no more than five points per set.
Mid-Season Challenges and Triumphs
The season was not without its challenges, as the team faced several tough opponents and a packed schedule. After a brief Thanksgiving break, the Cardinals bounced back from a close 4–5 loss to Franklin & Marshall College by securing a decisive 7–1 victory over Denison University. They then went on to sweep Connecticut College 9–0, marking their first NESCAC victory of the season.
Despite setbacks after the winter break, including a loss to No. 18 Bowdoin, the Cardinals maintained their focus and resilience. Wins over Connecticut College and Mount Holyoke College, with a combined score of 17–1, underscored their strength. Mira Bakshi ’26, playing in the No. 1 spot, dominated her opponent by allowing only two points in a flawless victory.
Wesleyan Women’s Squash Team (image via Getty)Pivotal Victories and Memorable Performances
The team continued to excel throughout the season, including a string of victories against ranked teams. After a tough loss to No. 17 Hobart and William Smith Colleges, the Cardinals bounced back with a 7–2 win over Hamilton and a 9–0 sweep of Haverford, their fourth sweep of the season. Julissa Mota ’26 delivered standout performances, securing victories in just 24 minutes of match time across both contests.
A thrilling 5–4 victory over No. 19 Bates marked another highlight of the season, with Portia Pliam ’25 securing a flawless 3–0 performance. The match culminated with captain Marangela James ’24 clinching a crucial victory in three intense sets. The team’s resilience was evident throughout, with Aanya Anand noting, “We were determined not to lose. It was massive because our wins were decisive.”
Walker Cup Triumph
Heading into the NESCAC tournament, the Cardinals faced the formidable No. 1 Trinity College, ultimately suffering a defeat. However, this loss did not dampen their spirits. Captain Laila Kewalramani ’24 emphasized the team’s optimism, saying, “We all played really well, and we had tough matches. It didn’t demoralize us; we felt strong heading into the Walker Cup.”
At the Walker Cup, held at the Arlen Specter U.S. Squash Center, the Cardinals entered as the top seed. After a 7–2 victory over Hamilton in the quarterfinals, they advanced to the semifinals with a nail-biting 5–4 win. A thrilling 42-minute, five-set win by Penelope Furnas ’27 at the No. 3 spot was the highlight of the semifinal match, propelling the team to their third-ever finals appearance.
In the final, the Cardinals displayed their depth, securing victories in the #5 through #9 positions. Kewalramani and James ended their collegiate careers with straight-set wins, while Jaclyn Dichter ’26 earned her 14th win of the season. Leandra Sze ’26 sealed the victory in a four-game battle at the No. 6 position.
A Historic Season and Bright Future
The Walker Cup victory marked Wesleyan’s first win in the event and their first appearance in the finals since 2013. With a 12–8 season record, a significant improvement from the previous year’s 8–12 record, the Cardinals have now earned a national ranking of 21st. Looking ahead, the team has high hopes for continued success next season.
Reflecting on her time as captain, Kewalramani shared, “Being captain has been so lovely… Ending my athletic journey on this note is so meaningful.” As always, Etruesports will continue to cover the progress of this remarkable team as they look to build on their historic season.
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