The McArthur Squash Center, housed in the Boars Head Resort and home of the rising University of Virginia varsity squash program, was the host of this past weekend's Mid Atlantic JCT - the third JCT of the season. One never truly appreciates that we have moved south in the squash world until one finds the team playing inside a lavish facility named after a hunting trophy, but here we are. 14 Tigers qualified for the draw and played the metaphorical house down!
For those unfamiliar with JCT’s they are explained by US Squash as: “the highest level of junior tournament, which attracts the best players from around the entire country. US Squash accredits 5 JCT tournaments each year and each event is played over the course of three full days.” Long story short, the best 32 players from each age group get together and test each other out roughly once a month in season… it doesn’t get more fun than that!
Starting at the top, congratulations to the Purtuc sisters, Lily and Mimi, who led the way with their quarter finals in the U17 and U13 respectively. Lily was calm and precise throughout and showed some lovely positional squash and delicate touch. Mimi was tremendous in her offense, moved well and pushed the eventual winner to four games in the quarter finals... quite a weekend for the family!
BU17 was where Eric enjoyed his best ever JCT finish - a magnificent 10th place which brought a big smile to everyone’s faces. He defeated team mate Shrikar who concluded his event in 13/16th place and played some of his best squash since winning the Silver Nationals last season.
The boys U19 saw Colten, Alex and Parth fly the flag. Colten was our top finisher in 11/12th position, losing in the main draw in a high standard four game match to young Moxham. Parth for his behalf may have had the performances of the tournament with a narrow five game defeat to Haq and a come from behind 3/2 win over Gupta - remarkable toughness and remarkable squash. Alex chose to play up, still being eligible for the BU17 and looks likely to go deep in the draw for the US Open in mid-December.
Amongst the younger age groups the Chen brothers, Yidrew (BU15) and Yiden (BU13) both continue to impress - Yidrew playing some great squash despite a calf niggle and Yiden doing skillful work in his down year.
For our girls program, in addition to the Purtuc sisters, Reghan (GU19) and Madeleine (GU15) both achieved an 11/12th position finish and will be looking forward to the second half of the season. Reghan having just turned 15 was playing up and the experience will no doubt be of benefit. In the unfortunate file, Chloe (GU13) was unfortunately unable to complete the event, quite disappointing in any circumstances, but especially as Miss has put in some excellent training performances of late.
Our attention now turns to the UVA Gold next weekend and eventually towards the next BIG THING, the US Open in Philadelphia towards the end of December. A reminder that the US Open is the largest junior event in the world, and for those lucky enough to make the cut registration closes Wednesday 11/13. At the club we start a Straight Drop Attack week and school squash is just around the corner!
See you all at training, big things ahead!
