Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Drexel
No. 2 Princeton Advances to CSA Semifinals, Tops Drexel
February 21, 2020 | Women's Squash
Princeton will take on third-ranked and host Yale Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in a semifinal. The bracket is available here.
Ivy first-teamer Elle Ruggiero, Ivy Rookie of the Year Caroline Spahr, Grace Doyle, Morgan Steelman and India Stephenson were all winners by sweep, while Ivy first-teamer Emme Leonard, Andrea Toth and Emily Rose were all winners in four games.
Head coach Gail Ramsay on the match:
"We were ready to play today and Drexel struggle to handle us. Elle Ruggiero played a great match. She was hitting hard and accurate and moved exceptionally well."
Junior Emme Leonard on the match:
"As we are entering the final weekend of the season, my team and I were very excited to step on court this afternoon against Drexel. After playing them earlier on in the season, we all knew that we were going to have to be prepared to play hard matches where we would have to focus on hitting our targets and playing long rallies. One of the main themes that I saw in all of the matches today was adaptability. Everyone came prepared to adjust their game plan depending on how hot or cold the courts were playing and depending on what their opponent was doing on court. My match against Anna Hughes today required me to remain mentally strong, but I was happy with my performance. I am very excited to take on Yale tomorrow."
Sophomore Elle Ruggiero on the match:
"Today's match against Drexel was a great start to our big weekend. We all walked on court with positive energy and confident mindsets. Our entire season's training and hard work have culminated in this moment, giving us the tools we need to perform at a high level. My match today was my best of the season. I was aggressive on court, getting on the ball early, which allowed me to dictate the direction and pace of each rally. The points in the beginning of the first game were long and draining, but I knew that I could recover quickly and maintain the same intensity for the entire match. I'm excited to build off of this win in tomorrow's semifinals match against Yale."
Freshman Caroline Spahr on the match:
"I'm really proud of how the team played today. I thought we all came out firing and ready to play our best. I tried to start the match with high energy and take control right away. I was able to do that and continue that momentum through to the end of my match. Thank you to (assistant coach) Hesham (Aly) and my teammates who coached me in between games, giving me strong advice. We are all super excited for our semifinal match against Yale, looking to advance to the finals."
Results from Friday's match are below:
Elle Ruggiero (Princeton) def. Karina Tyma (Drexel), 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-1)
Alina Bushman (Drexel) def. Raneem El Torky (Princeton), 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-7)
Emme Leonard (Princeton) def. Anna Hughes (Drexel), 3-1 (12-10, 11-8, 6-11, 11-8)
Caroline Spahr (Princeton) def. Hannah Blatt (Drexel), 3-0 (11-2, 11-5, 11-4)
Andrea Toth (Princeton) def. Ona Prokes (Drexel), 3-1 (10-12, 11-5, 11-7, 11-8)
Grace Doyle (Princeton) def. Ciara Richards (Drexel), 3-0 (11-4, 11-4, 12-10)
Morgan Steelman (Princeton) def. Brooke Herring (Drexel), 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 11-7)
Emily Rose (Princeton) def. Stephanie Ryan (Drexel), 3-1 (11-3, 10-12, 11-1, 11-4)
India Stephenson (Princeton) def. Lara Varma (Drexel), 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 11-7)
10th match: Madison Soukup (Princeton) def. Katerina Cummings (Drexel), 3-1 (11-7, 11-5, 12-14, 11-2)
Players Mentioned
