By Melanie Cane
The Rye High Girls’ Squash Team 1 played Holy Child at Westchester Country Club on January 12 and came out on top 6-1.
With All-American Caroline Baldwin away at a national tournament in Baltimore, the rest of the Garnets lineup moved up. Sophie Barber, who normally plays No. 2, came up against the Gryphon’s top player, Eliza Mills, who is ranked 38 nationally in her age group. Mills topped Barber in three close games, and called it a very tough match. “Sophie placed the ball really well and I had to fight for every point. I just couldn’t let up.”
In the second spot, Rye senior co-captain Caroline Kacha finished off a strong week with a win over Katie Hodulik. Earlier in the week, Kacha came from behind for two dramatic five-game match victories — at home against Staples High School’s top player, and in New York City, against Thurgood Marshall’s No. 2 player.
The Garnets varsity team is 6-3 on the season with a busy stretch of matches in the coming weeks against tough competition, including Poly Prep, Hopkins School, Blair Academy, and a likely league final showdown against New Haven Public Schools, which has beaten the girls twice this season.
Coach Tony Campbell said he is looking forward to having Baldwin back and to an exciting second half of the season.
Holy Child Coach Maureen Fearon said the girls always enjoy playing against the Garnets. Rye High has four girls squash teams and the Gryphons compete against all of them.
Caroline Kacha nailing a backhand.
Gryphon Eliza Mills reaching for a low forehand in her match against Garnet Sophie Barber.
