Fuss leads W. Squash

BY JASON BRENNERBY JASON BRENNERDaily Pennsylvanian Sports Writer First, it acquired a group of talented players from the Class of 1997. Then, top-seeded senior Aimee La Gorce overcame a hamstring injury which hindered the first part of her season. Now, junior co-captain Liz Fuss has returned from her semester abroad in France and is prepared to help the Quakers through the second half of the season. She was not a week too early. With the ever-important second half of the season commencing with a match at Franklin & Marshall today, the Quakers will begin their battle to make the first division of the Howe Cup. "If we beat them, it will put us in a better position to be in the first division of the Howe Cup," La Gorce said. The Howe Cup is a tournament that decides which teams are the best in the country. Only the top seven teams will compete in the first division. "We've been doing some match play this week because there's been a long break since our last match," coach Demer Holleran said. "It's important for us to get back in the competitive mind frame." Fuss also stressed the significance of the last two weeks of practice. "It was a really good way to get back into the swing of things," Fuss said. "I haven't met many of the new freshmen so it was a good way for me to get to meet each one." Fuss will not only strengthen the Quaker lineup, but will also be a role model to the younger players. "Morale wise, it's nice to have the second captain back," Holleran said. "She works hard and it rubs off on her teammates." "I think she has a very good work ethic," La Gorce said. "She always gives 110 percent, whether it's during a game or in practice." Fuss also proved herself a role model when she made varsity as a freshman after never having played squash before. "It was hard picking up a sport I had never been exposed to before," Fuss said. "It was hard playing people who have played before." "She was a tennis player before, so volleying comes naturally for her," Holleran said. "But squash has some added dimensions. She's adjusted pretty well." La Gorce also affirmed her admiration of Fuss. "It shows that if you put a lot of hard work into it, then it pays off," La Gorce said. "She puts a lot of hard work into things. That's why she was elected captain as a junior." Fuss appreciates the accolades she has received from the team, but concedes it is time to get to business. "We have a history of close matches with F&M;," Fuss said. "We really want to avenge [last year's] loss. It will be good preparation for the Howe Cup." With Fuss back in action, and the rest of the team working intensely during practices, perhaps the Quakers will find themselves competing in the all-important first division of the Howe Cup.