Howe has the Penn women's squash team remained focused since their first practice October 15? Howe has coach Demer Holleran managed to maintain her team's intensity through a long winter season of squash? Howe do the Quakers aim to attain their third consecutive second division crown? Howe is not only the question, it is also the answer. Holleran and the Quakers travel to Yale today through Sunday for the ultimate in women's squash -- the Howe Cup. Often lost amidst yachting's America's Cup and soccer's World Cup, squash's Howe Cup is a 24-team squash extravaganza divided into four divisions of six teams. The Quakers have won the second division crown for two consecutive years and aim to three-peat. "We're excited," Holleran said. "We have enthusiasm, hopes for revenge, and a good chance to win." The Red and Blue play five matches in three days, including chances to avenge their two closest defeats. Heartbreaking losses to Amherst and Dartmouth, each by the score of 5-4, put a sour taste in the Quakers' mouths. The sourness of the season can be replaced by sweet success if Penn can pull off five wins and a third consecutive second division title. Although they are the defending second division champs, the Quakers enter the Howe Cup seeded third because of their two losses. According to senior captain Liz Fuss, that removes some of the burden from Penn's weary shoulders. "We are going in with those two strikes already against us, and thus have nothing to lose," Fuss said. "Beating these teams proves our merit, and we intend to go all out and pressure them to try to win again." This weekend's schedule, with afternoon games against rivals Amherst and Dartmouth, bodes well for the Red and Blue. They will already be warm from playing easier early games but will still have enough time between matches to prepare for the showdowns versus their arch-rivals. "Our schedule is fortunate, with our tough matches in the afternoon, when we tend to play better," Holleran said. The Quakers are eager to put the relatively subpar efforts versus their two nemeses in the past, and they look forward to Howe Cup glory. "Each of this weekend's matches are within reach," said Junior Katy Textor. "I am excited to think that with a lot of effort we can counter all of the close calls and so much disappointment." The Dartmouth match was billed by many as the game of the year for the Red and Blue. The chance for revenge against the Big Green is inspiration for many Quakers, including junior Jenna Bertocchi. "My match this weekend against Dartmouth will be the bloodiest match ever," Bertocchi said. If they manage to capture this weekend's Howe Cup, the Quakers will match last season's seventh place ranking, which would greatly please Holleran. "We hope to pull ourselves together to focus on the final weekend," Holleran said. "Our chance to redeem our two big losses and reestablish ourselves means a lot for the team." Forget March Madness, get excited about February Fever and the Howe Cup. Squash -- it's a racket.
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