Freshmen bolster W. Squash title hopes against Princeton

With the Ivy League title on the line, the Penn women's squash team is looking to who else but its four freshmen to come through in the clutch. That's right; the Quakers (5-1) will rely on four freshmen to beat first-place Princeton at 7:30 p.m. Monday at Penn's Ringe Squash Courts. With any other four, they might have reason to worry. Helen Bamber, Rina Borromeo, Megan Fuller and Lauren Patrizio are referred to collectively as "The Freshmen." Monday they will have the chance to prove that they deserve to fill nearly half the starting spots on the varsity roster. The Freshmen each have their individual strengths and weaknesses, their own personalities and their own interests at Penn. But once they step out on the squash court, they are joined by more than their lack of intercollegiate experience. They all belong in the upper tier of the nation's college squash players. Combined they are 22-2 so far this season. "They are such tough competitors," Penn coach Demer Holleran said. "They train hard, and when they are on the court there are no shenanigans. "You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can't put it together on match day and you can't analyze your opponent or you can't concentrate, you might not win the match." "The Freshmen" were all among the nation's top squash players in high school and were heavily recruited by a number of colleges. They came to Penn for a variety of reasons, but at the top of each of their lists was Holleran. "Demer was definitely a really big factor in my decision," Patrizio said. "I really liked her personality and she was honest and open. She was straightforward on where I'd be playing and was committed to helping me improve my game." Holleran has lived up to her promises. "She is always there for us as a friend and a coach," Patrizio said. "Everyday I learn something new," Borromeo said. "I used to think squash was just about hitting the ball. Now I know so much about strategy and tactics and the defensive game." Recruiting is a huge part of developing a successful squash program. Holleran and assistant coach Titus Cranch both try to see as many junior players play as possible. Holleran contacted each of the freshmen personally to talk to them about Penn and the squash program. She even spoke with Borromeo at her home in the Philippines and Bamber in Zimbabwe to express her interest. Holleran gives the recruits an honest look at the benefits of playing at Penn. One of the points she stresses is the frequent individual attention they will receive by practicing with herself and Cranch. Whatever she says seems to work. The four girls were all highly regarded recruits and are all happy with their decision. "They each provide something different for the team," Holleran said. "Helen is very fast, Rina volleys really well, Megan is very fit and tracks down a lot of balls and Lauren uses the whole court effectively and has a good shot selection." Holleran and "The Freshmen" seem to be a perfect match. They all have their eyes set on one goal, winning. "I knew at Penn I would have a chance to play and win," Borromeo said. "I really want to win the national championship. I think we can do it this year." Instead of seeing "The Freshmen" as underclassmen with little experience in handling the pressures of competing for a championship, Holleran sees them as four players who solidify the middle of the Quakers lineup. "The fact that there's four of them is hugely significant," Holleran said. "To a coach, to have a really solid class like that is tremendous. In the future, they will provide great leadership."