W. Squash in fine form for rout a Trinity

The Quakers faltered early, but came together to trounce the Bantams, 8-1, on Sunday. The No. 1-ranked Penn women's squash team came, saw and conquered Trinity on Sunday in one swift swing of the racquet. If you think that last cliche is worn, you should have seen Trinity. The mighty Quakers dominated a strong Bantams side, 8-1, in convincing fashion. "I am very pleased," Penn coach Demer Holleran said. "The squad is truly peaking. Our team is mentally tough. We were figuring our opponents out, assessing their strengths and weaknesses. We were determined and we showed a lot of heart and desire." As the matches got underway at noon on Sunday, it looked like the Quakers were still sleeping. Five out of the Red and Blue's top nine lost their first game in the best-of-five matches. Included in that group was No. 1 Katie Patrick. "I lost 10-9 the first game, but I often lose the first game. My opponent played well during the entire match, but I had more endurance," Patrick said. Out of the five Quakers who trailed after one game, four managed to claw back for victories. "The ability not to fold is a crucial ingredient [in a championship team]," Holleran said. "We showed great resolve." In particular, Lauren Patrizio demonstrated what she is made of when she took to the court against the Bantams. Patrizio had been sidelined with a knee injury for all of the 1999-2000 season before she returned to face Trinity. The fully recuperated Penn junior wasted no time making her impact felt as she thrashed her opponent three games to one. "It was really special for her to win," said Patrick. "It gave the team a lift." The Quakers are riding very high right now, with good reason. They are undefeated and remain the nation's top-ranked squad. Penn took a much-needed rest yesterday, but the Quakers will hold their last practice today before playing the always ultra-critical match with Princeton tomorrow night at the Ringe Courts. "Princeton will be tough," Holleran said. "They have three All-Americans to their name." The Quakers bring just one All-American with them to the table in Patrick, but they remain undaunted in the face of the archrival Tigers. "Princeton is a whole different kettle of fish," Holleran said. "They won this thing numerous times, and they may have more experience than us." But Holleran knows that the Quakers would love to beat the third-ranked Tigers, and she feels that her team has the firepower necessary to shoot them down.

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