The High School Nationals Squash Tournament in Philadelphia last weekend was a thrilling showcase of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Buffalo was well represented, with five high school teams competing: Nichols School (boys and girls), Nardin Academy (girls), Buffalo Seminary (girls), and Canisius High School (boys). Each team played with heart, making their city (and the BSRA!) proud on the national stage.
Nichols Boys Excel in Division IV Consolation Round
The Nichols boys’ team competed in Division IV and faced a tough loss to Berkshire in the main draw. However, they bounced back in the consolation round, winning their next two matches to take home the Consolation 1 title. Coaches Imran Khan, Fred Maynor, and David Pfalzgraf praised their team’s resilience, saying, “These young men showed tremendous grit and determination. After a tough loss, they regrouped and played some of their best squash of the season. We couldn’t be prouder.”
Canisius Boys Overcome Heartbreak to End on a High Note
The Canisius boys had a strong run but suffered a heartbreaking loss in the quarterfinals against St. Luke’s School. Not letting the setback define their tournament, they rallied back to defeat Shady Side Academy—a team they had lost to earlier in the season. Head coach Steve Joyce reflected on the journey. “The season was a big success in the game we love and continue to grow,” said Joyce. “I’m excited for next season with a young and eager team. Grateful to all the seniors this year, and especially our captains, Tommy Sheehan, David Romanowich, and Joe Bayer, who made the trip to Philly and provided exceptional leadership and an example for the underclassmen.”
Girls Teams Battle It Out in Division VI
Nichols, Nardin, and Buffalo Seminary all competed in Division VI, bringing strong performances throughout the tournament. In an exciting quarterfinal matchup, Nichols and Nardin went head-to-head, with Nardin emerging victorious. Nichols, undeterred, went on to win their next two matches and secured the 2nd Consolation Round victory.
Buffalo Seminary also put on an impressive showing, capping off their tournament with a big win over Rumson Fair Haven. Buf Sem coach Mike Ferrick praised the team’s efforts, saying, “The girls had a blast playing in the tournament and supporting each other. Molly Reynolds and Amaya Trumper-Muller were able to win three out of their five matches. It was a fun season with a lot of hard work and good times.”
Nardin Takes Home Buffalo’s Only Main Draw Championship
A major win came from Nardin Academy, which went undefeated to claim the Division VI title—the only main draw championship among the Buffalo schools. Their dominant performance highlighted the strength and depth of their team, making them a force to be reckoned with. Nardin coach Pamicka Marinello reflected on the season saying, ” Our team showed true grit, sportsmanship and determination throughout the entire season, and with ten (!) graduating seniors, we look forward to our underclassmen stepping up and continuing this trajectory for our team.”
A Weekend to Remember
The High School Nationals in Philadelphia was a fantastic event for all Buffalo teams, showcasing not only their skills but also their determination and love for the game. With strong senior leadership and promising young talent, the future of Buffalo squash looks bright. Congratulations to all the players and coaches for an incredible tournament!