Crimson Squash Team Tops Hapless Amherst

"We won fairly decisively," varsity squash coach Jack Barnaby said in describing his team's 9-0 triumph over Amherst yesterday. The Crimson racquetmen dropped only two games in their season opener.

Barnaby was not overly impressed with the victory. "It was not the challenge we expected." he said. "It was a lot of fun playing, but there were no great performances. You need two players to make a great match. We were more experienced all down the line, and there was never any real pressure."

The only lopsided victory came at number nine where Jaime Gonzales deyastated his opponeut. Pete Sarafan. 15-7. 15-3. 15-5. Jaime's brother Fernando turned in the second-best performance, winning 15-7, 15-11, 15-4 at number three.

Prior to the match, Barttaby had cited the hazards of playing away from home. "Winning away is always difficult." he said. "We drive 100 miles, jump out of the car, and are expected to give a top performance.

"Also, the home team knows its courts better so its players are ready to take more chances, aim the ball a little closer to the line and make more daring plays. Since visitors are a little more cautions. I'd say the home team has an advantage of about four points a game. "Four points wasn't enough handicap for Amherst.

Captain Larry Terrell, John Ince, Pete Abrams, Dave Fish, and Ed Atwood all swept their matches in three games. After watching Atwood defeat Fred Croft at number five, 15-9, 15-11, 15-12, the Amherst squash coach said. "He's the best fifth man I've ever seen."

Fritz Hobbs won his first match by only one point and dropped the second game, 14-18, Upset that he had to continue after the three-game intermission. Hobbs took his anger out on Frank Cushman, 15-9, 15-6. Sophomore Paul Brown had the closest win of the match-15-10, 15-13, 13-15, 15-13-but Barnaby said. "He was busy trying out some new soft stuff."

In 25 matches, Amherst has never beaten the Crimson.