PHILADELPHIA - The Haverford College men's squash team (8-11) concluded the 2023-24 team season on a high note, securing a decisive 7-2 victory over Vassar in the Conroy Cup third-place playoff at the CSA Divisional Team Championships (7-12) on Sunday afternoon at the Specter Center in Philadelphia.

Engaging in their fourth encounter with the Brewers this season, Haverford once again demonstrated its prowess in a closely contested battle up and down the ladder in University City.

The Fords gained early momentum with swift victories at the fifth and seventh flights. Ben Schiltz displayed a dominant performance, sweeping past Jarid Haslinger with an 11-5, 11-2, 11-4 triumph, while Francis Betkowski continued his solid weekend, securing an 11-4, 11-2, 11-5 sweep against Patrick Looby.

The third flight witnessed an intense showdown between Kai Schinaman and Konstantinos Georgallides. Although Schinaman initially dominated with an 11-0, 11-6 lead, Georgallides staged a remarkable comeback, completing a reverse sweep with 11-8, 11-6, and 11-8 victories, securing a crucial first tally for Vassar.

At the fourth flight, Peter Lehv dispatched Luke Chen in four games, claiming dominant 11-2 and 11-3 wins before responding to Chen's narrow 11-9 win with an 11-4 victory, marking Haverford's third tally of the afternoon. 

Kyle Benson took an early lead at the eighth flight, winning consecutive 11-9 and 11-7 victories. However, Garret Fantini fought back, forcing a decisive fifth game with two 11-8 wins. In a thrilling finale, Benson rallied from a deficit in extra points to secure a 13-11 victory, earning the Brewers their second win.

Arvin Krishnan secured a vital win at the sixth flight, rallying over Razaan Lalji in straight games (11-6, 11-6, 11-9), setting the stage for a triumphant moment for Noah Tunis at the top flight. Facing off against Rithik Jalali for the fourth time this season, Tunis emerged victorious in four games (11-6, 5-11, 12-10, 11-9), snapping an eight-game skid and showcasing the magnitude of the win for the junior. 

Buoyed by Tunis's cathartic victory, Haverford maintained its momentum after the clinch with the good vibes flowing throughout the Specter Center. Matt Sullivan, stepping into the lineup at the ninth flight, delivered a strong performance against Gabriel Lugo, securing 11-6 and 11-3 wins before closing out the match in four with an 11-7 win.

Aaryaman Jaising claimed two quick wins at number two, with 11-9 and 11-2 victories, before his opponent Jay Vashisht rallied to force extra points. Undeterred, Jaising closed out the match with a 14-12 win. In the exhibition match, Ali Nurkhaidarov swept past Joseph Donato (11-1, 11-9, 11-2).

With the 2023-24 team season concluded, Haverford looks ahead to the CSA Individual Championships and U.S. Squash Collegiate Doubles tournaments on March 8-10 at the Specter Center in Philadelphia. Further details on these competitions will be announced in the coming weeks.