Rehearsal Event #1 in Princeton - TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!

This Saturday we hosted our first Rehearsal Tournament of the season, this time at Squash Tigers NJ. The courts were alive with competitive matches, impressive effort, and plenty of learning opportunities. Players brought their best, families cheered with enthusiasm, and the atmosphere reminded us why these rehearsals are such a valuable part of our journey together - grab a sneak look at our YouTube for a feel of the atmosphere!

What Makes a Rehearsal?

Rehearsal Tournaments are in-house events created to give players the feel of a real competition without the weight of rankings or ratings. The format guarantees multiple matches in a supportive, competitive setting, encouraging athletes to practice tactics, sharpen match play, and learn from every outing. They are a chance to grow, rehearse, and prepare for bigger stages.

Premier Showdowns

The Premier Division delivered some of the highest-level squash of the day. Coach Michael led the way, overcoming Anisha in the final after a string of strong matches. Anisha had earlier earned her spot with a gritty five-game semifinal win over Dhruv. In the 3rd/4th playoff, Dhruv edged William after a close contest, while Charlotte and Anders (visiting from NY) produced a nail-biter of their own. To close out the division, Chloe and Zushmalene battled in an exciting match, with Chloe earning the victory after a series of thrilling rallies.

Division One Highlights

Sara bounced back impressively from her qualifying defeat to claim the title, showing resilience and poise under pressure. Aalene and Avi joined her on the podium, each displaying energy and strong form. Riyanshi added another determined performance to her growing résumé, while Tongtong made her Rehearsal Tournament debut after moving to the U.S., gaining valuable experience. Zeeshan, Yaseen, and Dev rounded out the division with steady efforts that kept the competition lively.

Division Two Battles

Evy, traveling in from Northern NJ, fought her way to the top after a narrow qualifying loss, winning Division 2 with determination. Aksh and Sahana shared the podium with her, both showing excellent progress and enthusiasm. Brandon’s consistent grit was on display throughout, while Serena, Charan, and Vir all impressed with competitive play and steady growth.

Division Three Stories

Lily powered through to take home the win, but the spotlight was also on Evan and Yashil, whose five-game semifinal clash was among the day’s most exciting encounters. Evan advanced to the final, while Yashil bounced back to win the 3rd/4th playoff over Lucas, who impressed in his first Rehearsal Tournament. Vrinda, returning from summer injury, showed remarkable resilience in a string of tiebreak games. Leo and Princeton rounded out the draw with performances full of promise.

Future Tigers Rising

Division 4 belonged to our youngest competitors, and their energy lit up the courts. Mark claimed first place with straight-game wins, while Rai edged Shrey in a tight four-game battle. A special mention goes to Shrey, who only started playing this past summer and is already making big strides. Thanks as well to Dhruv for stepping in to help run the group, a true team effort that captured the day’s atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

The rehearsal journey continues on October 4th, when players return to Exton for the next in-house event. Just one week later, from October 11–13, roughly twenty of our Tigers will be in action at the Junior Championship Tour (JCT) in California, one of our favorite hunting grounds! October's going to be great!

Final Reflections

From Premier matches to the youngest division, the Princeton Club rehearsal was a showcase of effort and community. Congratulations to all players for their hard work, and thank you to families and friends for your support throughout the event. We look forward to seeing everyone back on court soon - next stop, Exton, October 4th - can't wait! 🐅