POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (November 6, 2009) – Although 2008-09 was a difficult year for the Vassar College men's squash program, a promising 3-1 finish to the season gives the Brewers momentum to build on heading into 2009-10. Vassar will open its season at home, hosting Haverford College at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Kenyon Courts.

Last year, the Brewers picked up their first win of the season with a convincing 9-0 sweep of Bard College on Vassar's Senior Day. Vassar then went 2-1 at the College Squash Association (CSA) Serues Cup (F Division) with an 8-1 victory over the University of North Carolina in the opening round, and a 5-4 win against Fordham University – a team that defeated the Brewers earlier in the season – in the final game of the championship. Vassar finished third in the Serues Cup and 43rd overall in the nation.

"The win over Fordham was a step in the right direction," said head coach Jane Parker, entering her tenth season. "The squad has worked hard in the off-season to get fitter and be more prepared for this year. There is a new attitude and we hope we can build on that work ethic."

Although the Brewers lost four of their top five players, including No. 1 Austin Minkowski and No. 2 Daniel Tan, Vassar brings in a core of experienced returners and welcomes a group of talented freshman to fill those roles. 

Seniors Hendrick Isom and Arjun Agarwala will captain the team, providing valuable experience and leadership to the squad.

"Arjun and Henk are mature young men who work hard and will be a good example for our freshman," said Parker.

Additionally, senior David Prentice, juniors Mehdi Naqvi, Arjun Jain, and Kyle Holter, who all saw time in the lineup last season will add considerable match experience and help to fill the roles vacated by the graduated seniors.

Freshmen Jacob Harris, Andrew Lindsay, and Robert Ruggiero should provide important depth to the squad, though Harris is recovering from illness and Lindsay is returning from injury.

The Brewers have the opportunity to start their season off strong heading into the Liberty League Championships, with three consecutive home matches. Two of those – Bard on November 11 and Fordham on November 18 – are against teams Vassar defeated last year. On November 21-22, the Brewers will head to St. Lawrence University for the Liberty League Championships.