Mehar Trehan and Sanjana Nallapati secured the girls’ under-19 doubles gold medal for Jamaica at the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Championships. The event took place at the South Sound Squash Club in the Cayman Islands.
Victory in Doubles
Trehan and Nallapati, representing Jamaica, triumphed over Sarrayah Yearwood and Olivia Watts of Barbados. The Jamaican pair secured the victory with scores of 11-7 and 11-6. This gold medal ensured that all three of Jamaica’s medals at the championship were secured.
According to Nallapati, "“I think chemistry is so important in doubles and it ultimately helps you win. I think that was a large factor in our victory. We were able to keep each other focused and motivated." She added, "“Doubles is quite different to singles in squash. So to be able to figure out what to do in a match, the game plan to have and to have your teammate on board with you, is something very special.”" Nallapati captained the team and also secured an individual bronze medal.
Trehan emphasized her experience in doubles, stating, "“I played doubles last year and won as well. It’s an incredible feeling knowing I did it again. Even though my partner has changed, it shows our team has amazing chemistry to work under pressure.”" She also added, "“Doubles is super fun, yet competitive and intense game. It is super competitive because the skill levels are very similar. But it makes me super proud to win a gold for Jamaica.”" Trehan also captured the silver medal in the individual competition.
Pride in the Team
Karen Anderson, President of Jamaica Squash, expressed her pride in the team’s performance. "“I’m extremely proud of how the kids have played. Mehar Trehan captured the silver medal after a hard-fought match against the eventual winner Eboni Atherley and Sanjana captured the bronze in girls’ under-19." Anderson highlighted their determination, saying, "“They’ve played with heart, desire, and never gave up, and they carried that momentum through to doubles and team events." She also noted the importance of defending their title, adding, "“So I am extremely proud of the girls. We were defending champions and it was important for us to go out and defend that title."
Anderson remarked on the entire team’s contribution. "“The rest of the team has played above their pay grade and it’s been good to see them enjoying the experience, but at the same time watching and learning from more experienced players,”"
Nallapati reflected on the significance of the victory: "“It’s a great experience to win gold for your country. It was fun and a well-deserved experience." She also added, "“Individually, we were both high level players at this tournament, so to put together this win against other players at the tournament really meant something and showed what we are capable of,”"
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