Last night the Portland YMCA Winter League held it’s annual Playoffs Finals to determine the League Champions and Consolation winners. We were fortunate to have been able to use the newly renovated Bates College Squash Center for our final league night! The evening was filled with exciting squash and good times including pizza and beverages.
This year’s final match was exciting and filled with a roller coaster of drama! The unlikely winning team started the playoffs seeded 2nd to last after a dismal season of only 2 wins. The Teal Seals, captained by Chip Harlow, managed to sneak through a couple of key matches on the shoulders of great play by various team members to end up in last night’s championship match against Harvey’s Green Hornets. The Green Hornets had the second best record after the regular season.
With all other play completed and matches tied at 4-4 and Paul McGonnigal and Jan Van Voorst tied at 2-2 in games the tension in the air was obvious. Jan pulled out to a commanding lead of 9-4 before Paul managed to turn the match around. He rallied to 9-9 then gifted Jan with an easy unforced error. Jan returned the favor and Paul held strong to win 12-10.
In the consolation round Doug’s White Rabbits managed to steal a victory from Teddy’s Purple Possums through the clever use of substitutes. Teddy lost a tight 5 game match 11-9 in the 5th game after inspired and remarkable play to bring his team close to victory.
