The University of Johannesburg were crowned the University Sport South Africa squash champions for the seventh year in a row in Port Elizabeth last week.
Competing at Nelson Mandela University, the holders defeated hosts Madibaz 4-2 in the final.
UJ coach Mike Bester said their women had proved crucial in their success, winning all their matches in the final.
“We lost a very close match at No 3 in the men’s line-up and also at No 1, but won the No 2 to take the win,” he said.
“We had a strong women’s side this year and our strength is the depth that we have in our squad.
UJ coach Mike Bester said their women had proved crucial in their success, winning all their matches in the final.
“We lost a very close match at No 3 in the men’s line-up and also at No 1, but won the No 2 to take the win,” he said.
“We had a strong women’s side this year and our strength is the depth that we have in our squad.
“For instance, last year we were strong in the men’s team, and this year our women’s team was very good, so the one backs up the other.”
While emphasising the teamwork in the squad, Bester said women’s No 1 Alexa Pienaar was a major asset for the team.
“She is top of the tree as far as student squash is concerned and she is a banker for us at No 1.”
Besides spearheading the team event win, Pienaar confirmed her potential by retaining her individual title.
At the conclusion of the week, Pienaar was named in the USSA team to compete in the World University Championships in Birmingham in September.
“She is top of the tree as far as student squash is concerned and she is a banker for us at No 1.”
Besides spearheading the team event win, Pienaar confirmed her potential by retaining her individual title.
At the conclusion of the week, Pienaar was named in the USSA team to compete in the World University Championships in Birmingham in September.
UJ’s Kacey-Leigh Dodd will play Hayley Ward, of Madibaz, to decide the second place in the USSA women’s team.
