PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania's women's squash team (4-1, 0-0) enters the New Year with Howe Cup aspirations and begins its Ivy League campaign with a two-game road series this weekend. The Quakers will do battle against #1 Harvard (2-0, 1-0) on Saturday, before traveling to face #11 Dartmouth (1-2, 0-1) on Sunday.
 
Previewing Penn
The Quaker women finished 2019 on a positive note, with a 9-0 win over St. Lawrence, their second 9-0 win of the season and most in the first five games of a season since 2015-16. Now, the women are back in action, as they face some of their strongest competition of the season in #1 Harvard and #11 Dartmouth.

One of the most important factors in the Quakers early success has been its depth. Amina Abou El Enin and Haley Scott both remain undefeated, while newcomers into the top nine this season, Clare Kearns and Margaret Frantz both rolled to victories against St. Lawrence. While captains Jessica Davis and Julia Buchholz remain critical pieces, the Crimson feature one of the deepest lineups in America and every player will be tested.

The matchup against the Big Green also comes with added pressure. The Quakers haven't lost to the Big Green since the 2005 Howe Cup, extending its series record lead to 12 games. With a hungry Dartmouth searching for a critical win, this will prove to be another test for the women.
 
#7 Penn at #1 Harvard – Saturday, 12:00 p.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn trails 47-6 | Last Meeting: February 3, 2019 (Harvard, 9-0)
 
Previewing the Crimson
In one of the most historic runs in Ivy League history, the Crimson have won their last 69 games, last falling to the Quakers on January 11, 2015. Since that time, Harvard has won five consecutive Howe Cups and only just dropped their first point since February 4, 2018 (when the Quakers took one against them in an 8-1 loss), in an 8-1 win against #11 Dartmouth. The team is led by several remarkable players, including the talented senior British duo of Gina Kennedy and Amelia Henley.
 
#7 Penn at #11 Dartmouth – Sunday, 11:00 a.m.
Series Information
Records: Penn leads 32-20 | Last Meeting: February 2, 2019 (Penn, 6-3)
 
Previewing the Big Green
The Big Green enter the new year with their sites set on the Howe Cup but have dealt with a challenging schedule to begin the season. After opening season losses to #1 Harvard and #2 Trinity, Dartmouth responded with a 7-2 win over #13 Williams and continue running the gauntlet with matches against #3 Princeton and #7 Penn this weekend. Senior Annie Blasberg continues to be a staple in the Big Green lineup but is joined this season by breakout freshman Emma Supattapone.