News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania’s men’s and women’s squash teams excelled in their matches against Cornell, with the women’s team pulling off a flawless 9-0 victory, maintaining their undefeated streak. The men also secured a decisive win, bringing their season total to nine victories. This performance highlights the strength of both Penn programs as they prepare for upcoming Ivy League competitions. The weekend proved challenging for Cornell, who faced tough losses, including a previous match against Princeton.
ITHACA, N.Y. – The University of Pennsylvania’s men’s and women’s squash teams delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, January 31, 2026, sweeping host Cornell in a decisive display of skill. These victories mark significant milestones for both Penn programs, adding to their impressive season records.
Penn Women’s Squash Dominates, Remains Undefeated
The No. 2-ranked Penn women’s squash team showcased its formidable strength, achieving a flawless 9-0 victory over the No. 7-ranked Cornell women’s squad. This sweep extends Penn women’s undefeated streak and registers their eleventh win of the season.
Several Penn athletes secured decisive three-game sweeps in their individual matches, demonstrating their control on the court. Among those contributing to the comprehensive win were Malak Khafagy, Malak Taha, Sohalia Ismail, Allie Stoddard, Ashna Tumuluri, and Savannah Ingledew, each winning their matches in straight games.
Other key contributors to the women’s victory included Franka Vidovic, who overcame her opponent in four games, and Anne Leakey and Hailey Wong, who also clinched four-game wins.
Penn Men’s Squash Secures Ninth Victory
The Penn men’s squash team also delivered a strong performance against Cornell on Saturday, securing their ninth win of the year. While not a perfect 9-0 sweep like the women’s team, the men’s squad achieved a dominant victory, with nearly all players winning their matches in straight games.
Notable individual performances for the Penn men included Omar Hafez, Salman Khalil, Alex Dartnell, Rustin Wiser, Gregory Malsang, Rehan Luthra, Varun Chitturi, and Hao Cui, who all earned three-game sweeps. Marwan Abdelsalam also contributed to the team’s success with a four-game victory.
These back-to-back wins for the men’s team highlight their consistent performance throughout the season.
Cornell’s Challenging Ivy League Weekend
The matches against Penn concluded a demanding Ivy League weekend for Cornell’s squash programs. Just a day prior, on Friday, January 30, 2026, the No. 7-ranked Cornell women’s squash team also faced a tough challenge against No. 4 Princeton, resulting in a 9-0 sweep by Princeton in Ithaca.
In that Friday contest, Princeton secured five straight-game victories. Individual wins for Princeton included Zeina Zein, who triumphed in four games, and Alexandra Jaffe, Caroline Eielson, Samantha Jaffe, Hermione Cao, and Sonya Sasson, who all achieved three-game sweeps. Emma Trauber and Charlotte Bell also contributed four-game wins for Princeton, while Liyen Teoh secured a five-game victory.
The Cornell men’s team also competed against Princeton on Friday, January 30, 2026, where they were defeated 7-2 by the No. 8-ranked Princeton men’s squash team.
The Ivy League schedule presents a continuous test for collegiate squash teams, with each match carrying significant weight in conference standings. The intensity of these matchups underscores the competitive nature of the sport at this level, demanding peak performance from every athlete. Such weekends offer valuable experience, highlighting areas for both individual and team growth as the season progresses towards championship play.
Looking Ahead for Penn
The Penn men’s and women’s squash teams are scheduled to continue their rigorous Ivy League season. They are set to face Princeton in New Jersey on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This upcoming match will be another crucial contest as they aim to maintain their strong standings within the conference.
Understanding Collegiate Squash
Collegiate squash matches are typically contested in a best-of-nine format, where individual player matchups contribute to the overall team score. A sweep, or a 9-0 victory, indicates a dominant performance where every player on the winning team successfully defeated their opponent. These results are crucial for team rankings and momentum, particularly in highly competitive conferences like the Ivy League, where every point can influence a team’s championship aspirations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the Penn vs. Cornell squash matches on Saturday, January 31, 2026?
The University of Pennsylvania’s men’s and women’s squash teams swept Cornell on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
What was the score of the Penn women’s squash match against Cornell?
The No. 2-ranked Penn women’s squash team achieved a dominant 9-0 victory over the No. 7-ranked Cornell women’s squad.
How many wins does the Penn women’s squash team have this season after defeating Cornell?
The victory against Cornell marks the Penn women’s squash team’s eleventh win of the season, maintaining their undefeated record.
How many wins does the Penn men’s squash team have this season after defeating Cornell?
The win against Cornell marks the Penn men’s squash team’s ninth victory of the year.
Did Cornell women’s squash play any other matches recently?
Yes, on Friday, January 30, 2026, the No. 7-ranked Cornell women’s squash team was swept 9-0 by No. 4 Princeton in Ithaca.
When will the Penn squash teams play next?
Both Penn squash teams are scheduled to play Princeton in New Jersey on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Key Features of the Penn vs. Cornell Squash Matches (January 31, 2026)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Location | Ithaca, N.Y. |
| Penn Women’s Team Result | 9-0 sweep over Cornell |
| Penn Women’s Ranking | No. 2 |
| Cornell Women’s Ranking | No. 7 |
| Penn Women’s Season Record (after match) | 11th win, undefeated |
| Penn Men’s Team Result | Decisive victory (not 9-0, but dominant) |
| Penn Men’s Season Record (after match) | 9th win |
| Previous Cornell Women’s Match | Swept 9-0 by No. 4 Princeton on Jan 30, 2026 |
| Previous Cornell Men’s Match | Defeated 7-2 by No. 8 Princeton on Jan 30, 2026 |
| Next Penn Matches | Vs. Princeton on Saturday, February 7, 2026 |