Silver for Trehan, bronze for Nalapati — Jamaica’s future shines on CASA courts

Team Jamaica launched its Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) campaign with a flourish, as vice‑captain Mehar Trehan and captain Sanjana Nalapati captured silver and bronze, respectively, in individual competition which concluded on Wednesday evening.

Facing the formidable Eboni Atherley in the Girls’ Under‑19 final, Trehan stormed to a two‑game lead before bowing 2‑3 in a pulsating encounter. Snatching even a single game from Atherley had been unprecedented; taking two rattled the champion and electrified the gallery. Though the Barbadian staged a comeback, Trehan’s audacious shot‑making announced her as a genuine regional threat.

Nalapati sweeps to bronze in commanding fashion

Team skipper Nalapati left no doubt in the third‑place play‑off, dismantling Gabrielle Turchiaro 11‑6, 11‑4, 11‑5. Her clinical put‑aways and relentless court coverage sealed Jamaica’s second medal of the night and set a fierce tone for the team events to follow.

Karen Anderson, president of the newly rebranded Jamaica Squash, beamed with pride: “Individuals are finished and I’m extremely proud of how the kids have played over the last three days. Mehar was an overwhelming underdog, and seeing her take two games rattled the champion. Sanjana captured bronze with poise. They have played with heart and never gave up. The rest of the squad has punched above its weight, soaking up lessons from the tournament’s seasoned contenders.”

Battles across the age groups

Girls U‑19: Elle Wilson sixth, falling 0‑3 to Milanna Lamontagne; Girls U‑15: Hinal Lohana eighth after a 1‑3 defeat to Claudia Bullmore; teammate Isabelle Robinson ninth, losing 0‑3 to McKenna Kyme.

Girls U‑13: Marley Price ninth, outlasting Peyton Marshall‑Branche 3‑1; Boys U‑15: Ethan Miller claimed fifth when Daniel Sealy retired hurt at 1‑all; Govind Venogopal finished ninth, edging Nixon Callender 3‑2.

Boys U‑17: Max Henzell sixteenth after a 1‑3 loss to Brenna Da Silva; lone U‑17 girl Prya Stoddart fell 0‑3 to Thalia Knight.

With individual medals secured, Jamaica’s young gladiators now pivot to doubles and team play. Momentum — and unmistakable belief — travel with them into the next phase of the championships.