JAKE GROSS, MEN'S SQUASH
Senior Jake Gross, tri-captain of the men's squash team, had an impressive weekend as the men's squash team advanced to the finals of the Summers Division of the CSA Team Championships. Though the team eventually lost in the championship to St. Lawrence on Sunday, Gross was outstanding in each round, winning all three of his contests.
On Friday, Gross' performance was reflective of the team's overall domination of Wesleyan. The Jumbos routed the Cardinals 8-1, while Gross lost only four points to his opponent. On Saturday, the Jumbos squeaked by Hamilton 5-4, but Gross again defeated his competition in straight sets. While the Jumbos dropped the championship on Sunday, Gross was one of three Jumbos to win his matchup.
Gross, already Tufts' career wins leader, topped 50 with his win over Wesleyan and brought his total to 53 with the victory over St. Lawrence. He has had an incredible career with the Jumbos, having become the team's No. 1 in only his freshman year. The tournament last weekend marked Gross' final participation in collegiate team competition. He now looks to finish his strong career on a high note next week in the CSA individual championships.
KHALILAH UMMAH, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
On a weekend when the women's basketball team was celebrating Senior Day, no Jumbo shined brighter than senior co-captain Khalilah Ummah. The center put up dominant performances in important wins over Bowdoin and Colby on the weekend, earning her NESCAC Player of the Week honors.
The Jumbos started the weekend off by demolishing the previous NESCAC leaders Bowdoin in an 83-56 win. Ummah led the way, finishing with a game-high 20 points and adding 12 rebounds for the day. The senior shot over 60 percent on the day, finishing 10-16 as the Jumbos put forth an impressive offensive display.
Ummah then followed up that effort with an even more dominating performance versus Colby in a game which the Jumbos easily won 84-60. The Mules were no match for Ummah's inside game, as she once again led her team with 17 points and an astounding 19 rebounds. The rebounding mark was a career high and the most for a Tufts player since 1996.
Ummah and Tufts enter the NESCAC Tournament next weekend as the second seed behind No. 1 Amherst. The Jumbos' strong play over the weekend allowed them to gain a home court advantage in the first round Saturday, when they will face the seventh-seeded Middlebury Panthers.
