Two of Shawnigan's top squash players are rising to their biggest challenge yet.

 

Departing a week before the end of term, Coach Mike Johnson has accompanied the athletes to the 2018 Canadian Junior Open at the White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

 

Playing in the Under-19 boys event, 17-year-old Mitchell K. won his first two matchups – battling through a five-game marathon in his opening match and then dispatching his second opponent in three straight games. Facing the No. 2 seed, Mitchell was knocked out of contention in the Round of 16, ultimately winning and losing a game in the consolation draw.

 

Fellow 17-year-old Anika K. also tested her mettle in the Under-19 girls event, playing some of her best squash despite a recent return from injury. After a convincing victory in her opening round matchup, Anika faced the No. 1 seed in the tournament, falling in four close games.

 

Shawnigan Coach Mike Johnson says the two athletes played "out of their skin" – even against some of the top young players around.

 

The group now has a few days to rest and recover before venturing to the US Junior Open in greater Boston, where a third teammate, Kedar N., will join them.