The Saints, who were playing in just their third Final in the CSA Team Nationals since 2007, secured the Walker Cup for the first time in program history as the St. Lawrence University women's squash team defeated Franklin & Marshall 8-1 on Sunday afternoon in the Walker Cup Final at the CSA Team Nationals in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Walker Cup title is the third CSA Team Nationals title for the Saints in their program history and their first since 2007. The Scarlet and Brown won the Epps Cup in 1999 and 2007.

St. Lawrence improved to 15-5 with the win, while Franklin & Marshall fell to 8-12. The Saints' 15 wins are the second-most in a season in program history.

"It was a perfect ending to a long, demanding season," said head coach Dave Morrish. "After the heartbreak of the Liberty League Final, this was the response we hoped for: resilient, united, and proud. The setback could have defined us, but instead it sharpened us. Today was about character, finishing what we started, and honoring the journey. Most of all, it was a fitting tribute to our seniors. They've given everything to this program: leadership, toughness, laughter, and standards. They've carried the culture forward and left it better than they found it; that's their legacy. Also, a shout out to Hannah, our assistant coach, whose commitment, energy, and belief in this team meant more than words can say. She helped shape not just better players, but better competitors and teammates."

"The team put in a lot of work this year to earn this Championship," added assistant coach Hannah Guthrie. "I'm so proud of their dedication to the sport and to each other as a team. I feel truly lucky to be a part of this special group."

The match started with the teams splitting a pair of matches. Franklin & Marshall picked up a win at three, while at nine, Emma Kahle cruised to an 11-2, 11-4, 11-1 win over Nathalie Hernandez.

Senior Madeleine Martin came up big for the Saints in her last career match, winning at number four against Noelle Bardorf. After winning the first two games, she lost a close 13-11 game to force a fourth. The senior cleaned things up with an 11-5 win to give the Saints the 2-1 lead.

The Saints then proceeded to take a commanding lead, winning two more matches at two and seven. On the glass court, Eboni Atherley and Rory Dasher occupied the two spot, and Atherley swept the contest 11-6, 11-8, 11-2. Then at seven, Katherine Callaway made it a 4-1 match with an 11-7, 7-11, 11-3, 11-7 win over Elisabeth Stout.

The Walker Cup clinching win came from the racquet of Khissaiyia Spencer, who earned the Scarlet and Brown's fifth win at six against Lavanya Mio Seshasayee. Spencer took the key matchup 11-9, 11-8, 11-8.

In the remaining matches, Ksenia Merkulova ended her St. Lawrence career on a high note, defeating Destiny Ponce 11-1, 11-4, 11-0 at number eight, Angel Otshabeng closed her season with a decisive 11-9, 11-6, 11-6 win over Ashanti Amastal at one, and Laura Franz took on Joey Ho at five and won 8-11, 11-3, 11-5, 11-6.