LANCASTER, Pa. — Franklin and Marshall College will be busy for the next couple of days as some of the top women's squash players in the world make their way to Lancaster.
Squash is described as a racket-and-ball sport played by two or four players in a four-walled court with a small rubber ball. Similar to tennis and badminton, the core objective is to make the opponent miss their shot to earn points.
The Hamilton Open returned for the third year, bringing out the best squash has to offer.
“We wanted to bring a tournament here we thought we could do it," said King Knox, the co-chairman of the Hamilton Open. "Lancaster has a history of women's professional sports, so we thought it was a natural for us."
There was lots of fast-paced and quick action among the courts. Players are all vying for the $20,000 prize in the single elimination tournament with only the best advancing.
"These women are ranked from about number 30 in the world to 100," Knox explained. "So they are accomplished players, we have 24 from 11 different countries play[ing] in this event."
The gym was filled with friends, family, and fans of the sport. As the popularity continues to grow many in the area were treated to the action.
"I've gotten to see all of the top-notch squash players here in Lancaster," said player Audrey Burling. "My friends have gotten to see it who have never seen squash before so it’s really great for the Lancaster community to have this going on.
It was not only a big day locally for squash but also worldwide as the sport was officially named an Olympic sport for 2028.
"I’m super proud of U.S. squash and squash all over the world," said Burling. "We actually just made it into the Olympics today for 2028, these girls take it very seriously. It’s very inspiring."
The tournament will conclude on Friday.