The University of Toronto Varsity Blues men's squash team traveled to New York, N.Y. last weekend, where they played an exhibition match against the Columbia Lions on Friday, Jan. 24.

The Blues fell by a score of 10-1 to their NCAA Div. 1 opponents, with the games featuring many strong rallies. Columbia is a team ranked in the top ten in the United States, giving Toronto an opportunity to compete against high-level competition. Ali Shalaby was the lone Blue to win their match, with team captain Usman Khan winning a game within his match.

"The team had a pretty amazing time in both learning and playing," said Varsity Blues men's squash head coach John Lennard, who adds that Columbia were gracious hosts, "They are a top ten U.S. team and were happy to share their ideas on training."

U of T also participated in a round robin hosted by Open Squash on Saturday, which featured American college players and local club players, with the Blues winning a few matches and competing in multiple close contests.

The Blues closed out their weekend by watching four matches at the Tournament of Champions taking place in New York City's Grand Central Station, where they were able to watch and learn from some of the best squash players in the world.

Toronto closes out their season next weekend at the OUA Championships at the White Oaks Resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., hosted by Brock University from Feb. 7-9. The Blues are scheduled to face off against the Queen's Gaels, Guelph Gryphons, and Ottawa Gee-Gees in round robin play. Their first match, against the Gaels, will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7.