The British Virgin Islands (BVI) Squash community is celebrating a monumental achievement as 10-year-old Delilah Pease claimed victory at the 2024 Canadian Junior Open in the Girls Under 11 category.
Pease becomes the first-ever player from the BVI to win this prestigious squash title, marking a historic milestone for the territory.
The Canadian Junior Open, held from December 7–10 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, featured nearly 400 top junior players from around the globe, competing across various age categories from Under 11 to Under 19. Representing the BVI were four of the Territory’s strongest juniors: Oliver Henderson (Boys U19), Danny Henderson (Boys U17), Jakob Noblett-Diaz (Boys U13), and Delilah Pease (Girls U11).
Pease’s Unstoppable Run
Delilah began the competition with a dominant first-round victory and showcased her grit in the round of 16, where she staged a remarkable comeback from 1-0 and 7-3 down. She continued her momentum with straight-set victories in both the quarterfinals and semifinals, setting up a final clash against Eugenie Cao, Canada’s No. 2-ranked player in the category.
In the thrilling final, Cao took an early lead with a commanding first game, using her speed and precision to secure an 11-7 win. Guided by advice from her coach, Adam Murrills, Pease adapted her strategy to target Cao’s backhand and utilize precise serves. This tactical shift paid dividends as Pease claimed games two and three, seizing a 2-1 advantage.
Cao, however, responded with renewed determination, winning the fourth game to force a decisive fifth. The final game was a nail-biter, with both players trading points in front of a packed crowd. Cao held two championship points at 10-8, but Pease’s resilience shone through as she fought back to level at 10-10. With nerves of steel, Pease clinched the last two points to secure the championship title in dramatic fashion.
Coach’s Reflections
National Coach Adam Murrills praised Pease’s determination and composure, saying:
“Delilah’s fighting spirit, hard work, and complete love for the game have brought her this incredible achievement. To handle the pressure of a glass court, a major final, and a big crowd at just 10 years old is truly remarkable.”
Murrills also commended the entire BVI team, which collectively won 15 of 23 matches. Jakob Noblett-Diaz had an impressive run in the Boys U13, winning the Plate 1c competition, while Oliver and Danny Henderson delivered strong performances in their respective age groups.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Pease’s historic win is a testament to her dedication and serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring squash players in the BVI. As Coach Murrills noted, her achievement raises the bar for the territory’s elite juniors and highlights the potential for success through hard work and passion for the sport.
This victory is more than a personal triumph for Pease; it is a significant milestone for BVI Squash and a moment of pride for the entire territory. Congratulations to Delilah and the BVI squash team for their exceptional performances.