Lucy ups her game
Squash star prepares with new fitness regime
Strathearn squash player Lucy Murchie says consistency will be key as she aims to make her mark against the seniors next season.
Scotland’s top female junior is continuing her off-court fitness drive ahead of a return to action in the near future.
She picked up the GU17 and GU19 national titles in February having the week before produced a fine performance against then world-ranked 100 Dutch ace Sanne Veldkamp at the Edinburgh Sports Club Open, just narrowly losing.
Lucy followed that up by pushing Perth ace Katriona Allen — ranked 107 in the world — hard, again in four games, at the Sterling Trucks Scottish Senior Nationals just before lockdown.
The results proved she’s got the potential to match-up against the professionals next season as she continues to improve her game.
The 17-year-old said: “I was pleased with how I was playing in the first few months of the year and hopefully I can get more chances against the seniors next season.
“I was able to up my game to the intensity of the professionals and it’s now all about maintaining these standards and the more matches and practice I get against that quality of player the better for me.
“Obviously they are playing on the PSA Tour and are stronger and fitter. With that comes a level of consistency which, as a junior, you are aiming for as you get older and more experienced.”
Over the last few months she’s kept in close contact with her coach Jane Martin and taken part in virtual training sessions via Zoom, led mainly by Scotland’s number one player Lisa Aitken.
The Crieff youngster has also incorporated CrossFit into her off-court training regime as well as high-intensity circuit training.
She continued: “I’ve been keeping connected and doing work-outs with the Ladies Senior Academy players through Zoom has been great. It’s been March since I was last on court —it will be a shock to the system I’m sure but I think all the girls are really excited at the prospect.”
Lucy returned to Crieff High School last week boosted by achieving the Higher results she was hoping for.
She plans to study physiotherapy in Edinburgh.
Lucy added: “Queen Margaret University is my preferred choice which would also allow me the option to train at Oriam (the home of Scottish Squash).
“I definitely want to keep playing when I’m at university, train hard and see where my squash takes me.”