Lake Forest College Handball Team Advances in National Championships
The Lake Forest College handball team demonstrated strong performance at the 2026 U.S. Handball Association National Collegiate Championship Tournament, with players advancing in three different divisions as of Saturday’s semifinal matches. The tournament is being held in Springfield, Missouri.
Peters Reaches Women’s Open Final
Senior Audrey Peters secured a spot in the Women’s Open 9-16 bracket final, overcoming a first-game loss to win 21-14, 21-10, and 11-6. She is scheduled to compete for the championship on Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Close Matches and Tiebreakers Define Forester Performance
Despite Peters’ success, several other Foresters faced narrow defeats in singles play. Freshman Jonah Davis was edged out 21-7, 9-21, 11-7 in the Men’s B1 semifinals, although sophomore Ayush Sharma fell 14-21, 21-17, 11-4 in C3. The tournament has been marked by closely contested matches, with three of Lake Forest’s four doubles matches on Saturday decided by tiebreakers.
Doubles Teams Compete for Titles
In women’s doubles, Peters and junior Emma Kinane were defeated 15-9, 11-15, 11-10 in the Women’s Open Division. However, senior Arielle Augustyn and sophomore Satoe Tohi secured a victory in the A bracket, winning 10-15, 15-11, 11-4.
On the men’s side, sophomore Luca Zenati-Parsons and junior Jake Emold lost their A semifinal match 15-12, 15-5. Freshmen Davis and Ben Koch advanced to the B final with a 9-15, 15-9, 11-1 triumph.
Both of Lake Forest’s doubles teams will compete for divisional titles on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m.
The Rising Popularity of Collegiate Handball
The 2026 USHA Collegiate Nationals, featuring over 180 players from 20+ schools, highlights the growing interest in handball at the university level. This surge in participation reflects a broader trend of students seeking alternative sports that offer a unique combination of athleticism, strategy, and accessibility.
Handball’s Appeal to Student Athletes
Handball’s appeal lies in its relatively low equipment costs and the ability to play individually or in teams. Unlike some sports with significant financial barriers to entry, handball allows students to participate without substantial investment. The USHA’s recent pilot program with the United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA) further demonstrates efforts to broaden the sport’s reach and introduce it to new audiences.
Pan American Games Qualification and National Team Development
USA Team Handball is actively preparing for the 2026 Pan American Games Qualification Series, hosting Canada in August. This focus on national team development is likely to inspire greater participation at the collegiate level, as students aspire to represent their country. The USA Team Handball Open National Championships in May will also serve as a key event for identifying and nurturing talent.
FAQ
Q: Where are the 2026 USHA National Collegiate Championships being held?
A: Springfield, Missouri.
Q: When is Audrey Peters’ final match?
A: Sunday at 9:00 a.m.
Q: How many schools are participating in the 2026 USHA Collegiate Nationals?
A: Over 20 schools.
Q: What is the USHA doing to grow the sport?
A: The USHA recently launched a pilot program with the USGAA to introduce handball to new audiences.
Pro Tip: Handball is a fantastic full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, agility, and hand-eye coordination. Consider trying a local clinic or practice session!
Stay updated on the Lake Forest College handball team’s progress by visiting the team’s news page. For more information about USA Handball, visit the USHA website.
