One match decided the Inter-Ac title this fall, and the Fords had to watch Episcopal Academy celebrate it at Waynesborough.
The varsity golf team will get its rematch with EA at Gulph Mills Golf Club, the Fords’ home course, in the opening event of EA Day Weekend. With the rest of the sports competing on Saturday, a golf win would give Haverford an early lead in the race for the sweater.
“The loss to EA in the final match, which decided the Inter-Ac, was obviously devastating for everyone,” Sixth Form captain Harry Neilly said. “The team definitely believed we could get the job done, and we actually played very well; EA just played better.”
For Sixth Form captain Quinn Gallagher, watching EA celebrate only fueled the team.
“It really stings coming so close but not getting the job done, so I think everyone is super motivated,” Gallagher said.
The Fords have already shown they can beat the Churchmen. At the Haverford Invitational in October, the team topped EA by nine strokes at Gulph Mills, the same course where EA Day will be played.
Haverford then tied to win the PAISAA Championship at Radley Run Golf Club on October 26th, again finishing ahead of EA. The title added to a strong recent run for the program, which also won PAISAA in 2024.
Both captains said that this year’s PAISAA win came without the team’s sharpest golf, and that is exactly what gives them confidence.
“PAISAA was definitely a confidence booster, but we know it wasn’t our best day,” Gallagher said. “I think that is what gave us the most confidence: that we won without having our best stuff.”
“Our showing at PAISAAs proves we have what it takes,” Neilly said. “We beat EA, and we knew we didn’t have a great showing.”
Beyond the scorecards, Neilly said the Inter-Ac loss revealed something about the group itself.
“The biggest thing we learned is how much we want to win, our passion for the game, and how close we are as a team,” Neilly said. “We came together after the loss and really supported each other.”
“Our team is definitely pumped up for EA Day. Energy is high, and we all know we have what it takes to take EA down.”
Harry Neilly ’27
Still, Gallagher said the match is about more than revenge. As the first event of the weekend, golf carries responsibility for every Haverford team that follows.
“It’s less about winning on Friday for revenge but more for the sweater. As a team, we understand that golf sets the tone for Saturday, so giving the rest of the sports a 1-0 lead is our ultimate goal.”
The captains say the team is ready for that responsibility.
“Our team is definitely pumped up for EA Day,” Neilly said. “Energy is high, and we all know we have what it takes to take EA down.”
With only Sixth Formers able to attend, Neilly asked his classmates to show out for the team at Gulph Mills, noting how hard the players have worked this season and how much their support would mean.
The Fords lost the league at Waynesborough. On EA Day, they get the chance to win something that matters even more.
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