The women’s team kicked off its season with a friendly match against the PAC club in late November. It was the first opportunity for the beginners on the team to bring the smack in a real match. Sophomore Karissa Hazy won her first match 3-1 and was tied 2-2 in her second match when her partner mysteriously retired. Esther “I am going to be in a squash video one day” Cheng didn’t win too many games, but is a winner at life.

Freshman phenom Brooksie Riley made her debut at #1, defeating a woman of a certain age in five games. That same woman of a certain age used her experience and superior skill to defeat #2 Maisy Samuelson in three games (and minutes). Maisy saved some face by playing tough against former Yale #9 Devon “I beat Jon Levine” Dazell. Devon and former teammate Gina Wilkenson (who played #4 for the Yale) made the trip down from San Francisco to play some squash and visit former coach Mark Talbott. Brooksie played Gina tough, ultimately losing 2-0 in an abridged match. Cynthia Querio flew in her fan club of one from L.A. and lived up to the hype by defeating her opponent 3-1.

Before the match, the team dined at Il Fornaio in the style to which it has become accustomed courtesy of the parental units Riley and Smith. In all, a very exciting day for the Stanford women.