Racquetwomen Avenge Yale, 8-1

The Harvard women's squash team regained both the Ivy League title and the national nine-woman championship simultaneously yesterday when it trounced Yale, 8-1, at Hemenway Gym.

After capturing both the Ivy and national crowns two years ago, the Crimson (7-0 overall, 5-0 Ivy) lost both titles to the Elis last year.

In yesterday's opening match, Harvard's Mariana Chilton set the tone for the day when she pulverized Yale's number four, Susan Schorr, in straight games, 15-11, 15-4, 15-12.

Co-Captain Ingrid Boyum and number six Sheila Morrissey quickly defeated their respective opponents in straight games, giving Harvard a commanding 3-0 lead over the Elis.

Harvard's number-eight player, Fern Ward, then dropped a 3-1 decision to Yale's Christina Unhoch--the Crimson's only loss of the day.

When racquetwoman Lucy Miller disposed of Yale's number five Liza Geary, 15-10, 15-12, 15-12, Harvard grabbed--in one fell swoop--both the Ivy and national titles from the defending-champion Elis.

"They did a really nice job," first-year Harvard Coach Steve Piltch said. "I'm really proud, because they earned it. It was a very rewarding year for everyone--they finished the season off with real style."

Co-Captain Diana Edge, Emily Knowlton, and Grace Sheffield each shut out their opponents, 3-0, to finish off the Bulldogs.

"I thought Harvard played very, very strongly," Yale Coach Dale Walker said. "I thought our kids would be a little stronger than they were but they were totally affected by the heat of the courts."

"It was good for them to see a strong Harvard team though," Walker continued. "If they're going to be the national champions they might as well be that good. They were superb."

Harvard defeated the Bulldogs, 6-1, on Yale's home court in the Howe Cup Tournament earlier this month to capture the national seven-woman championships.

Yesterday's contest was the last team match for Boyum, who is a senior. "It doesn't feel like the season is over. Everyone keeps telling me that it's my last match, but we've got the individuals next week, and we're going to England over spring break, so we're still practicing," Boyum said.

"I guess it's all just part of graduating. It probably won't sink in until after going to England," she added.