STANFORD, Calif. – It was an historic season for the Stanford women's squash team.
For the first time since the program's inception in 2004, the Cardinal defeated Yale, 5-4, to capture the consolation crown at National Championships in Princeton, New Jersey. The win capped an 8-7 campaign for the Cardinal, whose No. 5 final ranking was its highest ever.
"We finished on a high note and it gives us great momentum going forward," said head coach Mark Talbott. "I think fifth is about as well as we could have done."
Competing with only six upperclassmen on its 14-player roster, the youthful squad showed steady improvement behind the senior leadership of captains Bailey Bondy, CC Ho and Julia Olson. All but four of Stanford's matches were played on the East Coast.
"They were great to work with," Talbott said of his seniors. "All three are passionate about the sport. They love the game, but care more about their teammates."
For the first time since 2015, Stanford enjoyed a home court advantage. In January, the team hosted matches against Franklin & Marshall, No. 2 Penn, No. 1 Harvard and No. 6 Yale. The latter two drew big crowds and in another first, both were matches were live streamed.
The Cardinal gave Penn an early scare before falling, 6-3. Harvard was too deep and talented, rolling to a 9-0 victory, and repeated as national champions.
Fans packed the Stanford Squash Courts for the Yale match, and the team gave them plenty to cheer about, bolting to a 4-3 lead. But the Bulldogs rallied to win the last two matches to escape with a 5-4 win.
"It was a great experience," said Bondy. "Having so much support was huge."
Stanford was paced by nationally-ranked freshmen Casey Wong and Chloe Chemtob at No. 1 and 2, respectively.
Wong, Ho, junior Sarah Bell and sophomore Tara Shannon represented the Cardinal at the CSA Individual Championships in Hanover, Massachusetts. Wong lost twice in the A Draw but earned Second Team All-American honors. Ho advanced to the finals of her B Draw but fell, 2-1, while Bell and Shannon went 1-1 in two matches.
"Casey and Chloe are going to be even better next year," Talbott said.
The squad will be joined by incoming freshmen Caroline Neave, Sumi Mudgil and Juliette Love.
"All three are solid players and will add depth to the lineup," said Talbott.
