The 2009 Howe Cup took place south of San Francisco this fall, with both old and new faces emerging victorious. Mass Squash sent eight women to play in the Howe Cup: The Boston C team included:

·         Betsy Johnson (Harvard Club)
·         Maria Mayorga (Cambridge Athletic Club)
·         Dominique Farinaux-Dumas (SquashBusters)
·         Leslie Koplow (Concord-Acton)
·         Sarah Lemaire (Concord-Acton)

Against a strong C field, the team had a first-round bye. In their first match, they lost to Philly, and in the second match, they lost to California C3, a team that featured former Mass Squash member Erin Hurson at #2. Boston C made it to the plate final by defeating an undermanned Portland Miracles team, but lost  to the Cincinnati team in that final, the third match of the day for Boston C.

After four matches in two days (three on Saturday), the Boston C team members were free to enjoy the evening festivities at O’Neill’s Irish Pub in downtown San Francisco, in the shadow of AT&T Park. After dinner, but before the dancing, US Squash presented two awards: the sportsmanship award to Philly’s Amy Milanek, and the achievement award to DC’s Carole Grunberg.

For the Boston team, Leslie Koplow was undefeated throughout the Cup, and Betsy and Maria both notched one win each.

In addition, the following Boston-based B players also participated in the Howe Cup, filling spots on teams that needed an extra player:

·         Liz Bride (née Brecht) played for the California B3 team that lost in the final to the California B1 team.
·         Jothie Karthigesan played for the AzTex Bostonians, so named for the hometowns of their team members. The AzTex Bostonians lost their first two matches, but won their second two.
·         Lisa Evans played for the California B3 team that won their first match against Philly, but lost in the second round to the Seattle B1 team.

Many of Boston players got up early to watch some of the other teams’ matches. A highlight was the A match that featured Shabana Khan vs. Demer Holleran, a five-game thriller of #2 players on the Seattle and Philadelphia teams, respectively.

The Pacific Athletic Club (PAC) and Stanford University were the sites for this year’s matches, and Howe Cup chair Kim Clearkin and her committee did an excellent job organizing. The Boston players took advantage of the spectacular weather and the facilities, enjoying the outdoor pool, steam room, and spa at the PAC.

(l-r) Former Mass Squash player Erin Hurson, B players Lisa Evans, Jothie Karthigesan

(l-r) Dominique Farinaux-Dumas, Liz (Brecht) Bride

 Boston C players (L-r): Betsy Johnson, Leslie Koplow, Dominique Farinaux-Dumas

Boston C player (l-r) Betsy Johson, Maria Mayorga, Sarah Lemaire