The defending national champion Harvard men's squash team started off its season on a good--if cold--foot yesterday afternoon by defeating Trinity, 8-1.

Three Times As Cold

Although the courts at Trinity were so chilly the Crimson could almost see its collective breath, the squad made short work of its hosts. Two-time national singles champion Kenton Jernigan led Harvard from the number one spot with a 15-10, 15-8, 15-7 victory over J.D. Criegan.

Sophomores Darius Pandole and Kevin Jernigan, playing in the number two and three slots, chipped in with a pair of 3-1 triumphs.

Also impressive for the Crimson were Russ Ball and Doug Lifford, who each posted 3-0 victories.

"Overall, I was pleased with our performance," Co-Captain David Segal, a 3-1 winner at number seven, said. "I don't think we're going to gloat about the victory too long, though."

Sven Krogius, playing in his first varsity match, put on a good show by cruising to a 3-0 victory at number eight.

"He played extremely well," Segal said. "Not so much a surprise, but following through on a good deal of promise and a lot of talent he has."

Harvard should face a slightly stiffer test this afternoon when it hosts Navy at 4 p.m. at Hemenway Gym.

"It should be a good match," Segal said, "a good test for us at this point in the season."