Sherman back with team

Sophomore wideout Richard Sherman returned to practice on Tuesday after being suspended by coach Jim Harbaugh for “poor sportsmanship” during the Cardinal’s 27-9 loss to Washington on Nov. 3.

“Him and I talked through things,” Harbaugh told the San Jose Mercury News.

“From the beginning, that’s a matter for the team and Richard and myself,” he continued. “Like anybody on the team, what’s required of Richard is no more or no less than anybody else — in terms of the standard of play that we’re looking for and the attitude and the behavior.”

Sherman has been the Cardinal’s best offensive player this year, totaling 646 receiving yards on 38 receptions with four touchdowns.

His playmaking presence was missed in a 33-17 loss to Washington State last week — Stanford did not score a single point in the first half, although senior Mark Bradford did have a career day in going for 12 catches and 141 yards.

The standout receiver won’t have a chance to get back on the field this weekend, however; the Cardinal has a bye week before it faces Notre Dame at home on Nov. 24.

Harrison out for the year

Although its front line is clearly not lacking, the women’s basketball team took a blow to its depth when it was announced that 6-foot-3-inch sophomore forward Michelle Harrison was sidelined for the year after tearing her ACL in the season opener against Yale.

“It’s really sad,” VanDerveer said to GoStanford.com. “She had worked really hard. She had come back in good shape. It’s too bad. It’s hard for her.”

The sophomore and Utah native was looking forward to a greater role on this year’s team after averaging 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 11 minutes a game last season.

Cardinal sign three top recruits

Stanford women’s basketball did get some good news on Wednesday after three high school seniors signed their national letters of intent with the program: Sarah Boothe (Gurnee, Ill.), Lindy La Rocque (Las Vegas, Nev.), and Grace Mashore (Washington, D.C.).

“We are very excited about our 2008 recruiting class and the skill and depth that they will bring to our program,” VanDerveer told GoStanford.com. “Lindy La Rocque is a tremendous three-point shooter with range who will help open up our offense. Sarah Boothe possesses excellent back-to-the-basket moves and a strong physical presence. Grace Mashore is an excellent passer and shooter, and will make the point position more competitive. We expect all to contribute immediately.”

Boothe is a 6-foot-5-inch post player who will add to the already towering Stanford front line. La Rocque only stands at 5 feet 8 inches, but is a prolific scorer and has been named to the Nevada All-State the first three years of her career. She averaged 21 points per game in the 2006-07 season.

As for Mashore, the 5-foot-10-inch guard is also a prolific scorer. She holds her school record for points scored in a game and averaged 19 points, nine rebounds, six steals and four assists last season.