Sports | Town Topics

June 12, 2019

Youthful PDS Girls’ Lacrosse Made Strides, Going 8-7, Advancing in Both MCT, Prep B

ELLE ON WHEELS: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Elle Anhut races up the field in a game this spring. Freshman midfielder Anhut enjoyed a big debut season for PDS, tallying 24 goals and 32 assists. The Panthers finished with an 8-7 record, advancing to the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and state Prep B semifinals. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With a roster including five freshmen and eight sophomores, the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse team was bound to take some lumps this spring as its young players got up to speed.

But with its senior captains providing leadership and the new faces coming of age quickly, PDS produced a winning campaign as it went 8-7, advancing to the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and making the final four in the state Prep B tourney.

TRUE BLUE: Zahrion Blue pulls down a rebound in action last year for Loyaltees in the Princeton Recreation Department Summer Men’s Basketball League. Former Princeton High standout Blue helped Loyaltees win the 2018 league title and is back this year as the squad goes for a repeat. The 2019 season tips off with a tripleheader on June 17 at the Community Park courts. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In early May, it looked like interest might be cooling as the Princeton Recreation Department Summer Men’s Basketball League headed into its 31st season.

After fielding seven teams last year, only five entries had committed to play this summer as league commissioner and the Rec Department’s Assistant Director of Recreation Evan Moorhead worked on organizing the 2019 campaign.

But in the last few weeks, four teams came into the fold, ensuring another summer of hot competition with the action slated to tip off with a triple-header on June 17 at the Community Park courts starting at 7:15 p.m.

With Ramsay Thriving in the Leadoff Spot, Post 218 Baseball Showing Competitive Spirit

By Bill Alden

Thomas Ramsay was looking to set the tone as the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball team played at West Windsor-Plainsboro last Saturday.

Leading off the game, Ramsay singled, stole second, and got knocked in on a grounder by Teddy Durbin as Post 218 jumped out to a 1-0 lead.

“I thought we were off to a hot start, I got on and it seemed like we were moving around,” said Ramsay.

WW-P, though, responded with a run in the bottom of the first and the game turned into a pitching duel. The contest was knotted at 1-1 after seven and went into extra innings.

Ramsay reached base in both the eighth and ninth on walks but couldn’t get farther than third base, and WW-P ended up pushing across the winning run in the bottom of the ninth to prevail 2-1.

June 5, 2019

Princeton Lightweight Crews Take Silver at IRAs While Tiger Heavyweight Program Shows Depth

LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: The Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight displays its form in a recent race. Last Sunday, Princeton’s top boat took second in a thrilling grand final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta in Sacramento, Calif. Turning the race into a nail-biter, the Tigers made a late surge and lost by just .4 seconds to champion Cornell as they earned silver at the IRAs for a second straight year. Princeton’s back-to-back medals are the first time the program has done that since 2009-10 when the Tigers won the varsity eight race both years. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

In mid-May, the Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight had a rough day at the Eastern Sprints, fading to fourth place in the grand final.

Last Sunday, Princeton’s top boat put that disappointment behind it, taking second in the grand final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta on Lake Natoma in Sacramento, Calif.

This time, the Tigers surged to the finish, pushing past four boats as they nearly caught champion Cornell, finishing just .4 seconds behind the Big Red. Princeton clocked a time of 5:44.849 with Cornell just ahead in 5:44.426.

It marked the second straight silver medal at the IRA for the top boat and the first time Princeton had earned back-to-back medals at the competition since 2009-10 when the Tigers won the varsity eight race both years.

Coming Off Dramatic One-Stroke Win in Ivy Tourney, Princeton Men’s Golf Gained Experience in NCAAs

ON COURSE: Members of the Princeton University men’s golf team enjoy the moment as they got ready to compete last month in the NCAA Athens Regional at the University of Georgia’s home course in Athens, Ga. The Tigers won the Ivy League Championship in late April to earn their first trip to the NCAA Regionals since 2013. Princeton ended up finishing 13th of 13 teams in Athens in a valuable learning experience for a young squad that brought a junior, three sophomores, and a freshman to Georgia. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Will Green sensed that his Princeton University men’s golf team could do something special this spring, although he didn’t really have the numbers to back up that feeling.

“I had been telling people all spring long we were going to win the Ivy title,” said Princeton head coach Green.

“It was based on a belief in the team we had. There wasn’t any reason for me to think that except I just really thought that we were going to play well.”

When the Tigers finished eighth in their Princeton Invitational in the final tune-up before the Ivy League Championships, Green’s vision looked like a pipe dream.

“After we got out of the Invitational, I was talking to some friends, saying ‘I don’t know how we can beat Yale, they are really good,’” recalled Green.

After Suffering Disappointment in NCAA Semis, PU Open Crew Rebounds in Final Day of Action

By Bill Alden

Heading to Indianapolis last week to compete in the NCAA championship regatta, the Princeton University women’s open crew was primed to excel on the national stage.

“I thought our practices were going well between the Ivies and Indy,” said Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny, whose varsity eight, second varsity eight, and varsity four had each placed first at the Ivy regatta on May 19 as the program qualified for the NCAA competition.

“We finished finals; it is always a delicate balance and I felt like we handled it very well. We were ready for Indy when we left.”

After a solid first day at the competition on Friday that saw the varsity 8 take first, the second varsity 8 take third and the four come in third in the their heats to advance straight to the semifinals, the Tigers didn’t handle things well a day later.

None of the three Princeton boats gained the top-three finish in the semis necessary to make the grand finals and compete for a national title.

“We expected more,” said Dauphiny. “When we went through the semis, I think all boats had hoped to make the grand final but especially the first varsity, they had the best chance. To fall short was challenging.”

Junior Star Petrone Shows her Productivity as PHS Girls’ Lax Edged in State Semifinal

GROUP EFFORT: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Eva Petrone, right, chases down a foe in a game this spring. Last Thursday, junior star Petrone scored a team-high three goals but it wasn’t enough as Central Jersey sectional champion PHS fell 9-8 to South winner Eastern in the state Group 4 semis at Moorestown. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 18-3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Eva Petrone was determined to be more productive this spring in her junior season for the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team.

“Coming off last year I was doing alright [with] 25 goals but this year being a starter, I knew I had to step up on offense,” said attacker Petrone. “I did my best to contribute more and more each game.”

Last Thursday as Central Jersey sectional champion PHS faced South winner Eastern in the state Group 4 semis at Moorestown, Petrone stepped up. She tallied three goals in the first half of the high stakes contest as the Tigers took a 6-5 lead into intermission.

“We knew this game was going to be challenging; we saw the seeding and it gave us hope to come out with a big win,” said Petrone.

“We felt very good at halftime but you never know what is going to happen.”

Unfortunately for PHS, some bad things happened down the stretch in the second half against Eastern. The Tigers took an 8-7 lead on a goal by Kathryn DeMilt with 11:52 left in the second half only to see the Vikings score two unanswered goals to go ahead 9-8 and then go into a stall for the last 7:26 of regulation to hold on for the win and earn a trip to the Group 4 state championship game

Producing Some Breakthrough Performances, PHS Boys’ Track Falls 1 Point Short of Group Title

TIGHT COMPETITION: Princeton High boys’ track stars Jackson McCarthy, right, and Tucker Zullo compete in Central Jersey Group 4 sectional outdoor track meet at Howell High in late May. Last weekend, senior McCarthy took fifth in the 800 meters and 10th in the 1,600 at the state Group 4 meet as PHS missed winning the team title by one point with host Franklin scoring 44 and the Tigers getting 43. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Jackson McCarthy and Jack Phelan came away from the Group 4 boys’ state championship meet last Saturday with new personal records.

The performances by the Princeton High seniors nearly delivered a second straight state title for the program but the Tigers were edged by champion Franklin, 44-43, which had sprinter Mario Heslop accounting for 30 individual points and sharing six more in the final relay.

“Obviously a 1-point loss is always going to hurt pretty bad,” said McCarthy.

“We’re trying to defend our state title. We came with four or five fewer scorers than we had last year. We’re a lot thinner this year. We dealt with a crazy amount of injuries this year. We’re a group of fighters. When someone does something incredible, it inspires you. To come one-point short to a team that has one man that scored 30-some hurts. It’s hard to beat a team with him on it. We did everything we could. That’s all we wanted to do, say we did everything we could to walk away with that title.”

Fueled by Work Ethic, Team Camaraderie, PHS Boys’ Golf Won Central Sectional Title

SPOILS OF VICTORY: Members of the Princeton High boys’ golf team display the plaque and medals they earned for winning the Central Group 4 sectional at Charleston Springs in Millstone last month. Sophomore Adam MacMillan led the way for PHS, carding a two-over 74 to take third individually at the competition. The team’s lineup at the sectional also included Harry Skopas, Atticus Lynch, Abhi Vachani, and Jonathan Lin. MacMillan went on to compete individually at the Tournament of Champions at the Hopewell Valley Golf Club where he tied for 51st with an 11-over 83.

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton High boys’ golf team finished seventh in the Mercer County Tournament in early May, Sheryl Severance saw that performance as a harbinger of good things to come in state competition.

“The county tournament is tough, you have the private schools like Pennington and Peddie,” said PHS head coach Severance.

“If it was just the public schools, we were right in there; WW/P-North and Allentown only beat us by a couple of strokes

Competing in the South/Central Group 4 sectional at Charleston Springs in Millstone on May 14, PHS displayed its toughness, placing fourth overall and first among Central teams to earn the sectional title.

The triumph caught Severance by surprise as she was initially focusing on the exploits of PHS sophomore star Adam MacMillan, who carded a two-over 74 to take third individually at the competition.

Stuart Lacrosse Overcame Shaky 1-4 Start, Righting the Ship as Seniors Led the Way

BRINGING IT: Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Kaitlyn Magnani brings the ball upfield in a game this spring. Freshman midfielder Magnani provided a spark for Stuart as it overcame a 1-4 start to finish with a 6-7 record, advancing to the second round of the Mercer County Tournament and the state Prep B quarters along the way. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After getting off to a 1-4 start, it looked like it could be a rough spring for the Stuart Country Day School lacrosse team.

But Stuart reeled off five straight wins to right the ship, showing that it wasn’t about to fold after the bumpy beginning.

“It was the consistency that was working for us once we got a better transition game down,” said Stuart head coach Missy Bruvik.

“That is when we were really getting to know each other’s strengths and who was going to be playing where. To the kids’ credit, we were able to move many kids around to different positions.”

While the Tartans fell in the second round of the Mercer County Tournament and the state Prep B quarters after posting wins in both tourneys, Bruvik liked the way her kids competed to the end.

“We played tough teams down the stretch,” said Bruvik, whose squad lost 18-5 to Princeton Day School in the MCT and then fell 16-2 to Montclair Kimberley in the Prep B competition.

May 29, 2019

Bringing his Unique Skill Set, Competitive Fire, PU Star Lovett Aiming to Make Kansas City Chiefs

LOVE OF THE GAME: Princeton University football star John Lovett enjoys the moment last November in the season finale as Princeton defeated Penn 42-14 to put the finishing touches on a 10-0 campaign. Quarterback Lovett went on the earn his second Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. This April, he signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

John Lovett is trying to prove himself all over.

The Princeton University senior football star has taken the same attitude to Kansas City Chiefs preseason camp that he had when he started with the Tigers.

“When he first got here, he just wanted to get on the field,” recalled Princeton football head coach Bob Surace. “He said, ‘Coach, I can long snap.’ I don’t know if he ever long snapped before, and he had no technique, but the ball went exactly where it was supposed to go faster than anyone else we had. He’s going to find his way to make the club.”

Surace never did let Lovett long snap — for fear of losing his job if his starting quarterback with NFL potential were to be hurt — but instead watched him grow into a player that the Tigers had to get on the field. It meant that Lovett played his favorite spot, quarterback, at times, but also lined up at running back and wide receiver. He could be doing the same for Kansas City. more

Marciano Sparks Rally for PHS Girls’ Lax As Tigers Win 2nd Straight Sectional Title

RALLY TIME: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Shaylah Marciano runs past a Howell High defender last week in the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional semis. Junior star Marciano tallied three goals and two assists as top-seeded PHS defeated fourth-seeded Howell 21-4 in the May 21 contest. Last Friday, Marciano had three goals and an assist as PHS rallied from a 4-2 halftime deficit to defeat second-seeded Rancocas Valley 10-5 in the sectional final. The Tigers, now 18-2, will face South sectional champion Eastern (17-3) in the Group 4 semis on May 29 at Moorestown with the victor advancing to the title game on June 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team trailed Rancocas Valley 4-2 at halftime of the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional final last Friday, Shaylah Marciano had no doubts that PHS could rally for victory.

“I knew we had in it us to come back,” said Tiger junior star midfielder Marciano. “We knew if we put the foot on the pedal, we just would be able to keep it going.”

That confidence was also based on experience as PHS had overcome an 8-4 deficit against Rancocas Valley in last year’s sectional final to pull out a 9-8 win, sparked by Mariana Lopez-Ona dominating the draw control. more

Senior Star DeMilt Hits 100-Goal Milestone As PHS Girls’ Lax Rolled in Sectional Semis

CENTURY CLUB: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Kathryn DeMilt, left, races up the field last week as PHS hosted Howell in Central Jersey Group 4 sectional semis. Senior attacker DeMilt tallied 10 points in six goals and four assists, including her 100th career goal, as top-seeded PHS defeated fourth-seeded Howell 21-4 in the May 21 contest. Three days later, DeMilt chipped in a goal as PHS defeated second-seeded Rancocas Valley 10-5 in the sectional final. The Tigers, now 18-2, will face South sectional champion Eastern in the Group 4 semis on May 29 at Moorestown. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As part of the supporting cast for the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team during her debut season in the spring of 2016, Kathyrn DeMilt set a goal.

“When I started off my freshman year I would look up to my seniors, like Taylor Lis,” recalled DeMilt.

All these players are getting their 100th goal and I thought I want to be like them one day.”

Over the last three years, DeMilt followed in their footsteps, emerging as a top scorer for the Tigers. With top-seeded PHS hosting fourth-seeded Howell High in the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional semis last week, DeMilt was approaching her target, coming into the contest with 94 goals on her career. more

PHS Boys’ Track Ties for 3rd in Sectional Meet; Has Star Power to Challenge for Group 4 Crown

IN THE FAST LANE: Princeton High boys’ track star Nils Wildberg heads to the finish line in action last weekend at the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional outdoor track meet at Howell High. Dartmouth-bound Wildberg starred at the meet, winning the long jump and taking second in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes. Wildberg’s heroics helped PHS tie Freehold for third in the team standings. The Tigers are next in action when they compete in the state Group 4 meet at Franklin High from May 31-June 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Competing in the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional outdoor meet at Howell High last weekend, the Princeton High boys’ track team found itself in a four-horse race for the team title.

While PHS ended up tying Freehold for third with 70 pointe behind winner Franklin (78) and runner-up South Brunswick (71), Ben Samara had no qualms with the effort he got from his athletes.

“We fell short in just a couple of places but pretty much across the board everyone performed really well,” said PHS associate head coach Samara. “We were so proud of the team.”

Senior star and Dartmouth-bound Nils Wildberg performed at a very high level, winning the long jump and taking second in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes. more

With Harris, Fruchter Winning 2nd Doubles, PDS Boys’ Tennis Takes 3rd at Prep B Tourney

AD COURT: Princeton Day School boys’ tennis player Neel Adusimilli hits a forehand in a match this spring. Last week, freshman singles player Adusimilli and PDS wrapped up their season by competing in the state Prep B tournament. The Panthers finished third in the team standings at the tourney. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Going with a youth movement by necessity and dealing with a number of injuries, the Princeton Day School boys’ tennis team experienced an up-and-down spring.

But with everyone up to speed for the state Prep B tournament, the Panthers ended the season on a high note by taking third at the competition held last week at Wardlaw Hartridge.

“We were just happy to get there with the full roster,” said PDS head coach Jen Johnson, reflecting on the tourney which was won by Pennington (12 points) with Rutgers Prep (eight points) taking second and the Panthers getting seven points in coming in third. more

Hun Girls’ Lacrosse Ends Spring on High Note As Win at WW/P-N in Finale Reflects Progress

PARTING SHOT: Hun School girls’ lacrosse player Lauren Johns heads to goal in a game this spring. Senior midfielder Johns went out with a bang, scoring four goals in the season finale as Hun defeated WW/P-North 14-7. The win in the May 10 contest gave the Raiders a final record of 5-9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After the Hun School girls’ lacrosse team fell to WW/P-North in the second round of the Mercer County Tournament, it didn’t have to wait long for a rematch against the Northern Knights.

A week after the 14-10 defeat in the MCT, Hun traveled to WW/P-North for its season finale and turned the tables on their foe, posting a 14-7 win.

As the Raiders prepared for round two with the Northern Knights, Hun head coach Rachel Hickey sensed that her squad was primed for redemption in the May 10 contest. more

May 22, 2019

With Seniors Setting Tone for PU Open Crew, Tigers Dominate Ivy Regatta, Make NCAAs

OPEN MINDED: Members of the Princeton University women’s open crew celebrate last Sunday at Cooper River in Pennsauken, N.J., after the program won the Ivy League championship regatta and earned the the league’s automatic spot in the upcoming NCAA Championships. The Tigers earned five first-place finishes at the event and will finish the season by competing in the NCAA regatta from May 31-June 2 in Indianapolis, Ind. (Photo by the Ivy League, provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University women’s open crew program had produced a superb regular season, highlighted by its varsity eight going undefeated, Lori Dauphiny was uneasy heading into the Ivy League Championships last weekend.

“I was more nervous than I have ever been in my life,” said Princeton head coach Dauphiny.

“I want the senior class to succeed because this class has brought so much to this team. I really want the best for this senior class so we can’t, as a group, fall short for them.”

The Princeton group rose to the occasion last Sunday, dominating the regatta as it placed first in the varsity four, the varsity four B, the third varsity eight, the second varsity eight, and the varsity eight. more

Special Journey Ends for PU Women’s Lax Seniors As Tigers Fall to Boston College in NCAA Quarters

FINAL SALVO: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kathryn Hallett heads upfield in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior midfielder Hallett scored four goals in a losing cause as seventh-seeded Princeton fell 17-12 at second-seeded Boston College in the NCAA quarterfinals. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 16-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Each senior on the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team had the chance to tell their story to the team before a game this season.

They would talk about their journey from freshman year until this, their senior year, through the ups and downs of being a Princeton student, of injuries and setbacks, and of triumphs and titles. It’s a tradition that started five years ago, just before this year’s senior class joined the program.

“It really does personalize everybody and give you a better sense that a lot of kids weren’t starters the moment they got here, and in some cases they had to wait their time and grow and improve, or fight through injury,” said Princeton head coach Chris Sailer.

“Ultimately they were good enough to earn a spot. It’s unusual to have so many seniors that played significant roles for us on the field. But they’re a great example of what can happen if you work hard and bring a great attitude.” more

Petrone Provided Spark for Hun Baseball As it Won Prep A Opener After MCT Loss

COMING THROUGH: Hun School baseball player Ben Petrone follows through on a swing in state Prep A tournament action last weekend. Sophomore second baseman Petrone starred at the bat and in the field as Hun rolled to the title, topping Lawrenceville 11-1 in the opening round on Wednesday and topping Peddie 5-0 in Saturday and 12-0 on Sunday to earn its fourth straight crown in the double elimination competition. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a disappointing 4-0 loss to Hopewell Valley in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals, the Hun School baseball team was determined to rebound as it hosted Lawrenceville in the opening round of the state Prep A tournament last Wednesday.

“We didn’t play like ourselves on Saturday night,” said Hun sophomore second baseman Ben Petrone.

“We were definitely fired up to get back out here and show how good we really are. We want to prove to everyone that we are one of the top teams in the state.”

But appearing to be suffering a bit of a hangover from the defeat to HoVal, the first-seeded Raiders found themselves knotted in a scoreless tie with fourth-seeded Lawrenceville as the game headed into the fourth inning. more

Hun Baseball Enjoys Historic Weekend, Cruising to 4th Straight Prep A Crown

THE RIGHT STUFF: Hun School baseball player Andy Blake fires the ball against Peddie last Saturday in the state Prep A tournament. Post-graduate and Columbia-bound Blake came up big last weekend as Hun defeated Peddie 5-0 on Saturday in a winner’s bracket game and 12-0 a day later to clinch the title in the double-elimination competition. Blake earned a shutout on the mound in the win on Saturday and then chipped in a homer on Sunday. It marked Hun’s fourth straight Prep A title and left the Raiders with a final record of 22-2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As it competed in the state Prep A tournament last weekend, the Hun School baseball team wasn’t just playing for a title.

Bringing a 20-2 record into the action on Saturday, Hun was looking to stamp itself as one of the greatest teams in the history of the proud program.

The Raiders achieved both goals, topping Peddie 5-0 on Saturday in a winner’s bracket contest to earn a spot in the final round and then came back on Sunday to rout the Falcons 12-0 in the double-elimination competition to earn the program’s fourth straight Prep A crown.

Having fallen short of the Mercer County Tournament by losing 4-0 to Hopewell Valley in the semifinals, Hun wasn’t going to leave anything to chance as it went for the Prep A four-peat. more

Projecting Confidence in Taking Leadership Role, Linko Enjoying Big Spring for PHS Girls’ Track

LINKING UP: Princeton High girls’ track star Colleen Linko displays her form in a recent race. Junior Linko produced a superb performance as the Mercer County Championships earlier this month, winning the 200 and 400 and helping the Tigers prevail in the 4×400 relay. Linko will be looking to come big again this weekend as PHS competes in the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional meet at Howell High. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Colleen Linko used to get very nervous before track meets.

The Princeton High junior can’t afford to show her nerves anymore, not as a captain this season.

Her new approach is benefitting her and the girls team. “I’ve been having a great season,” said Linko. “I’ve become a lot more confident in my racing this year which was a problem for me last year. I’d always get super nervous before a race last year and I’d be like, ‘The 400 is so hard and I don’t know if I can do it.’ This year, that wasn’t as much of a problem. This year, because I’m an upperclassmen on the team and a captain, I spend a lot more time looking out for the newer runners and try to radiate positive energy onto them instead of stressing out on my own.”

Linko has worked to become an example to the less experienced PHS runners in her new role; she has been someone they can look to for how they can prepare for a busy meet day that includes four events and what it takes to do each event well. more

Babber Emerges as Steady Presence at 3rd Singles, Helping PHS Boys’ Tennis Return to Sectional Final

MANPOWER: Princeton High boys’ tennis Aryaman Babber hits a forehand in state tournament action last week. Senior Babber posted a straight-set win at second singles to help second-seeded PHS defeat third-seeded Colts Neck 5-0 in the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional semis last Thursday. The Tigers ended up falling 4-1 to top-seeded WW/P-N in the sectional final last Monday as they moved to 11-5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Aryaman Babber knew he had to step up this spring in his senior season for the Princeton High boys’ tennis team.

With PHS losing its top three singles players from the 2018 squad that won the Central Jersey Group 3 sectional title and advanced to the state Group 3 final, Babber moved up to third singles from doubles as the team’s lineup got a major facelift this year.

“After we lost all of our three singles players last year, we thought it was going to be a pretty big challenge,” said Babber. “I think all of players really rose to the challenge.” more

With Senior Stalwarts Going Out With a Bang,PDS Baseball Makes Run to Prep B Title Game

NICE RUN: Princeton Day School baseball player Matt Nyce takes a swing in a game earlier this season. Senior infielder/pitcher Nyce helped PDS enjoyed a special stretch run as the fourth-seeded Panthers advanced to the state Prep B title game. Nyce contributed an RBI as PDS battled second-seeded Rutgers Prep in the title game last Thursday at Diamond Nation in Flemington but it wasn’t enough as the Panthers lost 6-2. The defeat left PDS with a final record of 8-10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Matt Nyce and his teammates on the Princeton Day School baseball team weren’t rattled when they fell behind Rutgers Prep 3-0 in the first inning of the state Prep B title game last Thursday evening.

“This whole season we have gotten down, we had an 8-1 game against Gill St. Bernard’s where we came back and won,” said senior infielder/pitcher Nyce. “Honestly, all of these guys just want to win.”

Nyce started a Panther comeback with an RBI single in the top of the third inning as he drove in Michael Carroll to make it a 4-1 game in the contest played at Diamond Nation in Flemington. more

May 15, 2019

George Helps PU Women’s Lax Storm Past Loyola, Tigers to Play at Boston College in NCAA Quarters

DRAWING ON HER EXPERIENCE: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Elizabeth George, right, controls the draw as Princeton defeated visiting Wagner 19-7 last Friday in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Two days later, senior star attacker George scored six goals to help the seventh-seeded Tigers defeat Loyola 17-13 in a second round contest. Princeton, now 16-3, will play at second-seeded Boston College, 20-1, in the NCAA quarterfinals on May 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Two years ago, a torrential downpour hit Class of 1952 Stadium as the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team hosted Cornell in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Princeton star Elizabeth George was undeterred by the conditions, scoring four goals, including the last two of the game, as the Tigers prevailed 11-9.

Last Sunday, a chilly downpour greeted the players as seventh-seeded Princeton hosted Loyola in a second round contest of this year’s NCAA tourney.

History repeated itself as senior attacker George thrived on the damp day, scoring six goals to help the Tigers earn a 17-13 win over the Greyhounds. By virtue of the triumph, Princeton, now 16-3 and riding an 11-game winning streak, will play at second-seeded Boston College, 20-1, in the NCAA quarterfinals on May 18. more

With Standout Goalie Green Coming Up Big, PDS Boys’ Lax Rallies to Win 4th MCT Crown

STANDING TALL: Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse goalie Connor Green, middle, gets ready to clear the ball against Notre Dame in the Mercer County Tournament championship game last Thursday. Senior goalie Green made 10 saves to help PDS rally from a halftime deficit to edge the Irish 7-6 and win its fourth straight county crown. PDS ended the spring with a 13-3 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Connor Green found himself in an unfamiliar position as the Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse team faced Notre Dame in the Mercer County Tournament championship game last Thursday evening.

With PDS having rolled to victory in the last three MCT finals, senior goalie Green yielded three unanswered goal to start the game as upset-minded Notre Dame jumped out to a 3-0 lead.

“Literally everything that could have gone wrong for us went wrong, and everything that could have gone right for them went right,” said Green. “This is a situation we haven’t really been in before, being down in a championship game.”

While the top-seeded Panthers rallied to knot the contest at 3-3 early in the second quarter, they were outscored 3-1 by the Irish over the last 9:02 of the quarter to fall behind 6-4 at intermission in the game played at WW/P-North. more