November 27, 2019

Making Strides with New Faces Stepping Up, PDS Cross Country Excited About Prospects

TOP GUN: Princeton Day School boys’ cross country star Gunnar Clingman heads to the finish line in a race earlier this fall. Junior Clingman placed second individually in the state Prep B championship meet to help PDS take fourth in the team standings. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Things looked bleak for the Princeton Day School boys’ cross country team as it convened for its 2019 campaign.

“We lost two of our top three runners that were supposed to come back and I was thinking this was going to be a disaster,” said PDS head coach John Woodside.

But with some veterans making progress and some newcomers stepping up, the Panthers made strides through the fall and culminated the season by finishing a strong fourth at the state Prep B championship meet  at Blair Academy earlier this month.

“We showed very well, it was the best we had done there in a while,” said Woodside, whose team had 102 points in taking fourth with Newark Academy winning the meet with a score of 28. more

Hun Boys’ Soccer Overcame Shaky Start, Rising to the Occasion in Postseason Play

ALEX THE GREAT: Hun School boys’ soccer goalie Alex Donahue sends the ball up the field in a game this fall. Junior Donahue emerged as a star for Hun, earning All-Prep A first team honors. The Raiders advanced to the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and the state Prep A semis on the way to posting a 6-10-3 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In the early stages of the 2019 season, the Hun School boys’ soccer team didn’t look like it was destined to do any damage in postseason play.

The Raiders suffered three straight losses in the first two weeks of the season, getting outscored 10-5 in those setbacks. 

Undeterred by the shaky start, Hun regrouped and ended up advancing to the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and the state Prep A semis.

“It is the first time we won a county game and a state game in the same year a while,” said Hun head coach Pat Quirk, whose team ended 2019 with a final record of 6-10-3. “It was good for the younger guys to see what it takes to win in those tournaments.”

Two of the squad’s older guys, senior Brian Spencer and junior Amar Anand came through in a dramatic 3-2 overtime win against Blair in the opening round of the Prep A tourney.

“It was a back and forth game; it was a battle,” recalled Quirk. more

Keeping Focused on Sharpening Skills, Hun Field Hockey Showed Improvement

STICKING WITH IT: Hun School field hockey player Catherine Argiriou dribbles the ball in a game this fall. Senior Argiriou provided leadership and production for Hun as it showed improvement down the stretch. After starting 0-9, the Raiders ended up with a 3-15 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

When the Hun School field hockey team started this fall by losing its first nine games, it would have been understandable if its players had simply thrown in the towel on the season.

Instead, the Raiders didn’t stop grinding, sharpening their skills and earning three wins over the last few weeks of the season.

“They kept getting better,” said Hun head coach Tracey Arndt, who was in her first season guiding the program.

“I was really proud of them that they continued to work hard no matter what with the setbacks and adversity they had.”

Displaying that progress, the Raiders gave second-seeded Lawrence a battle in the opening round of the Mercer County Tournament, falling 2-0 after having lost to the Cardinals 6-0 two weeks earlier in a regular season contest. more

November 20, 2019

Defeating UConn in NCAAs for 12th Win a Row PU Field Hockey Returns to Final 4, Will Face UVa

RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Princeton University field hockey player MaryKate Neff tracks down the ball in a game earlier this fall. Last Sunday, junior star Neff scored a goal to help No. 9 Princeton defeat No. 2 UConn  2-0 in the NCAA quarterfinals. The Tigers, now 15-4 and riding a 12-game winning streak, will play No. 3 Virginia (18-4) in the NCAA semis on November 22 at Winston-Salem, N.C., with the victor advancing to the national championship game on November 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In late September, the Princeton University field hockey team suffered a tough loss when it fell 2-1 in overtime to UConn.

But after winning 11 of its next 12 games, including a 5-1 thrashing of Syracuse in the first round of the NCAA tournament last Friday, ninth-ranked Princeton earned a rematch with the powerhouse Huskies last Sunday on their home field in Storrs, Conn. in the national quarterfinals.

Displaying how far it has come since that disappointing September afternoon, Princeton turned the tables on No. 2 UConn, pulling away to a 2-0 win as the program earned its second straight trip to the NCAA Final Four and third in the last four years.

Princeton head coach Carla Tagliente was thrilled by her team’s performance in Connecticut as it ended the weekend at 15-4 and riding a 12-game winning streak. The Tigers will now play No. 3 Virginia (18-4) in the NCAA semis on November 22 at Winston-Salem, N.C., with the victor advancing to the national championship game on November 24. more

PU Football Routed by Yale On Senior Day But Still Alive in Ivy League Title Chase

DOGFIGHT: Princeton University receiver Andrew Griffin goes up for the ball against Yale last Saturday. Senior star Griffin made six catches for 68 yards in the game but it wasn’t nearly enough as Princeton fell 51-14 to Yale. The Tigers, now 7-2 overall and 4-2 Ivy League, play at Penn on November 23 to wrap up the 2019 season. Despite the loss to the Bulldogs, the Tigers could gain a share of the Ivy title if they defeat the Quakers and both Yale (8-1 overall, 5-1 Ivy) and Dartmouth (8-1 overall, 5-1 Ivy) fall in their finales. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Andrew Griffin paid his dues in waiting to get a starting role at wide receiver for the Princeton University football team.

After not seeing any varsity action as a freshman and getting into a couple of games in his sophomore year, Griffin made three catches last fall as a junior in eight games.

Emerging as a star receiver this year, Griffin came into last Saturday with 25 catches and a team-high six touchdown receptions as Princeton hosted Yale in its home finale and honored Griffin and his fellow seniors in a pregame ceremony. more

Morales Provides a Spark Off the Bench But Tiger Men’s Hoops Falls to Lafayette

BOOSTING MORALE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jose Morales dribbles up the court in a game last winter. Last Wednesday, senior guard Morales, a former Hun School standout, scored eight points in 19 minutes off the bench, but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers fell 72-65 to Lafayette. Princeton, now 0-3, plays at Indiana on November 20 before hosting Arizona State on November 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University men’s basketball team trailing Lafayette 52-34 early in the second half last Wednesday in its home opener at Jadwin Gym, Jose Morales came off the bench looking to give the Tigers a lift.

“It was just, be a spark offensively and defensively, whatever we really needed,” said Morales, a native or Miramar, Fla. who starred in a postgraduate season at the Hun School. “I felt like we just came out a little flat.”

With the scrappy 5’9 Morales throwing his body around at both ends of the court, Princeton went on an 18-7 run to narrow the gap to 59-52. But in the end, Lafayette held on for a 72-65 win as the Tigers dropped to 0-3. more

PU Men’s Hockey Rallies to 2-2 Tie with RPI As Senior Star Topatigh Displays Leadership

TOE TO TOE: Princeton University men’s hockey player Derek Topatigh, right, battles for the puck in recent action. Last Friday evening, senior defenseman and captain Topatigh scored a goal to help Princeton rally from a two-goal deficit to pull out a 2-2 tie with RPI. The Tigers, who lost 2-1 to Union in overtime a night later to fall to 1-3-2 overall and 0-3-1 ECAC Hockey, play at Colgate on November 22 and at No. 2 Cornell on November 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University men’s hockey team trailed RPI 2-0 after two periods last Friday night at Hobey Baker Rink, Derek Topatigh was confident that the Tigers could rally.

“It was just stick to the game plan, it has been working,” said senior defenseman and captain Topatigh, recalling the discussion in the locker room during the second intermission.

“We were all over them; they got a couple of bounces and capitalized on their chances. The message was just keep doing what we were doing. We know we are a good team and we have the systems in place to win.” more

Undergoing a Youth Movement by Necessity, PHS Boys’ Soccer Gained Valuable Experience

MILES TO GO: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Miles Ryan controls the ball in a game this fall. Sophomore midfielder Ryan was one of several young players who stepped up this season for PHS as it went 14-7 and advanced to the Mercer County Tournament semifinals and the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional quarters. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Wayne Sutcliffe has never guided such a young Princeton High boys’ soccer team in his 23 years as head coach of the program as he had this fall.

There was not a senior on the field when fifth-seeded PHS lost 1-0 to 13th-seeded and eventual sectional finalist, Long Branch, on November 1 in the Central Jersey Group 4 quarterfinal.

While the harsh finality of the result stung, the Tigers could look ahead with justified optimism to the 2020 season.

“There’s clear desire on their part to win some silverware next year,” said Sutcliffe.  more

Featuring Balanced Attack, Competitive Spirit PFC Porto U-12 Boys Wins N.J. Soccer Title

SPOILS OF VICTORY: Members of the Princeton Football Club (PFC) Porto U-12 boys team show off the trophy and medals they earned for winning the New Jersey Youth Soccer State President’s Cup earlier this month. The PFC team edged Cinnaminson SC Union 2-1 in overtime in the championship game on November 3 at the Capelli Sports Complex in Tinton Falls. By winning the New Jersey title, PFC qualified to compete in the East Regional, which will be held next June in Barboursville and Charleston, W. Va. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Nishanth Balaji, Mario Radzicki, Quinn Shannon, Gus Shapiro, Siddarth Goyal, and Logan Miller. In the back row, from left, are Coach Yordan Hristov, Aaron Thyrum, Vidur Jain, Trey McFadden,  Billy Crawshaw, Declan Hughes, Christian Tharney, Ivan Marinov, and Aahil Sikkander.

By Bill Alden

Yordan Hristov sensed that his PFC Porto U-12 boys’ soccer team was poised for a championship run this fall.

Hardened by losing in the state quarterfinals last spring as the bounces didn’t go the club’s way, Hristov saw a greater resolve in his players.

“I felt going into this season that we have something special going on,” said PFC Porto head coach Hristov.

“We are more prepared a little more mature and smarter. We have a little bit more determination and we all have a better understanding and the experience of the past.” more

November 13, 2019

Princeton Football on Wrong Side of History, Falling 27-10 to Dartmouth at Yankee Stadium

BRONX BOMBER: Princeton University quarterback Kevin Davidson fires a pass a game earlier this fall. Last Saturday, senior Davidson threw for 210 yards and a touchdown in a losing cause as Princeton fell 27-10 to Dartmouth at Yankee Stadium. The loss to the undefeated Big Green snapped a 17-game winning streak for the Tigers, who dropped to 7-1 overall and 4-1 Ivy League. Princeton will look to get back in the win column when it hosts Yale (7-1 overall, 4-1 Ivy) on November 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For lifelong New York Yankees fan Bob Surace, making the pilgrimage to the Bronx is always special.

So when Surace brought his undefeated and ninth-ranked  Princeton University football team to Yankee Stadium last Saturday for a clash against undefeated and No. 13 Dartmouth to help commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first game which pitted the Tigers against Rutgers on November 6, 1869, the trip was destined to leave a slew of memories.

“The entire week was great, with the celebration of the first game we played in, the Empire State Building being lit up the orange and red for us and Rutgers, and the number of alumni who flew in, who drove in,” said Princeton head coach Surace, a star center for the Tiger football program in the late 1980s.

“It was really incredible to see the support from everybody who has been a part of Princeton football for such a long time and then have the Yankee Stadium experience.” more

Tiger Women’s Hoops Starts Berube Era 2-0 As Junior Point Guard Littlefield Doing it All

ON POINT: Princeton University women’s basketball player Carlie Littlefield looks to pass the ball last week as Princeton hosted Rider in its season opener. Junior point guard Littlefield scored 10 points and had a career-high seven assists in the November 5 contest to help the Tigers prevail 80-47. Last Sunday in a 75-50 win at George Washington, Littlefield nearly recorded a triple-double, scoring 22 points with 10 steals and eight rebounds. Littlefield was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. In upcoming action, Princeton, now 2-0, plays at Seton Hall on November 15 before hosting Florida Gulf Coast on November 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University women’s basketball team took the court for its season opener last week against Rider at Jadwin Gyn, it was more than just the start of another season.

With Carla Berube taking the helm of squad after Courtney Banghart having headed south to guide the University of North Carolina, the November 5 contest marked a new chapter in the history of the Princeton program.

Tiger junior guard Carlie Littlefield and her teammates were ready to turn the page as they faced the Broncs.

“We were all just super excited for this new era and this new season to kick off,” said Littlefield. more

Although Princeton Men’s Hockey Has Started 1-2-1, Fogarty Believes Tigers Headed in Right Direction

BIG JAKE: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jake Paganelli skates near the boards in a game last winter. Last Saturday, junior forward Paganelli scored a goal in a losing cause as Princeton fell 3-1 at Dartmouth. The Tigers, now 1-2-1 overall and 0-2 ECAC Hockey, will be seeing their first action this season at Hobey Baker Rink when they host RPI on November 15 and Union on November 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton University men’s hockey team opened its ECAC Hockey campaign last weekend by falling at Harvard and Dartmouth, Ron Fogarty is far from discouraged.

“I like where this team is at; we have four lines that are doing well,” said Princeton head coach Fogarty, whose team is now 1-2-1 overall and 0-2 ECACH. “All of the guys, to a man, are playing hard and smart.”

Despite playing hard in New England, Princeton fell 3-0 to Harvard on Friday and 3-1 to Dartmouth a day later.

“Last weekend was a tough two games score-wise but I liked how we played,” said Fogarty. more

Multi-Talented Girls’ Soccer Midfielder Sarnak Entering PHS Athletic Hall of Fame’s 14th Class

MIDFIELD MAESTRO: Zoe Sarnak displays two of her many talents, recently performing on stage, left, and playing soccer for the Harvard women’s soccer team in 2006. Sarnak, a stellar midfielder for the Princeton High girls’ soccer team from 2001-04, will be inducted in the PHS Athletic Hall of Fame this Saturday. (Photos provided by Zoe Sarnak and Harvard Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

As an award-winning composer and lyricist, Zoe Sarnak relishes the process of combining her talents with others to create productions.

For Sarnak, working together to achieve something special stems naturally from her experience as a star midfielder for the Princeton High girls’ soccer program more than a decade ago.

“Team sports were really good because they taught me how to play a certain leadership role on a team; I definitely think they helped me in my career,” said Sarnak, a 2005 PHS grad now based in New York City whose professional resume includes such theater and songwriting honors as winning the Jonathan Larson Award and the Davenport Contest and being named as a finalist for the Fred Ebb Award, Kleban Prize, Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award, and the NY Stage & Film’s Founders Award. more

With Senior Dobler Stepping Into Libero Role, PHS Girls’ Volleyball Makes 2nd Round of States

SERVE AND PROTECT: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Emily Dobler blasts a serve in a match last season. Last Thursday, senior libero Dobler contributed 10 digs and nine service points in a losing cause as seventh-seeded PHS fell 2-1 to 10th-seeded East Brunswick in the second round of the state Group 4 tournament. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 19-8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into the fall, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team was looking for someone to fill the critical libero role.

“The libero serves as a defensive specialist and playmaker, wearing a different color jersey than her teammates to signify her unique responsibilities.

While PHS senior Emily Dobler had never played that position before, she reluctantly agreed to give it a shot.

“This is my first year paying libero, I used to be a hitter on the front row,” said Dobler.

“I wasn’t that excited about it at the beginning of the year, but it is really fun to work on getting the passes there and getting them up. I am improving on that because I never thought of myself as a passer.” more

Fueled by Apples, Collective Desire to Improve, PHS Girls’ Cross Country Takes 3rd at Sectional

FAST COMPANY: Members of the Princeton High girls’ cross country team take off at the start of the Mercer County Championships last month. This past Saturday, PHS took third in the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional meet. As a result of making the top five, the Tigers qualified to compete in the state Group 4 meet this Saturday. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Three apples a day keeps the Princeton High girls’ cross country season going.

“We’ve all been eating apples all year,” said PHS veteran stalwart Lizzy Hare with a laugh. “That’s the key.”

Last Saturday at the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional at Thompson Park in Jamesburg, Hare, the lone senior in the Tiger top seven, posted a personal record of 20:37 over the 5,000-meter course to come in fourth out PHS’s scoring five runners and help the squad place third in the meet.

“I think it’s very inspiring,” said Hare. “It’s really pushing us. We want to hopefully make it to Meet of Champs this year. It’s a big goal. We’ll have another hard week of training to hopefully make it out next week.” more

November 6, 2019

Princeton Football Tops Cornell to Improve to 7-0, Now Faces Unbeaten Dartmouth at Yankee Stadium

GROUND AND POUND: Princeton University football player Ryan Quigley heads upfieldin recent action. Last Friday night, senior running back Quigley rushed for a game-high 79 yards to help Princeton defeat Cornell 21-7. The Tigers, now 7-0 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, face Dartmouth (7-0, 4-0 Ivy) on November 9 at Yankee Stadium as part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the first football game, played between Princeton and Rutgers on November 6, 1869. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last fall, the Princeton University football team cruised to a 66-0 win over Cornell on the way to its first perfect campaign since 1964.

Although Princeton brought a 6-0 record into this years’s renewal of the rivalry with Cornell last Friday night in Ithaca, N.Y., Bob Surace sensed that his team was not in for a smooth ride against the Big Red this fall.

“You look at Cornell this year and they are a good team, said Surace, noting that although Cornell had started 2-4, each of those defeats has come in tight games, with the team losing by an average of 7.75 points. more

Princeton Men’s Hoops Opening 2019-20 Campaign, Aiming to Emulate Aririguzoh’s Humility, Work Ethic

RICH AND SUCCESSFUL: Princeton University men’s basketball player Richmond Aririguzoh, right, fields a question at the program’s annual media day last week as teammate Jaelin Llewellyn and head coach Mitch Henderson look on. The Tigers, who went 16-12 last year on the way to the Ivy League postseason tournament with Aririguzoh emerging as a star, are tipping off the 2019-20 season this week with games at Duquesne on November 5 and against the University of San Francisco at the Chase Center in San Francisco on November 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While practice for the Princeton University men’s basketball team typically starts at 4:45 in the afternoon, Richmond Aririguzoh has stuck to a different schedule over the last four years.

“Starting in Richmond’s freshman year, he didn’t want anybody to notice him and he would go into the side court basket and that is where he would get his work done,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson, speaking at the program’s annual media day last week.

“If you show up at 4:15, you could set your watch to precision like work being done on that exact same basket. That story just says that there is a humbleness to Richmond. It is don’t worry about me, I will be in the side court working. It would be easy for him to walk around campus and pat himself on the back and ask others to do the same but that is just not his personality. I ask us to make us him; we will all be better for it.” more

London Native Baylis Enjoys the Journey, Helping PU Field Hockey Earn NCAA Berth

LONDON CALLING: Princeton University field hockey goalie Grace Baylis directs the Tiger defense in recent action. Last Sunday, senior star Baylis, a native of London, England, made two saves as eighth-ranked Princeton defeated Cornell 3-0 to clinch a share of the Ivy League title and the league’s automatic bid for the upcoming NCAA tournament. Baylis was later named the Ivy Defensive Player of the Week. Princeton, now 12-4 overall and 6-0 Ivy, plays at Penn on November 9 to wrap up regular season action. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Grace Baylis, joining the Princeton University field hockey program involved a longer journey than most of her teammates.

Hailing from London, England, star goalie Baylis arrived at Princeton in 2015 confident that she had found a good fit far from home.

“I wanted to play at a really good level and get a really good education and this allowed me to do that,” said senior goalie Baylis.

“That is what is so special about our program – we love field hockey and you can still pursue whatever you want, academically, socially, extracurricular, and still play.”

Baylis and her classmates got some love last Sunday as the program held its annual Senior Day celebration before hosting Cornell in its regular season home finale.  more

Fillier Providing Production, Leadership As Princeton Women’s Hockey Starts 4-1

GETTING HER FILL: Princeton University women’s hockey player Sarah Fillier heads up ice in recent action. Last week, sophomore star forward Fillier tallied two goals and one assist as Princeton defeated Quinnipiac 4-2 to open ECAC Hockey play. The Tigers, now 4-1 overall and 2-1 ECACH after beating Colgate 1-0 on Friday and losing 3-1 to Cornell the next day, host Harvard on November 8 and Dartmouth on November 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was only the first weekend of the season but Sarah Fillier felt snakebitten when she didn’t score a goal despite firing eight shots as the Princeton University women’s hockey team posted a pair of wins over Syracuse in late October.

So when sixth-ranked Princeton hosted Quinnipiac in its ECAC Hockey opener on October 29, sophomore forward Fillier was ready to break out.

“They have played a few more games than we have so they are more in stride than we are,” said Fillier, a 5’5 native of Georgetown, Ontario who tallied 22 goals and 35 assists for 57 points last winter in getting named as a second-team All-American and the National Rookie of the Year. more

Sparked by Defender Wolf’s Solid Play, PU Men’s Soccer Stays in Ivy Title Race

LONE WOLF: Princeton University men’s soccer player Richard Wolf goes after the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, junior defender Wolf helped Princeton battle to a 1-1 tie with Cornell. The Tigers, now 10-3-2 overall and 2-1-2 Ivy League, play at Penn on November 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Richard Wolf earned All-Ivy League honors in his first two seasons for the Princeton University men’s soccer team but he was primed to do more this fall.

“I like to think I have taken a little bit more of a leadership position,” said junior defender Wolf, a 6’0, 190-pound native of Annandale, N.J.

“I got my first goal as well and then I got my second one. That has been a nice change. I haven’t scored in the past three years so it was really nice to get on the score sheet.”

Last Saturday, Wolf displayed his leadership on the back line as Princeton battled Cornell to a 1-1 tie though regulation and 20 minutes of overtime, moving to 10-3-2 overall and 2-1-2 Ivy League. more

With Senior Pari Sparking Superb Defensive Effort, PDS Girls’ Soccer Wins 6th Straight Prep B Crown

THRUST AND PARI: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Tulsi Pari gets the ball up the field last Friday against Newark Academy in the state Prep B final. Senior defender Pari helped top-seeded PDS edge Newark Academy 2-1 to earn the program’s sixth straight Prep title. The Panthers finished the fall with a 16-3-1 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It didn’t take long for Tulsi Pari to realize that playing for the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team meant that you had a bull’s-eye squarely on your back.

“It is a lot of pressure because coming in freshman year we already had that legacy and everything,” said senior defender Pari.

“Riley [Felsher], Bri [Astbury] and Ariana [Jones] are all in this together with me. The whole team has worked hard to keep this legacy up.”

Last Friday, Pari and classmates Felsher, Astbury, and Jones helped write another chapter in the program’s storied legacy as the top-seeded Panthers edged third-seeded Newark Academy 2-1 in the state Prep B final to earn their sixth straight state title and end the fall at 16-3-1. more

Fueled by Upbeat Chemistry, Senior Leadership, PHS Girls’ Soccer Enjoyed Positive Campaign

COMING TOGETHER: Princeton High girls’ soccer players Morgan Beamer, left, and Vanessa Ponce celebrate a goal in recent action. Fueled by team chemistry, PHS went 8-6-3 this fall, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Mercer County Tournament before getting edged 1-0 at Old Bridge in the opening round of the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the PHS girls’ soccer team didn’t go as far in postseason play as it had hoped, Val Rodriguez believes that her senior group helped the squad accomplish something special.

“I had a group of girls that I enjoy spending time with; they are good kids, they are fun kids with good character who care about each other,” said PHS head coach Rodriguez, whose senior group included Morgan Beamer, Caroline Ealy, Molly Frain, Kirin Kunukkasseril, Shaylah Marciano, Eva Petrone, Voula Papakonstantinou, and Lauren Rougas.

“I finally reached my goal here, creating a team like that, being part of a team like that. They made that a priority this year and they stayed committed to it from start to finish. The seniors work hard, they are committed to the game and a lot of them are going on to the next level to play college sports of some kind, either lacrosse or soccer.” more

October 30, 2019

Sticking Together, Displaying Grit in the Clutch, Tiger Football Outlasts Harvard 30-24, Now 6-0

TOUCH OF CLASS: Princeton University football player Dylan Classi goes up for a catch in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore receiver Classi made seven catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns to help Princeton defeat Harvard 30-24. The win improved the No. 13 Tigers to 6-0 overall and 3-0 Ivy as they extended their winning streak to 16. Princeton will look to keep on the winning track at it plays at Cornell (2-4 overall, 1-2 Ivy) on November 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

John Orr didn’t play a down, but he helped set the tone for the Princeton University football team as it hosted Harvard last Saturday in an Ivy League showdown.

Having been sidelined when he suffered a leg injury in the preseason, senior linebacker and tri-captain Orr was asked by Princeton head coach Bob Surace to speak to his teammates before Princeton took on the Crimson in battle of rivals that were both 2-0 in Ivy play coming into the game.

“John means so much to this program and he is out; it is a horrible feeling to have a guy out that put so much into it,” recalled Surace.

“I said to him that I would love to have you address the team and he gave this amazing speech last night. It was about the guys being strong and the whole group of 100 guys playing together and showing grit. That was the message. I repeated the message at halftime. We had a little adversity and I said are we going to stay together and are we going to show grit.”

Taking that message to heart, Princeton overcame a 14-10 halftime deficit to pull out a hard-eared 30-24 victory over the Crimson before 9,028 at Princeton Stadium. The triumph improved the 13th-ranked Tigers to 6-0 overall and 3-0 Ivy as they extended their winning streak to 16. more

Berube Making Debut at Helm of PU Women’s Hoops, Emphasizing Tough Defense as Key to Successful Winter

POSITIVE VIBE: Princeton University women’s basketball first year head coach Carla Berube, center, enjoys a light moment at the program’s annual Media Day last Monday, flanked by senior star Balla Alarie, right, and junior standout Carlie Littlefield. Berube, the successor to Courtney Banghart, now the head coach at North Carolina, will get her tenure underway when Princeton hosts Rider on November 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The disappointment of their season-ending 82-77 loss to Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA tournament last March was still fresh in their heads when the Princeton University women’s basketball team began thinking about this year.

The Tigers knew they would be returning a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year in senior Bella Alarie, a floor general in junior Carlie Littlefield, the highly regarded sophomore Abby Meyers, who missed a year after a promising freshman campaign, a good supporting cast of sophomores that had good experience, and a strong incoming freshman class to follow a 22-10 season.

“After that game, we talked a lot about what the future would hold for our team and we want to make history,” said senior forward and co-captain Alarie.  more

Princeton Men’s Hockey Featuring New Faces, Opening Season with 2-Game Set at St. Cloud

FACING OFF: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jackson Cressey, right, battles for the puck on a face-off in a game last season. Princeton will be looking to senior forward Cressey to be a key offensive playmaker this winter. The Tigers open their 2019-20 campaign with a two-game set at St. Cloud State on November 1 and 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The trio of Ryan Kuffner, Max Veronneau, and Josh Teves left an indelible mark on the Princeton University men’s hockey team’s record book before they graduated last June.

Kuffner ended his career as the program’s all-time leading goal scorer with 75 while Veronneau was the fourth leading scorer with 143 points and Teves set a program mark for most assists (69) by a defenseman.

While it would be understandable if Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty lamented the exit of his three blue-chip stars who all went on to see NHL action last spring, he is ready to turn the page. more