March 4, 2020

With Senior McCarthy Enjoying Career Game, PU Men’s Lax Cruises Past Hopkins, Now 4-0

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Connor McCarthy looks to unload the ball in a game last spring. Last Saturday, senior midfielder McCarthy tallied a career-high five goals to help Princeton defeat Johns Hopkins 18-11. The Tigers, now 4-0 and ranked third nationally, host Rutgers (2-3) on March 7 in the battle for the Meistrell Cup.  (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Connor McCarthy has endured a star-crossed career for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team as injury woes have hampered his progress.

But coming into his senior year this spring, midfielder McCarthy is at full strength and ready to star for Princeton.

“I have been battling injuries for the last couple of years,” said McCarthy, whose right knee is wrapped and had four goals in just nine appearances last spring. “I am feeling good this year; it is real nice to get out there. I feel 100 percent.”

Last Saturday as Princeton hosted Johns Hopkins, McCarthy produced a really good game, tallying a career-high five goals to help the Tigers defeat the Blue Jays 18-11 and improve to 4-0 before a crowd of 1,815 at Class of 52 Stadium braving a chilly 35-degree day.  more

After Final Home Weekend for PU Men’s Hockey, Topatigh Aiming for Big Run in ECACH Playoffs

TOP LEADER: Princeton University men’s hockey player Derek Topatigh brings the puck up the ice in a game last winter. Last Saturday, senior defenseman and team captain Topatigh made his final appearance at Hobey Baker Rink, fighting hard in a losing cause as Princeton fell 2-0 to Brown. The Tigers, now 4-20-5 overall, start play in the ECAC Hockey playoffs where they are seeded 11th and are playing at sixth-seeded Dartmouth in a best-of-three first round series starting on March 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Emotions were swirling for Derek Topatigh last Saturday night as he made his final appearance at Hobey Baker Rink for the Princeton University men’s hockey team.

The senior defenseman was part of a special pregame presentation along with his parents Sergio Topatigh and Karen Trudell since his mother was unable to attend the program’s Senior Day ceremony earlier in the year due to being under a treatment regimen for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“That was huge for me and my family, my mom really didn’t want to miss it at the beginning of the year,” said Topatigh, a 5’11, 185-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario. “It was great on coach [Ron] Fogarty and everyone to make it happen. It was just a blast to able to do it.”

Once Topatigh hit the ice for the Tigers against Brown, he was looking for a huge game in his Baker finale. more

February 26, 2020

With Bullock Enjoying Milestone Senior Weekend, PU Women’s Hockey Gets Sweep, Girds for Playoffs

BULLY FOR HER: Princeton University women’s hockey player Carly Bullock tracks the puck in recent action. Bullock enjoyed a milestone Senior Weekend as Princeton posted 5-1 wins over Brown on Friday and Yale a day later. Star forward Bullock tallied three goals and an assist against the Bears and then had two goals and an assist in the win over the Bulldogs, hitting the 150-point mark in her career in the process. The Tigers, now 22-5-1 overall and 17-4-1 ECAC Hockey, start action in the ECACH quarterfinals where they are seeded second and will host seventh-seeded Quinnipiac (18-13-3 overall,11-9-2 ECACH)  in a best-of-three series starting on February 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Carly Bullock wanted to put on a show for her family as the Princeton University women’s hockey team held its annual Senior Day celebration last weekend.

“My siblings are here, they didn’t get to come out a lot,” said senior forward Bullock, a native of Eden Prairie, Minn. “I have always wanted to do my best when everyone is watching.”

Bullock came through with one of the best weekends of her career, tallying three goals and an assist as Princeton defeated Brown 5-1 on Friday night and then chipping in two goals and an assist as the Tigers defeated Yale 5-1 a day later.

“At the end of the season, every game matters and every team is coming out and bringing their all,” said Bullock, who hit the 150-point mark (91 goals, 59 assists) in her Princeton career with her final goal against Yale, becoming the ninth player in program history to achieve that milestone. more

Reilly Making Impact as Senior Co-Captain, Helping PU Women’s Lax Produce 1-1 Start

LIFE OF REILLY: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Katie Reilly heads up the field last Saturday as ninth-ranked Princeton hosted No. 8 Virginia. Senior attacker Reilly contributed an assist in a losing cause as the Tigers fell 12-10 to the Cavaliers. Princeton, now 1-1, plays at Villanova on February 26 and then opens Ivy League play with a game at Columbia on February 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Katie Reilly is especially motivated to make the most of her final season with the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team.

The senior attacker is one of the Tiger captains along with classmates Annie Cory and Tess D’Orsi and has started the first two games of the year after appearing in just 13 total games in her first three seasons since coming from Huntingdon, N.Y., where she was a three-sport star, playing soccer and basketball in addition to lacrosse.

“Obviously it stinks a little bit to come and have to watch and learn, but I think that’s exactly what you do,” said Reilly. “You watch and learn. The difference between high school and college, there’s a really big difference in tempo, intensity, all this. For most programs, unless you’re phenomenal, you’re not just going to walk in and displace anybody. Everybody is really good. I think it’s really valuable to see the other perspective and be on the sideline. It teaches you that you have to work hard if you want to get something, it’s not just going to come to you. It gives you a different perspective and I think that’s helpful in being a leader and being a player in general.” more

Sophomore Guard Stone Displays Her Progress, Starring as PU Women’s Hoops Tops Dartmouth

ROLLING STONE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Grace Stone dribbles up the court in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Stone matched her career high with 16 points as Princeton defeated Dartmouth 87-55 to post its 17th straight win. The Tigers, who improved to 21-1 overall and 9-0 Ivy League with the win, were slated to host Penn on February 25, Brown on February 28, and Yale on February 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When Karen Stone sang the national anthem before the Princeton University women’s basketball team played Dartmouth last Saturday evening, one player was particularly inspired.

“It was super cool for me,” said Stone’s daughter, Princeton sophomore guard Grace Stone.

“She used to sing at my high school games too. It was always a nice thing that we shared, so it was nice for her to come in and represent the Stone family. It just sent me with a lot of energy into the game.”

One minute into the game, the energy in the building was sapped when Princeton senior star and two-time Ivy League Player of the Year Bella Alarie crumpled to the floor after missing a layup, clutching her right knee and yelping in pain. more

February 19, 2020

Slusher Produces Memorable Collegiate Debut, Tallying 4 Points as PU Men’s Lax Tops Monmouth

SUDDEN IMPACT: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Alex Slusher eludes a Monmouth defender last Saturday in the Tigers’ season opener. Freshman midfielder Slusher enjoyed a superb college debut, tallying three goals and an assist as Princeton pulled away to a 20-9 win over the Hawks. In upcoming action, the Tigers play at second-ranked and defending national champion Virginia on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden 

Coming all the way from Oregon to play for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, Alex Slusher experienced some butterflies as he made his college debut last Saturday against Monmouth. more

Rebounding From Lopsided Defeat to Yale, PU Men’s Hoops Tops Brown, Back Atop Ivies

BEARING DOWN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Tosan Evboumwan looks to make a move in recent action. Last Friday, freshman forward Evboumwan scored a team-high 11 points in a losing cause as Princeton fell 88-64 to Yale. Evboumwan and the Tigers bounced back on Saturday as Princeton defeated Brown 73-54 to improve to 11-10 overall and 6-2 Ivy League. The Tigers, who are tied atop the Ivy standings with Yale after the win over the Bears, play at Harvard on February 21 and at Dartmouth on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tosan Evboumwan got the weekend off to a good start for the Princeton University men’s basketball team as it hosted Yale last Friday evening in a battle of Ivy League leaders. more

Princeton Men’s Hockey Gets Weekend Split As Senior Germain Saving His Best for Last

MAIN LINE: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jeremy Germain, middle, battles for the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, senior forward Germain scored the lone goal for Princeton as it fell 3-1 to No. 5 Clarkson. The Tigers, now 4-17-4 overall and 2-13-3 ECAC Hockey, play at Union on February 21 and at RPI on February 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University men’s hockey team found itself trailing No. 5 Clarkson 2-0 heading into the third period last Saturday, Jeremy Germain and his teammates weren’t about to throw in the towel. more

February 12, 2020

Snapping Cornell’s 92-Match Ivy Winning Streak, PU Wrestling Earns 1st League Crown Since 1986

CROWNING GLORY: Princeton University wrestler Travis Stefanik celebrates after he topped Cornell’s Jonathan Loew 10-4 to clinch victory in a 19-13 triumph by Princeton over the Big Red last Sunday at Jadwin Gym. In beating the Big Red, the Tigers handed Cornell its first Ivy League defeat since 2002 to snap its 92-match league winning streak and earn Princeton’s first Ivy crown since 1986 and the school’s 500th league title overall. Princeton, now 6-4 overall and 4-0 Ivy, hosts Penn and Drexel on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Chris Ayres was a man in demand in the wake of coaching the Princeton University wrestling team to a dramatic 19-13 win over Cornell last Sunday,  producing one of the greatest moments in program history. more

Having Dominated Ivy League in Recent Years, PU Women’s Lax Looking for Deep NCAA Run

READY TO ATTACK: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Tess D’Orsi heads to goal in a 2019 game. Senior tri-captain and star attacker D’Orsi, who had 80 points on 64 goals and 16 assists last year, is primed for a big final campaign. Princeton opens its 2020 season by playing at Temple (1-0) on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team has developed into a dynasty despite playing in an increasingly competitive Ivy League.

The Tigers will be starting their drive for a seventh straight Ivy regular-season title and third straight Ivy League Tournament title (sixth in 11 years) when they open the season at Temple (1-0) on February 15. more

With Senior Group Showing Sense of Urgency, PU Men’s Lax Hungry to Make Postseason Play

AUTO-BAUGHAN: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player George Baughan races past a foe in a game last year. Junior captain Baughan is one of the top defenseman in the nation, having earned first-team All-Ivy League honors in 2019 and preseason All-American recognition coming into this spring. Princeton opens its 2020 campaign by hosting Monmouth (1-0) on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the 12 seniors on the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, it is now or never.

The group has helped produce some highlights over their first three seasons, including wins over Johns Hopkins, Rutgers, Cornell and Denver and some memorable battles with national championships teams Yale and Virginia. more

With Alarie Starring at Both Ends of Court, PU Women’s Hoops Tops Columbia, Now 17-1

RISING FORCE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Bella Alarie drives to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, senior star Alarie scored a game high-24 points as Princeton defeated Columbia 77-55. The Tigers, now 17-1 overall and 5-0 Ivy League, play at Yale on February 14 and at Brown on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having poured in a total of 59 points in two games against Columbia last year, Bella Alarie picked where she left off as the Princeton University women’s basketball team hosted the Lions last Saturday. more

February 5, 2020

Wright’s Emergence as All-Around Contributor Helps PU Men’s Hoops Enjoy 2-0 Ivy Weekend

WRIGHT ON: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ethan Wright dribbles past a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Wright tallied a team-high 15 points with four rebounds and three steals to help Princeton edge Harvard 70-69. The Tigers, now 9-8 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, play at Cornell on February 7 and at Columbia on February 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Ethan Wright’s progress has mirrored the collective improvement made by the Princeton University men’s basketball team as it has bounced back from a 1-7 start to post wins in eight of its last nine games.

In the first eight games of the season, sophomore guard Wright totaled 27 points and 13 rebounds. Over Princeton’s hot streak, Wright has piled up 70 points and 38 rebounds.

Last weekend, Wright displayed his all-around value to the Tigers, contributing six points and eight rebounds as Princeton defeated Dartmouth 66-44 and then had team-high 15 points with four rebounds and three steals in a 70-69 win over Harvard a night later. more

Returning from Exam Break with 0-2 Weekend, PU Men’s Hockey Needs to Start Winning Battles

YOUNG GUN: Princeton University men’s hockey player Spencer Kersten, right, battles a foe on a face-off in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman forward Kersten scored a goal in a losing cause as Princeton fell 5-3 to No. 1 Cornell. The Tigers, now 3-14-4 overall and 1-10-3 ECAC Hockey, play at Brown on February 7 and at Yale on February 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As the Princeton University men’s hockey team resumed ECAC Hockey play last weekend, it faced challenges on several levels.

First, Princeton had to shake off some rust, having been on a 20-day hiatus for exams. In addition, the Tigers were facing a pair of formidable foes as they hosted surging Colgate on Friday night and top-ranked Cornell on Saturday evening.

“We got one week of practice in; it is still a unique situation and I am glad to see it go away,” said Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty, noting that exams will take place before Christmas starting in the 2020-21 school year. more

January 29, 2020

PU Men’s Hoops Tops D-III Foe Rutgers-Camden As Kellman Stars In Tune-Up for 1st Ivy Weekend

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Keeshawn Kellman puts up a shot in a game earlier this season. Last Sunday, freshman forward Kellman scored a career-high 20 points to help Princeton defeat Division III foe Rutgers-Camden 87-41 in its return from the exam break. The Tigers, now 7-8 overall and 2-0 Ivy League, resume league play this weekend when they host Dartmouth on January 31 and Harvard on February 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Keeshawn Kellman has kept his head down and paid his dues in going through his freshman season with the Princeton University men’s basketball team

“Every day, whether it is practice or a game, I just try to contribute to the team and create a positive environment,” said Kellman, a 6’8, 220-pound native of Allentown, Pa. “I work as hard as I can and do everything that is asked of me.”

Last Sunday, that work paid dividends as Kellman scored a career-high 20 points to help Princeton defeat Division III foe Rutgers-Camden 87-41 before 1,576 at Jadwin Gym in its return from the exam break.

“I felt good finishing around the rim,” said Kellman, reflecting on a performance which saw him go 9-of-11 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the foul line as the Tigers improved to 7-8 overall.

“There are some things I need to sharpen up on — as always — my ball screen defense, dealing with fatigue, setting up my  teammates better, taking care of the ball. It really felt good.” more

January 22, 2020

Working Hard to Secure Full-Time Spot in NHL, PU Alum Robinson Making Progress for Columbus

TRUE BLUE: Eric Robinson skates for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018 action. This winter, former Princeton University men’s hockey standout Robinson ’18 is working to secure a permanent spot on Columbus, having tallied five goals and four assists in 30 games so far this season. (Photo by John Russell, Courtesy of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Eric Robinson’s improvement is continuing in the NHL.

The 2018 Princeton University graduate put himself on scouts’ radar over his college career and now is trying to secure a permanent spot on one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets. more

PHS Boys’ Hoops Pulls Away from Steinert As Guy’s Return to Action Makes Difference

TOUGH GUY: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Ethan Guy, center, battles for the ball in recent action. Last Friday, junior forward Guy scored 15 points to help PHS defeat Steinert 65-46. The Tigers, who dropped to 4-7 with a 63-57 loss to North Brunswick last Saturday, play at Nottingham on January 24 before hosting Montgomery on January 25 and Trenton on January 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Things got off to a rough start last week for Ethan Guy.

Princeton High boys’ basketball junior star Guy took a knock to the head as PHS hosted Princeton Day School on January 13 and had to leave the game in the second half, holding an ice pack to his left eye as the Tigers fell 57-43.

A day later as PHS faced WW/P-North, Guy wasn’t cleared to play and the Tigers ended up losing 43-37 to the Northern Knights.

Returning to the court last Friday evening against visiting Steinert, Guy wasted no time getting back into the swing of things, scoring 10 points in the first quarter as PHS jumped out to a 17-3 lead. more

January 15, 2020

Tiger Women’s Hoops Tops Penn in Ivy Opener As Meyers Showing Signs of Regaining Form

BACK IN THE GAME: Princeton University women’s basketball player Abby Meyers drives to the basket during her freshman season in 2017-18. Meyers missed all of last season because of an academic violation and her return this season wasdelayed by a knee injury. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Meyers contributed 14 points off the bench as Princeton defeated Penn 75-55 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The 25th-ranked Tigers, now 13-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy, are on exam break and return to action when they play at Dartmouth on January 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Abby Meyers isn’t back where she wants to be yet, but just being back at Princeton University and contributing again to the women’s basketball team is significant.

“It’s going to be a process,” said Meyers. “I’m not going to be the best I can be tomorrow or the week after. It’s a gradual process.”

The process took a big step forward last Saturday when the sophomore guard scored 14 points off the bench — 10 in the fourth quarter — to help the Tigers open Ivy League play with a 75-55 win at Penn. In a season-high 18 minutes, she shot 6-for-10, had four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and no turnovers.

“I haven’t reached my best yet,” said Meyers, a 6’0 native of Potomac, Md.

“I haven’t reached a good consistent feel when I play. That could be reading the defense, knowing what to do. I’m still getting there. In the Penn game, I had a role, and hopefully it’s going to grow as the coaches trust me more, the players trust me more.”

Meyers missed all of last season because of an academic violation, then her return to the court was delayed further after she reinjured a meniscus in her knee that had been partially torn a year ago while working out in her year away. more

Holding Off Furious Comeback by Penn, PU Men’s Hoops Edges Quakers, Now 2-0 Ivy

FLYING HIGH: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jaelin Llewellyn flies to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Friday evening at Jadwin Gym, sophomore guard Llewellyn contributed 14 points and four rebounds to help Princeton defeat Penn 63-58 and complete a season sweep of the Quakers. The Tigers, now 6-8 overall and 2-0 Ivy League, are on exam break and will resume action when they host Division III foe Rutgers-Camden on January 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Mitch Henderson knows from hard experience that the heated rivalry between the Princeton University men’s basketball team and Penn involves a unique ferocity.

“I was a freshman at the Palestra and I got the taunting chant,” said Princeton head coach Henderson, a star guard for the Tigers in the late 1990s.

“I like playing Penn, we like playing Penn. They bring out the best in us and that is what rivals should be. I think that is the best thing about sports.”

Last Friday evening as Princeton hosted Penn at Jadwin Gym just six days after beating the Quakers 78-64 in the Ivy League opener for both teams, it was the visitors who brought it in the early going, jumping out to a 10-2 lead. more

January 8, 2020

Princeton Men’s Hoops Defeats Penn in Ivy Opener As Schwieger Explodes in 1st Start Against Quakers

CHOKED UP: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ryan Schwieger fights through a choke hold on the way to the basket in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday at the Palestra in Philadelphia, junior guard Schwieger poured in a career-high 27 points to help Princeton defeat Penn 78-64 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The Tigers, now 5-8 overall and 1-0 Ivy, have a rematch with the Quakers on January 10 at Jadwin Gym. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Ryan Schwieger had scored his only previous two career points against Penn for the Princeton University men’s basketball team, hitting a pair of free throws two years ago.

One year after sitting on the bench through a pair of Princeton victories last winter over their archrival, the versatile junior guard exploded for a new career-high of 27 points to lead the Tigers to a 78-64 win over Penn last Saturday in the Ivy League opener for both teams at the Palestra in Philadelphia.

“He likes to remind me he did not play one minute last year,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson. “You can see that we’ve missed him.”

Schwieger made 10-of-16 field goals, including a 3-pointer just before halftime to forge a 39-27 lead in a game in which the Tigers never trailed. He hit on 6-of-7 free throws as well and added three rebounds to a 40-35 rebounding edge for Princeton. more

With Connors Producing Natural Hat Trick, PU Women’s Hockey Sweeps Saint Anselm

IN A RUSH: Princeton University women’s hockey player Maggie Connors races up the ice in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore forward Connors tallied three goals and an assist to help No. 7 Princeton defeat Saint Anselm 10-0. The Tigers, now 13-4 overall, resume ECAC Hockey action this weekend by playing at Dartmouth on January 10 and at Harvard on January 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University women’s hockey team hosted Saint Anselm last Saturday afternoon, Maggie Connors turned the contest into her personal showcase.

Princeton sophomore forward Connors assisted on a goal by classmate Sarah Fillier 2:03 into the game and then scored three straight goals for a natural hat trick as the Tigers jumped out to a 4-0 lead by the end of the first period.

With two of her goals coming on assists by Fillier,  Connors credited their partnership with sparking her outburst.

“Playing with a player like Sarah Fillier makes it pretty easy, it is just being in the right spots at the right time,” said Connors, reflecting on her third career hat trick. more

Enjoying Another Trip to Purple Puck Event, Hun Boys’ Hockey Primed for Stretch Run

STEADY EDDIE: Hun School boys’ hockey player Eddie Evaldi heads up ice in a recent game. Last week, senior star Evaldi helped Hun reach the semifinals of the Purple Puck National Capital Hockey Tournament outside of Washington, D.C. Hun, now 3-5-1, hosts Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) on January 8 and Seton Hall Prep on January 10 at the Ice Land Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Hun School boys’ hockey team, its trip to compete in the Purple Puck National Capital Hockey Tournament outside of Washington, D.C. has proven to be an annual highlight for the program.

Having won the Purple Puck competition in 2018, Hun was primed to defend its title as it headed down to D.C. in late December.

“That trip is always fun for us. People like it for different reasons,” said Hun head coach Ian McNally.

“If you are returning, you like it because you look forward to it. We have a lot of new guys this year so it was new again for them.”

While Hun failed to make it two straight crowns as it lost 5-3 to Loyola Academy (Ill.) in the semis on December 30, McNally believes his team will benefit from the experience. more

January 1, 2020

Getting Just 2nd Start for PU Women’s Hoops, Sophomore Connolly Produces Career Day

ON GUARD: Princeton University women’s basketball player Maggie Connolly guards a foe in recent action. Last Sunday, against visiting University of New Hampshire, sophomore guard Connolly got the second start of her career and came up big, scoring a career-high 17 points to help the Tigers rout the Wildcats 77-37. Princeton, now 12-1, is next in action when it plays at Penn on January 11 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With star point guard Carlie Littlefield sidelined for the Princeton University women’s basketball team as it hosted the University of New Hampshire last Sunday, Maggie Connolly got the second start of her career and was ready to shine.

“We miss Carlie always,” said sophomore guard Connolly. “I hope she will be back as soon as possible, but it was exciting to play and get the opportunity get out there with my teammates and make some plays.”

Connolly ended up making a lot of plays, scoring a career-high 17 points as Princeton routed UNH 77-37 before 989 at Jadwin Gym.

In reflecting on her big day, Connolly said she is feeling more of a comfort level on the court with her teammates. more

Tiger Men’s Hoops Pulls Away from Lehigh, Bringing Confidence into Ivy Opener at Penn

INSIDE STUFF: Princeton University men’s basketball player Richmond Aririguzoh goes up for a hoop in recent action. Last Sunday senior star Aririguzoh scored a game-high 23 points to help Princeton defeat Lehigh 71-62. The Tigers, now 4-8, play at Penn on January 4 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After suffering an 87-72 defeat to Hofstra in its last action before Christmas, the Princeton University men’s basketball team did some soul-searching over the holidays.

“We all just recognized that it was a really bad game,” said Princeton senior star Richmond Aririguzoh, reflecting on the loss to the Pride on December 19.

“We put up a bad performance for us and our fans.  We just came back to basics and competing and doing the little things right.”

Last Sunday against visiting Lehigh, Aririguzoh did a lot of things right, scoring 23 points to help Princeton defeat the Mountain Hawks 71-62 before a crowd of 1,927 at Jadwin Gym. more

December 25, 2019

Surprising Postseason Runs, Perennial Powers Spiced Up Local Sporting Landscape in 2019

JUMPING FOR JOY: Members of the Princeton University field hockey team celebrate after scoring a goal in the regular season game this fall. The Tigers went on to win the Ivy League title and later advanced to the NCAA championship game for the first time since 2012, where they fell to perennial power North Carolina. Princeton ended the fall with a 16-5 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Some surprising postseason runs made 2019 a year to remember on the national sports landscape. In pro hockey, the St. Louis Blues went from last place in December to earn their first-ever Stanley Cup in June. The Washington Nationals overcame their history of playoff futility to win the World Series for the first time in franchise history. The Toronto Raptors were a dark horse title contender in the NBA and proceeded to ride the clutch play of Kawhi Leonard to their initial league championship.

At the same time, some dominant teams added to their championship legacy. The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the Super Bowl to win their sixth NFL title and third in the last five years. The U.S. women’s soccer team won their second straight World Cup, continuing their dominance of the international game.

Over the course of 2019, Princeton University teams spiced up the year with some surprise runs of their own. The men’s volleyball team defeated Penn State 3-2 in the EIVA (Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association) championship game, winning the program’s first EIVA crown since 1998. The Tigers went on to defeat Barton 3-1 in the first round of the NCAA tournament to earn the program’s first win in the national tournament. At Hobey Baker rink, women’s hockey set a program with a 20-game unbeaten streak and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The wrestling team placed 15th at the NCAA championships, its highest finish in that competition since taking 14th in 1978. Producing a dramatic victory, men’s golf won the Ivy League Championships by one stroke, carding a total of 875 with Columbia next at 876 — its first league crown since 2013. The Tiger women’s tennis won its second straight Ivy title and then defeated Northwestern in the first round of the NCAA tournament to advance to the second round for the first time since 2014.

In the meantime, some of Princeton’s traditionally strong programs continued to excel. Women’s lacrosse won its sixth straight Ivy League regular season title and then went on to defeat Penn 13-8 in the Ivy postseason tournament championship game. The Tigers ended up advancing to the NCAA quarterfinals. The men’s track squad rolled to first place at the Outdoor Ivy League Heptagonal Championship, securing the program’s ninth triple crown (cross country, indoor, and outdoor Heps). After making to a pair of NCAA Final Fours in the previous three years, field hockey took one step further, advancing to the national championship game where it fell to perennial power North Carolina. Women’s basketball won its second straight Ivy crown; their seventh in the last 10 seasons.

On the high school scene, the Hun School girls swimming team pulled off a stunner, winning its first-ever title at the Mercer County Championships. The Princeton Day School baseball team had a sub-.500 record, but caught fire down the stretch to make it to the state Prep B final. The Princeton High girls’ basketball team advanced to the Central Jersey Group 4 sectional semifinals, its best postseason run since the 1980s. Seeded seventh in the Mercer County Tournament, the Stuart Country Day School field hockey team knocked off the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds on the way to making it to the final. Chloe Ayres made history for PHS wrestling, winning the NJSIAA Championships title at 105 pounds in the first-ever N.J. girls’ state competition. In the fall, the PHS girls’ tennis won the team title at the MCT for the first time since 2014.

Other area high school programs cemented their status as perennial champions. The Hun School boys’ hockey team won its sixth straight Mercer County Tournament title. In the spring, the Hun baseball team won its fourth straight state Prep A crown while the Raider boys’ lacrosse team won its second straight Prep A title. Over at PDS, the girls’ soccer team won its sixth straight state Prep B title with the boys’ lacrosse program earning its fourth straight MCT championship. Emerging as powerhouses, the Stuart hoops team earned its second straight Prep B crown and the Tartan track squad won the indoor and outdoor Prep B championship meets for a second year a row. Boasting a high-powered attack, the PHS girls’ lacrosse team won its second straight Central Jersey Group 4 sectional title.

 more