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

Failing to Extend Winning Streak, Tiger Men’s Hoops Loses to Hofstra

HURT PRIDE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ryan Schwieger looks for an opening in recent action. Last Thursday against visiting Hofstra, junior forward Schwieger scored 16 points with six assists and five rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 87-72 to the Pride. The Tigers, now 3-8, are next in action when they host Lehigh on December 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Bringing its first two-game winning streak of the year into its contest against visiting Hofstra last Thursday evening, the Princeton University men’s basketball team was hoping that it had turned a corner.

Defeating Fairleigh Dickinson 80-65 on December 14 in Hackensack, N.J., and then rallying for a wild 90-86 overtime win over Iona at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., on December 17, Princeton was poised to win its first game at Jadwin Gym this season.

But a veteran, well-drilled Hofstra squad had other ideas as it jumped out to a 21-12 lead six minutes into the contest and never looked back on the way to an 87-72 win over the Tigers before a crowd of 1,196 at Jadwin. more

December 18, 2019

Alarie Makes Big Return After 4-Game Hiatus As Tiger Women’s Hoops Tops Penn State 72-55

RETURN TO ACTION: Princeton University women’s basketball player Bella Alarie heads to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior star Alarie returned to action sidelined for four games due to injury and didn’t miss a beat, scoring 23 points to help Princeton defeat Penn State 72-55. The Tigers now 9-1, play at Missouri on December 18 and at St. Louis in December 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having been sidelined for four games due to some nagging leg injuries, Bella Alarie was fired up to get back on the court for the Princeton University women’s basketball team as it hosted Penn State last Saturday afternoon.

“I feel good; I was excited to be out there with my teammates again,” said senior star Alarie.

“This was a really big game for us and to really just come in and do what I could to contribute was all that I wanted to do.”

Senior center Alarie made a big contribution in her return, tallying 23 points with five rebounds and three blocked shots as Princeton pulled away to a 72-55 win over Penn State, improving to 9-1.

“I felt good shooting and just playing out there,” said Alarie, who drained 4-of-5 three-pointers in the first half.

“When I feel hot and able to shoot, I am just going to keep shooting until someone gets out on me. Being able to do that and spread the floor for our team really opens a lot of stuff up.”

Things opened up for Princeton junior guard Carlie Littlefield in the second half as she scored 14 points over the last two quarters to end up with a career-high 25.

“I just do whatever the team needs me to do so I was open,” said Littlefield.

“I got hot in the second half just like she got hot in the second quarter, so I kept shooting and they kept finding me.” more

With Wright Contributing Off the Bench, PU Men’s Hoops Showing Improvement

THE WRIGHT STUFF: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ethan Wright goes up for a lay-up last week as Princeton hosted Monmouth. Sophomore guard Wright tallied 14 points off the bench as the Tigers fell 67-66 on a buzzer-beater in the December 10 contest. Princeton, which improved to 2-7 with an 80-65 win over Fairleigh Dickinson last Saturday, hosts Hofstra on December 19 in its last action before the holidays. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Ethan Wright didn’t make much of an impact initially coming off the bench for the Princeton University men’s basketball team as it hosted Monmouth last week.

In the first half of the December 10 contest, sophomore guard Wright made 1-of-3 shoots for two points and committed a turnover in 10 minutes of work.

Re-entering the game with 15:43 left in regulation, Wright made a foul and had 0 points in a 3:34 stint.

But when Wright was inserted back into the game with 11:00 left and Princeton trailing 51-37, he was inspired by his teammates to overcome his early struggles.

“I had a little bit of a slow start but I was feeding off of my teammates,” said Wright. more

December 11, 2019

D’Angelo Looking to Make Most of Senior Year As PU Wrestling Continues Rise to Prominence

RISING FORCE: Princeton University wrestler Mike D’Angelo, bottom, battles a foe from Lehigh in a match earlier this season. Last Sunday, 14th-ranked D’Angelo dropped a 3-2 decision overtime to No. 3 Pat Lugo at 149 pounds as No. 12 Princeton fell 30-9 to top-ranked Iowa before a throng of 2,284 at Jadwin Gym. The Tigers, now 1-2, host No. 20 Rider on December 19 at Dillon Gym.  (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Mike D’Angelo had never seen a crowd at Jadwin Gym like the one that showed up to see the 12th-ranked Princeton University wrestling team take on No. 1 Iowa last Sunday.

“It was awesome,” said the Tiger senior captain D’Angelo, a native of Commack, N.Y.

“When I started, all of our matches were at Dillon Gym. That’s one thing that was different. (Sunday) was the most packed I’d ever seen Jadwin. They actually had people in the upper decks and we also had the bleachers on both sides. That was by far the most fans that I’ve seen. We also had more students. It was just a great environment. I love competing in environments where there’s a lot of people. It inspires me to really go out there and wrestle my best and try to put on a show.” more

PU Men’s Hockey Drops 2 to Colorado College But Sophomore O’Neill Emerging as Scoring Threat

CHRISTIAN SOLDIER: Princeton University men’s hockey player Christian O’Neill controls the puck last weekend as Princeton hosted Colorado College for a two-game set. Sophomore forward O’Neill scored a goal in each game as the Tigers fell 7-2 on Friday and 2-1 in overtime a night later. Princeton, who moved to 1-8-3 with the defeats, was slated to host AIC on December 10 before going on holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University men’s hockey team trailing Colorado College 1-0 in the third period last Saturday evening, Christian O’Neill and his teammates were determined to get the equalizer.

“We had a couple of opportunities that we thought should have gone in, he closed the door on us,” said Princeton sophomore forward O’Neill.

“We told ourselves that we have to keep going, keep getting pucks to the net, keep shooting and eventually it would fall in.”

O’Neill got one to fall, scoring with 31 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

“It was a broken play, I thought they were going to get the clear there,” recalled O’Neill. more

Feeling at Home with Tiger Women’s Hockey, Jersey Native Monihan Stepping Up on Blue Line

RIGHT AT HOME: Princeton University women’s hockey player Kate Monihan fires the puck up the ice in recent action. Freshman defenseman Monihan, a former Lawrenceville School standout, has helped Princeton go 10-3 overall and 8-3 ECAC Hockey so far this season. Princeton heads to Las Vegas this weekend for a two-game set with Ohio State from December 14-15 in its last action before the holiday break. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although Kate Monihan is only in her freshman season for the Princeton University women’s hockey team, she has already spent a lot of time around Hobey Baker Rink.

Growing up in nearby Moorestown and playing for the Lawrenceville School and the New Jersey Colonials club program, Monihan has plenty of memories surrounding the historic rink

“I remember skating out here for a club game against the Princeton Stars; it is so interesting coming back and seeing how much it has changed since I was that little mite,” said the 5’5 Monihan. more

December 4, 2019

With Senior Star O’Connell Rising to Occasion, PU Women’s Volleyball Psyched for NCAA Run

MAG FORCE: Princeton University women’s volleyball player Maggie O’Connell, right, blasts the ball in recent action. Senior star O’Connell helped Princeton defeat Yale 3-1 (25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 25-15) on November 22 in a playoff match for the Ivy League’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. The Tigers, now 17-7 overall, will be playing at 11th-seeded Penn State (24-5) on December 6 in the opening round of the NCAA tourney. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications

By Justin Feil

One of the greatest players in Princeton University women’s volleyball history is winding down her career.

Maggie O’Connell is looking for a signature win to cap it when the Tigers, 17-7, play at 11th-seeded Penn State, 24-5, on December 6 in the first round of the NCAA Championships.

“That would be amazing,” said senior star O’Connell, a 6’4 native of Katy, Texas.

“Our first goal is always to win the Ivy League, but all four years, it’s been the goal to get past the first round of NCAAs. We have to play good clean Princeton volleyball and rise to the occasion. We have to have every single person on the team believe it and buy in. It would be a pretty big upset. We like to train with an underdog attitude. This provides us the opportunity to see how tough we can be.”

O’Connell has been a part of one of the most successful classes in Princeton volleyball history. This is the third NCAA appearance in four years for the Class of 2020 which also includes Jessie Harris, Devon Peterkin and Natasha Skov. Three of the four have started every year of their college careers. more

After Late Rally Falls Short in Loss to ASU, PU Men’s Hoops Tops Bucknell for 1st Win

BREAKING THROUGH: Princeton University men’s basketball player Richmond Aririguzoh fights to the hoop in recent action. Senior center Aririguzoh had 16 points and pulled down a career-high 18 rebounds in a 67-65 loss to Arizona State on November 26. Four days later, Aririguzoh contributed 15 points and seven rebounds to help Princeton defeat Bucknell 87-77 and earn its first win of the season. The Tigers, now 1-5, play at Drexel on December 4 before hosting Monmouth on December 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Richmond Aririguzoh was ready to throw his weight around as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Arizona State last week.

“I know ASU is a physical team; of the five games we have played, they are the fourth team we have played that is very physical, said the 6’9, 230-pound center Aririguzoh who hails from Ewing.

“It has been trial by fire for me, playing against physical bigs. My mentality today was OK, I have to go get them.”

Aririguzoh got the ball a lot against the Sun Devils in the November 26 contest, tallying 16 points and pulling down a career-high 18 rebounds.

“It was just one of those things where I was trying to do everything I could to help my team win,” said Aririguzoh, reflecting on his performance.

Unfortunately, Princeton didn’t pull out a win against ASU, despite a dramatic last-minute rally that saw it overcome a 64-60 deficit on a three-pointer by sophomore Drew Friberg and a sweet bucket in the post by freshman Tosan Evbuomwan only to be foiled when Khalid Thomas nailed a three from the corner with five seconds left to give the Sun Devils a 67-65 win. more