August 7, 2019

Capping Busy Summer of International Hoops, PU Star Alarie Playing for U.S. in Pan Am Games 

PANNING OUT: Bella Alarie goes up for a shot last winter in in her junior season for the Princeton University women’s basketball team. This week, Alarie, a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, will be competing for the U.S. squad at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Never has Bella Alarie been so happy to have a list alphabetized as the Princeton University senior was the first name announced to make the United States women’s basketball team for the Pan American Games after tryouts this May in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“It’s just so exciting to hear your name called,” said the 6’4 Alarie, a native of Bethesda, Md. and a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year.

“I was kind of shaking a little bit. I was thinking, ‘I really did this.’ It’s hard to hear the other names called, but I made a lot of other friends and to hear some of their names called was just really exciting.”

Alarie is one of three players from the U-19 national team that won silver in the 2017 World Cup to make the squad which will be competing for the U.S. in the XVIII Pan Am games in Lima, Peru this week. more

July 31, 2019

After Circuitous Road Through Pro Baseball, PU Alum Hale Finding Home with Yankees  

BRONX TALE: Former Princeton University standout David Hale fires a pitch in recent action for the New York Yankees. Hale has emerged as a key middle relief pitcher this summer for the Yankees, going 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 19 games through July 29. (Photo provided courtesy of the New York Yankees, all rights reserved).

By Justin Feil

David Hale expected there would be some travel in his baseball career, but he could never had imagined the extent of it.

The Princeton University graduate has been around the world for baseball.

“It’s all more than I would have expected,” said Hale, who went on to graduate from Princeton in 2011 after being drafted in 2009.

“It was always a dream. I think that’s why I chose Princeton. I had the ability to go there and they were looking at me. Going to that school gave me a plan. Baseball was a back-up plan. I know how fast baseball can end so I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself to just be a baseball player. I’m glad I got my degree from Princeton. It’s something I hope to use someday.” more

July 24, 2019

Pursuing Olympic Dream by Excelling in 3×3 Hoops, PU Alum Maddox Playing for U.S. in Pan Am Games  

THREE BALL: Kareem Maddox goes up for a shot in the 2010-11 season during his senior campaign for the Princeton University men’s basketball team. Maddox, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2011, is moving up the ranks in the United Stares 3×3 hoops program. Recently, he teamed up with Robbie Hummel, Damon Huffman, and Canyon Barry to help the U.S. defeat Latvia for its first World Cup championship title at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Amsterdam. In late June, Maddox was selected for the USA Men’s 3×3 Pan American Games team that will play in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, from July 27-August 10. (Photo by Stephen Goldsmith)

By Justin Feil

Five years after former Princeton University men’s basketball star Kareem Maddox retired from playing professional ball overseas, he has a realistic shot at the 2020 Olympics.

After working as a radio host and producer in his hometown Los Angeles and then Colorado, the 2011 Princeton graduate has revived a chance at his childhood dream through 3×3 basketball which will be contested at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo for the first time.

“It’s unbelievable,” said the multi-talented 6’ 8, 220-pound Maddox.  more

July 17, 2019

Former PU Baseball Star Gross Bets On Himself, Ends Up Starring at Duke, Getting Drafted by Twins

GROSS PROFIT: Ben Gross fires a pitch in action this spring in a post-graduate season for the Duke University baseball team. Gross, a former Princeton High and Princeton University standout, went 8-4 with a 4.40 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 75 2/3 innings for the Blue Devils, helping the team advance to the NCAA Super Regional. Gross was chosen by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round of the MLB draft and is currently pitching for Elizabethton (Tenn.), the organization’s rookie-level farm team in the Appalachian League. (Photo provided courtesy of Duke Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Ben Gross bet on himself and it paid off big time.

After producing a second-team All-Ivy League campaign in 2018 in his senior season for the Princeton University baseball team, star pitcher Gross was picked by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the Major League Draft.

With a season of college eligibility remaining due to being sidelined by a shoulder injury, Gross declined to sign with the Astros and instead decided to play for Duke University where he had been accepted in a graduate business program. more

July 10, 2019

After Showing Mound Versatility for PU Baseball, Smith Finding a Good Fit with Angels Organization

RYAN’S HOPE: Ryan Smith delivers a pitch this spring in his senior season with the Princeton University baseball team. The recently graduated Smith was selected last month by the Los Angeles Angels in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. He is currently pitching for the Angels short season Class A team, the Orem Owlz in Utah. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Justin Feil

Whether it’s throwing a 95 mile-per-hour fastball or being fluent in Spanish to bond with his teammates, Ryan Smith has found a fit in professional baseball.

One day after Smith graduated from Princeton University on June 4, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

“It’s been a dream to be drafted and play professional baseball so obviously it’s pretty exciting,” said Smith, who grew up in Garden City, N.Y.

“I kind of had the idea in my head that I would be selected this year, so it was more of where, not if I would. Obviously I was hoping to get drafted as high as possible. The 18th round is a good round to get taken in, but obviously I would have loved to go higher. I can have a chip on my shoulder now.” more

July 3, 2019

Blossoming Into Star Receiver for PU Football, Carlson Now Aiming to Make Cleveland Browns

ON TO CLEVELAND: Stephen Carlson, right, fights past a Penn defender in action last fall during his senior season for the Princeton University football team. Star receiver Carlson made 51 receptions for 683 yards and five touchdowns in 2018 to help Princeton go 10-0, the program’s first perfect season since 1964. In late April, Carlson signed free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and is looking forward to starting training camp later this month. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Stephen Carlson seemingly came out of nowhere to emerge as a star receiver for the Princeton University football team in 2017.

After having played JV as a freshman in 2015 and making 11 catches on varsity the next fall, Carlson grabbed six receptions for 94 yards and three touchdowns in Princeton’s 27-17 win over San Diego in the 2017 season opener. more

June 26, 2019

Aiming to Lead PU Women’s Hoops to Greater Heights, New Head Coach Berube Emphasizing Drive, Character

IN GOOD HANDS: Carla Berube makes a point during her introductory press conference last Wednesday after taking the the helm of the Princeton University women’s basketball program. Berube is coming to Princeton after superb 17-year tenure as the head coach of the Tufts University women’s basketball team which saw her lead the Jumbos to a 384-96 recored in 17 seasons while reaching the NCAA Division III final twice, the Final Four four times, and the Sweet 16 nine times. She is succeeding Courtney Banghart, who left Princeton in late April to take over the University of North Carolina program. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team reached the waning moments of the 1995 NCAA championship game seeking its first national title, coach Geno Auriemma turned to a young sophomore guard Carla Berube.

Knowing that Berube had ice water in her veins, he called a play designed to get her to the free throw line, confident that she would come through. Berube drained those free throws as UConn went on to a 70-64 win over Tennessee and the crown.

Last Wednesday, Berube displayed that same coolness, holding her introductory press conference after recently being named as the head coach of the Princeton University women’s basketball program.  more

June 19, 2019

After Record-Setting Career for PU Football, Receiver Horsted Aiming to Make Chicago Bears

BEARING DOWN: Jesper Horsted races up the field last fall in his senior season for the Princeton University football team. After a stellar career for Princeton which saw Horsted set the program record in receptions (196) and touchdown catches (28), he recently signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears of the NFL. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Jesper Horsted was mobbed by teammates after snatching a one-handed pass at a recent Chicago Bears practice during organized team activities (OTAs).

It’s the sort of play Horsted’s Princeton University teammates have seen many times before from the former Minnesota Athlete of the Year who often flashed that kind of ability as a record-setting wide receiver for the Tigers. Yet it wasn’t as easy for the dynamic Horsted to get a chance in the pros as some would have expected after an Ivy League championship season in his senior year.

“There were definitely a lot of ups and downs,” said Horsted, a native of Shoreview, Minn., who set Princeton records in receptions (196) and touchdown catches (28). more

Used To Winning Big as UConn Player, Tufts Coach Berube Taking the Helm of Tiger Women’s Hoops

WINNING APPROACH: Carla Berube makes a point to her players during her tenure as the head coach of the Tufts University women’s basketball team. Berube was recently named to guide the Princeton University women’s program, succeeding Courtney Banghart, who left Princeton in late April to take over the University of North Carolina squad. At Tufts, Berube guided the Jumbos to a 384-96 record in 17 seasons. She enjoyed a stellar playing career for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team which saw her score 1,381 points and help the Huskies go 132-8 and win the 1995 NCAA title. (Photo by SportsPix, provided courtesy of Tufts Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

After a stellar career at the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team which saw her score 1,381 points and help the Huskies go 132-8 and win the 1995 NCAA title followed by a season of pro ball, Carla Berube decided to take a break from the game.

“I was living in California after the ABL (American Basketball League) went under and I was out there for two years,” said Berube.

“I wanted to get away from basketball a little bit because it had been my life for however many years.” more

June 12, 2019

Squeezing the Most Out of its Potential, U Men’s Heavyweights Excelled at IRAs

HEAVY LIFTING: The Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight shows its form in a race this spring. Earlier this month, the top boat placed sixth in the Grand Final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta on Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Having coached in the Princeton University rowing program since the late 1990s, Greg Hughes boasts a reservoir of experience in bringing boats together.

But Hughes knew he had to be innovative this spring as he guided the Princeton men’s heavyweight crew, with the Tigers having graduated a number of key seniors and thereby breaking new faces into the lineup.

“It was an interesting year for me,” said Hughes, a former Princeton lightweight star rower who started as the coach for the Tiger freshman heavyweight crew before guiding the men’s lightweight program from 2006-09 and then taking the helm of the heavyweights in 2010.

“It was my 22nd year of coaching and what is so cool for me is to realize that you are still seeing new things and still learning. This was definitely one of those years.”

 more

May 29, 2019

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

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

By Justin Feil

John Lovett is trying to prove himself all over.

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

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

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

May 22, 2019

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

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

By Bill Alden

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Justin Feil

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

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

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

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

May 15, 2019

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

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

By Bill Alden

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

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

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

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

May 8, 2019

Extending Win Streak to 9 in Winning Ivy Tourney, Princeton Women’s Lax Hosting NCAA Weekend

HEADING HOME: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Nonie Andersen unloads the ball in recent action. Last weekend, senior defender Anderson helped Princeton defeat Penn 13-9 in the Ivy League Tournament championship game. The Tigers, now 14-3, will begin play in the NCAA tournament this weekend where they are seeded seventh and will host the victor of the opening round game between Fairfield and Wagner in a first round game on May 10. The winner of that game will advance to a second round game on May 12 at Class of 1952 Stadium against the victor of the Loyola/Richmond first round game. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team has accomplished two of its goals, and now begins the pursuit of their third and loftiest goal.

Having won the regular season Ivy League title for the sixth straight year and then the Ivy League Tournament for the second straight season, the seventh-seeded Tigers will host the winner of Fairfield and Wagner in the first round of the NCAA tournament on May 10 at Class of 1952 Stadium. Princeton comes off a 13-9 win over Penn for the Ivy tournament championship Sunday, and hope to extend their nine-game winning streak.

“We’ve met two of our goals this year, but we have a lot in front of us,” said Sailer.  more

After Building PU Women’s Hoops Into Ivy Power, Banghart Named to Guide North Carolina Program

KICKING UP HER HEELS: Courtney Banghart instructs her players on the Princeton University women’s basketball team during a game last winter. Last week, Banghart decided to leave Princeton to become the new head coach of the University of North Carolina women’s hoops program. After building Princeton into a dominate force in the Ivy League, Banghart will be looking to help the Tar Heels produce a reversal of fortune as they are coming off an 18-15 season with former head coach Sylvia Hatchell retiring under fire. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In 2007, Courtney Banghart took the helm of a struggling Princeton University women’s basketball program that was at a crossroad after a mediocre 13-15 campaign.

The former Dartmouth star and assistant coach Banghart, then 29, brought energy, smarts, and toughness to the Tigers eventually turning Princeton into an Ivy League powerhouse.

After going 21-37 in her first two seasons, Banghart led the Tigers to an unprecedented success as they made the NCAA tournament in eight of the last 10 years, with seven automatic bids and the league’s only at-large bid by a men’s or women’s team, for a run that has never been matched in Ivy League women’s history and has been done just once on the men’s side (Penn won nine of 11 from 1970-80). more

May 1, 2019

With Trio of Senior Stalwarts Leading the Way PU Men’s Volleyball Gets 1st NCAA Tourney Win

SENIOR MOMENT: Princeton University men’s volleyball senior players, from left, Kendall Ratter, Curry Short, and Billy Andrew enjoy the moment as the program held its Senior Day celebration before topping Penn State 3-0 on April 13. Last Thursday, the trio helped Princeton make history as it topped Barton 3-1 in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, earning the program’s first-ever win in the national tourney. The No. 13 Tigers, now 18-12 overall, were slated to play at No. 3 Pepperdine (22-6) in a quarterfinal contest slated for April 30 in Long Beach, Calif. (Photo provided Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Justin Feil

Billy Andrew, Kendall Ratter, and Corry Short were barely out of diapers the last time the Princeton University men’s volleyball team won the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) championship.

Now the trio are seniors for a Tigers team that claimed not only its first EIVA title since 1998 with a 3-2 win over Penn State at Dillon Gym on April 20, but one week later picked up the first NCAA tournament win in program history, 3-1 over Barton last Thursday.

“It’s been incredible,” said Short, a 6’4 native of Lighthouse Point, Fla., who shared team-high honors with Joe Kelly, getting six digs against Barton as the Tigers prevailed 25-23, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20 and improved to 18-12 overall. more

PU Women’s Lax Edges Cornell for 6th Ivy Title, Tigers Heading to NYC for League Tournament

SIX SHOOTERS: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Tess D’Orsi sprints upfield in recent action. Last Saturday, junior star D’Orsi tallied four goals and two assists to help Princeton defeat Cornell 18-15 in its regular season finale. The 10th-ranked Tigers improved to 12-3 overall and 6-1 Ivy with the win over the Big Red, earning their sixth straight league regular season title in the process. This weekend, Princeton heads to New York City for the Ivy postseason tournament where it is seeded first and will face fourth-seeded Cornell in a semifinal contest on Friday. The victor will advance to the title game on May 5 against the winner of the other semi between third-seeded Penn and second-seeded Dartmouth. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

There was a chill in the air as the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team played at Cornell last Saturday in its regular season finale as snow showers hit Ithaca and the temperature hovered around 40.

Undeterred by the wintry conditions, Princeton got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 12-5 halftime lead.

“We were playing really well, we were winning the draws by a large margin in the first half and that allowed us to get those good possessions,” said Princeton head coach Chris Sailer. more

Building on Family’s Special Baseball Lineage, Boone Emerges as Star Shortstop For Princeton

NEXT GENERATION: Princeton University baseball player Jake Boone takes a big cut in recent action. Last Sunday, sophomore shortstop Boone went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI in a losing cause as Princeton fell 11-5 to Brown. Boone, who comes from a long line of Major League players including his father (Bret), uncle (Aaron), grandfather (Bob), and great grandfather (Ray), is now hitting .308 with a team-high 48 hits. While the Tigers went 2-1 against Brown last weekend, the defeat eliminated them from a shot at the Ivy League Playoff Series. Princeton, now 13-23 overall and 8-10 Ivy, has a three-game set against St. John’s next weekend with a doubleheader in Jamaica, N.Y. on May 4 and a single game in Princeton on May 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jake Boone comes from an incredible baseball lineage as his father (Bret), uncle (Aaron), grandfather (Bob), and great grandfather (Ray) all enjoyed stellar Major League Baseball careers.

Upon graduating from Torrey Pines High in San Diego, Calif., in 2107, Boone had the chance to join the family business, getting selected in the 38th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft by the Washington Nationals.

But Boone opted instead to attend Princeton University and join its baseball program. more

April 24, 2019

Sowers Ties Career Scoring Mark for PU Men’s Lax: Tigers Top Harvard, Stay Alive for Ivy Playoff Spot

LEAPING INTO HISTORY: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Michael Sowers leaps into a shot in a recent game. Last Saturday, junior attackman Sowers tallied three goals and seven assists in Princeton’s 19-15 win over Harvard, tying Kevin Lowe for the program record for points with 247 in the process. The Tigers, now 7-6 overall and 2-3 Ivy League, play at Cornell on April 27, needing a win to stay alive in their bid to make the league postseason tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Michael Sowers doesn’t dwell on his glittering stats for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team but he does have a deep appreciation for the program’s storied past.

So last Saturday, when junior attacker Sowers tallied three goals and seven assists in Princeton’s 19-15 win over Harvard, tying Kevin Lowe  ’94 for the program record in career points with 247, his thoughts turned to the stars who came before him.

“To be mentioned in the same sentence as those guys is an unbelievable honor,” said Sowers, who needed just 41 games to pile up 98 goals and 149 assists to achieve the record while it took Lowe 60 to hit the mark.

“Those guys are the greatest to ever do it and they will always be the greatest for this program. What they did and those banners behind me, I don’t think that will ever be matched. So it is truly an honor.” more

Handling Constant Change with Aplomb, PU Women’s Water Polo Excited for CWPAs

MAKING A SPLASH: Princeton University women’s water polo player Amy Castellano unloads the ball in a game this season. Junior star Castellano has scored a team-high 71 goals this season to help No. 15 Princeton go 19-8 overall and enter the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) tournament this weekend in Providence, R.I. as the No. 2 seed. The Tigers face Saint Francis in a quarterfinal contest on April 26 with the victor facing the winner of Bucknell/George Washington matchup the next day in the semis and the championship game slated for Sunday. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University women’s water polo team will open the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) tournament in Providence, R.I. this weekend as the No. 2 seed, the same seed it earned last year.

But this year’s Tiger team is a far different group from a year ago, and over the last three years there has been quite a lot of change in the program.

It graduated last year’s All-Americans Chelsea Johnson and Haley Wan, who were two of the best at scoring and drawing ejections. Two years ago, Princeton was headlined by Johnson’s sister, Ashleigh, an Olympic gold medalist goalie for the United States national team.

“I think we’re like some small fish in a big pond in a way,” said Princeton junior star Amy Castellano, a native of Yorba Linda, Calif. who has the No. 15 Tigers post an overall record of 19-8. more

Showing Diligence in Pursuit of National Title, PU Men’s Lightweights Enjoying Big Spring

SHINING LIGHTS: Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight shows its form in a race this spring. Second-ranked Princeton, now 8-1, hosts the Harvard and Yale on April 27 in the race for the Goldthwait/Vogel Cups. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Last spring, the Princeton University men’s lightweight varsity eight crew ended up less than a second away from a national title.

Princeton placed second to Columbia at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta, clocking a time of 6:19.514 over the 2,000-meter course at Mercer Lake, just behind the 6:18.782 posted by the Lions.

With eight returning members of the top boat competing in the Henley Regatta last summer in England, the Tigers entered the 2018-19 school year primed to take the next step.

“There is a lot of excitement. With that extra month of rowing we got, we were really able to hit the ground running,” said Princeton head coach Marty Crotty. “September and October were that much more productive.” more

April 17, 2019

PU Men’s Volleyball Reaches New Heights, Lifted by Huhmann’s Towering Presence

RISING FORCE: Princeton University men’s volleyball player George Huhmann, left, goes up for the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, junior star Huhmann contributed 11 kills, four blocks, and an ace as Princeton defeated Penn State 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-20). The triumph capped the best regular season in program history as the Tigers improved to 15-12 overall and 13-1 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA), winning the outright league title and earning home court in the playoffs. Huhmann, for his part, was named the Uvaldo Acosta Memorial EIVA Player of the Year. Princeton will host fourth-seeded St. Francis in a semifinal contest on April 18 with victor advancing to the title game on April 20 against the winner of the other semi pitting Penn State against George Mason. (Photo by Beverly Schaefer, provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Justin Feil

George Huhmann is a unique player and he has helped the Princeton University men’s volleyball team to a unique accomplishment.

The Princeton junior had 27 kills and 10 blocks over two games as the Tigers wrapped up their first Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) regular-season championship with a weekend sweep of St. Francis and Penn State.

Princeton secured the outright title and the chance to host the EIVA playoffs when it avenged its only loss in the EIVA with a 25-19, 25-16, 20-25, 25-23 win over St. Francis on Friday. Princeton then improved to 15-12 overall and 13-1 in the EIVA with a 3-0 win (25-19, 25-16, 25-20) over Penn State on Saturday. more

PU Women’s Lax Tops Harvard for 4th Straight Win; Star Defender Argo Enjoys Memorable Senior Day

GO TIME: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Alex Argo, middle, guards the crease in a game last year. Last Saturday, senior defender Argo picked up two ground balls and had two caused turnovers to help Princeton defeat Harvard 14-12 as the program held its annual Senior Day celebration. The 10th-ranked Tigers, now 9-3 overall and 3-1 Ivy League, head to Philadelphia on April 17 for a clash with No. 12 Penn (9-3 overall, 3-1 Ivy) and then play at Yale (6-6 overall, 1-4 Ivy) on April 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Alex Argo hasn’t scored a point in her four seasons on the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team, but she has established herself as a key performer for the Tigers.

Starting on defense from her freshman campaign in 2016, Argo has been a steadying presence on the Princeton back line, gobbling up ground balls, causing turnovers, and directing traffic.

Along the way she has developed some deep bonds with her six classmates on the squad, who have all emerged as valuable contributors in their own right. more

Overcoming Major Graduation Losses, PU Men’s Heavyweights Produce 4-0 Start

HEAVY DUTY: The Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight churns through the water in a recent regatta. Last Saturday, Princeton’s top boat defeated Penn and Columbia at Overpeck Lake Park in Leonia, N.J., to earn the Childs Cup, the oldest collegiate rowing trophy. The seventh-ranked Tigers, now 4-0, host third-ranked Harvard on April 20 in the race for the Compton Cup. (Photo by Beverly Schaefer, provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Losing some senior stalwarts from its top boats due to graduation, the Princeton University men’s heavyweight rowing team entered this spring in a state of flux.

But with a group of returning veterans seizing opportunity, the proud program is on course for another superb campaign.

“So far it has been going well; we graduated some real talent and some significant role players,” said Princeton head coach Greg Hughes, whose top boat is 4-0 and ranked seventh nationally.

“Whenever that happens, there is an opportunity there and there are some roles that open up. It is an interesting time seeing how people step up. A lot of the guys might have been playing a more supporting role with those guys and now they are filling those shoes. It has been fun to watch, lots of guys have done a great job stepping up and seizing that opportunity.” more