March 11, 2020

PU Women’s Hockey Rallies to 1st ECACH Title, Will Play at Northeastern in NCAA Quarterfinals

CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT: Princeton University women’s hockey goalie Steph Neatby turns aside a shot on recent action. Last weekend, Neatby starred as Princeton defeated Clarkson 5-1 in the ECAC Hockey semifinals on Saturday and then rallied from a 2-0 deficit to edge No. 1 Cornell 3-2 in overtime in the title game to earn the program’s first ECACH crown. The Tigers, now 26-6-1 overall, are next in action when they play at Northeastern on March 14 in an NCAA quarterfinal contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton University women’s hockey team started the ECAC Hockey playoffs by surviving a three-game marathon against Quinnipiac, including winning a double overtime thriller in the decisive third game, it believed that experience could lead to a deep postseason run.

“I don’t think they realized how hard that first series was going to be,” said Princeton head coach Cara Morey. “I think it really prepared them for the next games.”

Facing a hard game in the semis on Saturday against a Clarkson team that had beaten it 2-1 on February 15, the Tigers rode a three-goal outburst in the second period to a 5-1 victory at Ithaca, N.Y.

“It was surreal, hockey is interesting, you can have a ton of chances and you can feel like they just never go in the net,” said Morey, who got goals from Solveig Neunzert, Shannon Griffin, Sarah Fillier, Kate Monihan and Maggie Connors in the win with goalie Steph Neatby making 29 saves. more

PU Men’s Hockey Sweeps Dartmouth In Playoffs, Gritty Tigers To Play Cornell in ECACH Quarters

ON THE MARK: Princeton University men’s hockey player Mark Paolini controls the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, junior defenseman Paolini scored the winning goal in overtime as 11th-seeded Princeton defeated sixth-seeded Dartmouth 5-4 to sweep a best-of-three ECAC Hockey first round playoff series. The Tigers, now 6-20-5, play at top-seeded and No. 1 Cornell (23-2-4) in a best-of-three ECACH quarterfinal series scheduled to start on March 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having scored a total of five goals in its last six regular season games, the Princeton University men’s hockey team needed to jump-start its offense as it played at Dartmouth last weekend in a best-of-three ECAC Hockey first round playoff series.

“We were just trying to keep the puck out of the middle of the ice and the neutral zone and have smart entries,” said Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty.

The 11th-seeded Tigers played smart and tough against the sixth-seeded Big Green in the opener on Friday night. Trailing 1-0, Princeton responded with a goal by Christian O’Neill to make it 1-1. With the Tigers down 2-1 O’Neill tallied a second goal to make it 2-2 and then trailing 3-2 late in the game, Finn Evans scored for Princeton with 2:45 left in regulation to force overtime. more

No. 3 PU Men’s Lacrosse Defeats Rutgers 16-11, As Goalie Peters Has Another Big Day in Rivalry

CREASE CONTROL: Princeton University men’s lacrosse goalie Erik Peters guards the crease in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, junior goalie Peters made 10 saves to help No. 3 Princeton defeat Rutgers 16-11. The Tigers, now 5-0, are slated to host No. 16 Penn (2-3) on March 14 in the Ivy League opener for both squads. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Erik Peters beamed as he clutched the Meistrell Cup last Saturday afternoon at the Class of 52 Stadium after the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team defeated local rival Rutgers 16-11.

Princeton junior goalie Peters played a key role in helping the Tigers earn the hardware that goes to the winner of the storied rivalry, making 10 saves in the win.

For Peters, the Rutgers matchup is particularly memorable since he came on in relief in a 9-8 loss to the Scarlet Knights last year and has been the starter ever since.

“This was the game last year where I got my first chance; every game is really big but this one was really special,” said Peters of the win which improved No. 3 Princeton to 5-0. more

Aririguzoh Leaving Special Legacy for PU Men’s Hoops But Won’t Get Shot at NCAAs as Ivy Tourney Canceled

RICH LEGACY: Princeton University men’s basketball player Richmond Aririguzoh takes the ball to the hoops last Friday against Columbia. Senior star Aririguzoh had 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists as Princeton defeated Lions 81-58. A night later, Aririguzoh had six points and 10 rebounds in a losing cause as Princeton fell 85-82 to Cornell. The Tigers who moved to 14-13 overall and 9-5 Ivy League with the loss won’t get the chance to play for a shot at the NCAA tournament as the Ivy postseason tourney at Harvard was canceled on Tuesday in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and regular season champion Yale will get the league’s automatic bid to March Madness. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Richmond Aririguzoh came a long way in making the journey to his Senior Night last Saturday for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

Born in Italy, Aririguzoh moved to the U.S. at age 12. When he started his basketball career at Trenton Catholic Academy, he would get winded going up and down the court.

Coming across the county to join the Princeton University mens basketball team, Aririguzoh was a little-used reserve in his first two seasons with the Tigers.

Experiencing a breakthrough season as a junior last winter, forward Aririguzoh emerged as an All-Ivy League performer, averaging 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds a game. more

PHS Standouts Excel in Girls’ State Wrestling, Ayres Repeats as Champion, Rose 2nd at 100

GIRLS’ WEEKEND: Princeton High wrestler Chloe Ayres controls a foe in a match last season. Last Saturday, junior Ayres won the 107-pound weight class in the NJSIAA girls’ wrestling championships in Atlantic City to earn her second straight state crown. PHS freshman Ava Rose took second at 100 at the competition. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Chloe Ayres and Ava Rose gave the Princeton High  wrestling team a pair of aces in the finals of NJSIAA girls’ wrestling championships in Atlantic City last weekend.

Ayres, a junior, repeated as champion at 107 pounds in a close bout while Rose, a freshman, took second at 100 to a two-time champion Sydney Petzinger of Parsippany in her first trip to states Saturday.

“Anyone taking two girls or two boys to the state tournament and placing that high, it would be tremendous for any program,” said PHS head coach Jess Monzo.

“We’re just looking to grow our program and grow our numbers, so having two girls have success always helps. At the same time, having girls be successful like that kind of scares people because now, coming into a program, they’re not too sure about what their role would be.” more

Featuring Late Surge, Run to MCT Quarters, PHS Boys’ Hoops Produced Winning Campaign

BIG BEN: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Ben Moyer looks to pass the ball in recent action. Senior guard Moyer’s hard-nosed play helped PHS advance to the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and post a final record of 13-12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Winning eight of its last 10 regular season games, the Princeton High boys’ basketball team was primed for a big postseason run.

Hosting 10th-seeded Trenton in the opening round of the Mercer County Tournament on February 19, seventh-seeded PHS got off to a good start, racing past the Tornadoes 69-41.

“That was great, we hadn’t beat them in a very long time; we beat them twice this year and that is saying a lot,” said PHS head coach Pat Noone.

“It was a rough first quarter but the team really hung in there. We started hitting shots and we really defended well against them and stopped them in transition so that was really good. We hit a lot of shots that game, that was good to see. That was a big momentum builder for us.”

Unfortunately, the Tigers didn’t hit shots in the MCT quarters two days later, falling 46-29 at second-seeded Robbinsville. more

Showing Progress with Run to Prep A Final, Hun Girls’ Hoops Enjoyed a Positive Winter

ON THE RISE: Hun School girls’ basketball player Nicole Angelini goes up for a lay-up in a game this winter. Senior guard Angelini provided a spark off the bench for Hun as it advanced to the state Prep A final and ended the winter with an 18-7 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It is an oft-stated sports adage that it is hard to beat the same opponent three times in one season and the Hun School girls’ basketball team was happy to provide evidence this winter to help support that proposition.

Having fallen to Lawrenceville 57-44 in a regular season meeting in late January and then losing 68-53 to the Big Red in the MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) semis on February 8, Hun turned the tables on its archrivals by defeating them 61-55 in the state Prep A semis on February 17.

In reflecting on the win in the rubber match, Hun head coach Bill Holup pointed to defensive versatility and a quick start as factors that made a difference for the Raiders.  more

March 4, 2020

How Sweet It Is

A talk on the history, folklore, and science of maple sugaring was a highlight of Saturday’s Maple Sugar Brunch fundraiser at The Watershed Institute in Pennington. The event also featured taste tests and pancakes served with fresh, local maple syrup. Proceeds help support the nonprofit’s Camp Scholarship Fund. Participants share what they learned about maple sugaring in this week’s Town Talk on page 6.  (Photo by Erica M. Cardenas)

PU Group Calls For Fossil Fuels Divestment

By Donald Gilpin

Responding to reports on the increasingly devastating effects of climate change, a group of Princeton University students and alumni have called on the University to withdraw its investments entirely from the fossil fuel industry.

The group, which calls itself Divest Princeton, has submitted to the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) Resources Committee a formal proposal which calls for divestment of the University’s $26 billion endowment from all coal, oil, and gas companies. The Resources Committee, which considers issues related to the endowment and concerns about socially-responsible investing, is scheduled to meet on March 10, and Divest Princeton is hoping for a response to its demands later this month.

The University does not disclose details about its specific investments, and Deputy University Spokesman Michael Hotckhkiss wrote in an email, “We do not comment on the makeup of the endowment’s portfolio.”

Divest Princeton, which was created in 2019, staged a demonstration on February 13, during which about 50 protestors gathered in front of Frist Campus Center before marching to Nassau Hall to present their divestment proposal to the CPUC. Activists also circulated a petition that currently has more than 820 signatures from students, faculty, and alumni, pledging to withhold donations to the University until it divests from fossil fuel companies. more

Judge Grants Rider’s Motions to Dismiss Westminster Lawsuits

By Anne Levin

New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy has granted Rider University’s motions to dismiss two lawsuits challenging the University’s legal ability to move Westminster Choir College, with which Rider merged in 1992, from its longtime Princeton location to Rider’s campus in Lawrence Township.

The March 2 ruling clears the way for Rider to proceed with its plan to consolidate the two schools onto one campus. But plaintiffs in the two lawsuits plan to challenge the ruling. “This is only the opening salvo in this fight,” attorney Bruce Afran, who represents the plaintiffs, said Tuesday. “We will immediately appeal the decision, most likely by Friday morning.”

The nonprofit Westminster Foundation, a group of alumni, faculty, and supporters, is the plaintiff in one of the suits. The other is a group of 71 Westminster undergraduate and graduate students. Judge Lougy heard both sides’ arguments on February 14. The plaintiffs claim that Rider will not be able to provide the kind of specialized facilities, such as enough acoustically engineered practice rooms and faculty studios, on the campus.

The judge’s ruling said that while the students, faculty, and alumni have standing to go to court, there is no legal claim that can be filed because Rider and Westminster are nonprofit corporations and not charities. “We think they obviously are charities, subject to New Jersey’s  charities laws,” said Afran. “Because like any nonprofit school, they take charitable, tax-exempt donations and are 501-C registered charities.” more

Freeman Dyson Remembered By Family and Colleagues

By Anne Levin

Theoretical physicist and writer Freeman J. Dyson, who for more than six decades made Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) his academic home, died February 28 at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro. He was 96.

In a statement announcing Dyson’s death last week, the IAS said he “embraced the stunning diversity of the universe with unique spirit.”  Dyson “generated revolutionary scientific insights, including calculations bridging the quantum and human worlds,” the IAS statement read. “His contributions stem from his work in numerous areas, including nuclear engineering, solild state physics, ferronmagnetism, astrophysics, biology, and applied mathematics.”

Commenting on Dyson’s passing, IAS Director and Leon Levy Professor Robbert Dijkgraaf said, ““No life is more entangled with the Institute and impossible to capture — architect of modern particle physics, free-range mathematician, advocate of space travel, astrobiology and disarmament, futurist, eternal graduate student, rebel to many preconceived ideas including his own, thoughtful essayist, all the time a wise observer of the human scene. His secret was simply saying ‘yes’ to everything in life, till the very end. We are blessed and honored that Freeman, Imme, and their family made the Institute their home. It will be so forever.” more

Princeton Charter Wins Science Bowl, Defeats JWMS Team in Finals at PPPL

CHARTER SCHOOL CHAMPS: The Princeton Charter School team won the Middle School New Jersey Regional Science Bowl competition on February 21 at the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) and will travel to Washington, D.C., at the end of April to compete in the National Science Bowl tournament sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. (Photo by Elle Starkman/PPPL Office of Communications)

By Donald Gilpin

The Princeton Charter School (PCS) team of five seventh- and eighth-graders won the middle school New Jersey Regional Science Bowl championship for the third straight year at Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) on February 21.

PCS eighth-graders Jack Fan and Brandon Feder and seventh-graders Justin Feder, Nitza Kahlon, and Vihaan Jim — along with their coaches PCS science teachers Laura Celik and Suzanne Ritter — will travel, all expenses paid, to Washington, D.C., at the end of April to compete against 49 other regional teams in the National Science Bowl Tournament, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

PCS defeated local hometown rival John Witherspoon Middle School (JWMS) 140-36 in the finals. JWMS also won second place in 2018 and in 2017 defeated PCS in the finals. PCS was undefeated in this year’s regional competition with what Celik described as “commanding victories” over Watchung, Highland Park, and Bridgewater before the finals against JWMS. more

No Cases of Coronavirus in Mercer, But Town and Gown are On Alert

By Anne Levin

The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a growing threat that continues to affect people across the globe. As of Tuesday, March 3, more than 90,000 people were recorded as having the virus, and more than 3,000 had died from its effects. But while cases are now being recorded in the United States — particularly in Washington state — there are currently none in New Jersey.

Gov. Phil Murphy held a news conference in Ewing Township on Monday to report on efforts to prepare for handling the virus, which was first reported in China, when and if it comes to New Jersey. Murphy set up a task force last month, and a crisis management team has been meeting daily, he said. “The overall risk right now is low, but we’re taking this seriously, aggressively doing everything we can to proactively get out ahead of anything that may be coming our way.”

In Princeton, efforts are underway to keep people informed and prepare for any outbreak of the virus. “We briefed all first responders last Friday,” said Jeff Grosser, the town’s health officer, early this week. “We’re making sure everybody has the most up-to-date information. It’s an evolving situation that will continue to change as testing labs come online and we’re able to test quicker.” more

Witherspoon-Jackson Neighborhood Plans Arts and Infrastructure Projects

By Donald Gilpin

The Witherspoon-Jackson (W-J) neighborhood is looking to the future with optimism and significant initiatives on multiple fronts.

Last month’s W-J Neighborhood Association (W-JNA) public engagement workshop addressed four issues of importance to the community: infrastructure and improvements on the Witherspoon Street corridor, sustainability and preparation for extreme weather events, an African American Heritage Mural Project at the Mary Moss Playground, and “more than just books” at the Princeton Public Library (PPL).

Noting “extraordinary participation, interest, and enthusiasm with all presentations,” W-JNA Co-Chair Leighton Newlin emphasized the importance of coming together to become more informed and to envision the future of the community.

Infrastructure Planning

The opening session workshop featured Municipal Engineer Deanna Stockton and Construction Engineer Ian Baker presenting information, sharing ideas, and gathering feedback on possible improvements to the Witherspoon Street corridor. A community design input survey is currently available through the Engineering Department on the municipal website at princetonnj.gov. more

University Glee Club and Antioch Chamber Ensemble Present Collaboration of “Conversations”

By Nancy Plum

Before coming to Princeton University as director of choral activities, conductor Gabriel Crouch enjoyed an international career as a professional choral artist. Since assuming leadership of the Princeton University Glee Club, Crouch has used his worldwide reach to bring visiting choral ensembles to Princeton to collaborate with the University music department in an annual “Glee Club Presents” series. These collaborations include mini-residencies in which the guest chorus works together with University Glee Club singers and the two ensembles present a joint concert.

This year’s “Glee Club Presents” choral experience featured the New York-based Antioch Chamber Ensemble, a professional chorus which has been performing worldwide and recording for more than 20 years. The joint collaboration between the Antioch Ensemble and University Glee Club had a special focus on undergraduate composers within the Glee Club, and the culminating performance featured several newly-composed works by current and past Glee Club members.

Saturday night’s concert at Richardson Auditorium also paid homage to one of choral music’s most challenging pieces — Thomas Tallis’ 40-voice motet Spem in alium. Glee Club conductor Gabriel Crouch bracketed the performance with Tallis’ work to close and another 40-voice 16th-century motet to open, one which may have served as an inspiration for Tallis. Italian instrumentalist Alessandro Striggio served as composer to the renowned Medici family, and his five-choir, 40-voice Ecce beatam lucem was acoustically well suited for Italy’s expansive multi-dome cathedrals. Placing the five choirs both onstage and throughout the Richardson balcony, Crouch led the Glee Club (with the Antioch singers intermingled) from the stage, allowing the sound to travel around and through the hall. Crouch elicited effective dynamic contrasts from the more than 100 singers, finding variety in the homophonic choral writing. At the close of the piece, the last chord echoed well in the hall. more

Pianist Formaro Gives Lecture and Recital

MENDELSSOHN AND MORE: Argentine pianist Antonio Formaro will present a lecture recital focusing on Mendelssohn and the early Romantic masters Beethoven and Weber on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the campus of Westminster Choir College.

Argentine pianist Antonio Formaro will present a lecture recital focusing on Mendelssohn and the early Romantic masters Beethoven and Weber on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University, Walnut Lane. Admission is free.

A recipient of the Konex Cultural Award for “Best Argentine Pianist,” Formaro has been recognized for his research and performances of Mendelssohn’s works for piano. Based on his expertise, in 2017 he was invited to become a member of the Mendelssohn-Gesellschaft Society in Berlin. more

Cézanne “Rock and Quarry” Paintings at PU Art Museum

“L’ESTAQUE”: This oil on canvas painting by Paul Cézanne is featured in “Cézanne: The Rock and Quarry Paintings,” on view at the Princeton University Art Museum March 7 through June 14. Organized in association with the Royal Academy of Arts, London, the exhibition premieres in Princeton before being shown in London starting July 12.

On view March 7 through June 14 at the Princeton University Art Museum, “Cézanne: The Rock and Quarry Paintings” is the first exhibition to examine essential but underestimated aspects of the revolutionary French painter’s work: his profound interest in rocks and geological formations, and his use of such structures to shape the compositions of his canvases. more

“Inner Visions” Show In Doylestown, Pa.

“UNDER THE BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE”: This painting by Connie Dierks is featured in “Phoenix Show: Inner Visions,” on view at The Conservatory in Doylestown, Pa., March 7-21. An opening reception is Saturday, March 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Phoenix Art Supplies and Framing  presents “Phoenix Show: Inner Visions” March 7-21 at The Conservatory, 4059 Skyron Drive, Doylestown, Pa.

Show creator and curator Margaret Mattheson described why she created the show. “I’ve found a lack of outlets in our art community for more non-traditional artwork,” she said. “This has always made me wonder what artwork might be out there, the type of artwork that artists make for themselves, simply because they want to experiment, or to track a vision that can only be articulated visually, or tell a story. I’ve always found these the most moving and exciting works, whatever the style.”

The exhibit is donating all profits to “Hand-in-Hand,” a program of the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA). The program brings together professional visual artists and more than 750 children in crisis each year for meaningful arts engagement, without charge. By partnering with local homeless shelters, transitional housing facilities, and social service agencies, CFEVA provides a well-rounded, flexible arts curriculum that empowers youth to positively express themselves through art. “By donating to this program, we are helping Hand in Hand nurture the artists of tomorrow,” said Mattheson. more

“‘Wetland To Woodland” Exhibit at Princeton Library

“WETLAND TO WOODLAND”: An exhibit of works by Princeton-based eco-artists Mary Waltham and Susan Hoenig is on view at the Princeton Public Library through May 30. An Art Talk will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room at the library.

“Wetland to Woodland,” an exhibition of recent works by Princeton-based eco-artists Mary Waltham and Susan Hoenig, is on view on the second floor of Princeton Public Library through May 30.

An Art Talk, during which the artists will discuss and answer questions about their work, will be Tuesday, March 24, at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.

“Our work exhibited in Princeton Public Library … asks viewers to consider afresh these two distinctly different but interrelated ecosystems, each of which combats climate change,” the artists said in a joint statement. more

“Trio of Art” Exhibit At Ewing Library

“VARIEGATED DAHLIA”: This work by Helene Plank is part of “Trio of Art,” also featuring artwork by local artists Connie Cruser and William Plank. The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Ewing Library through March 31.

“Trio of Art,” featuring the artwork of noted local artists Connie Cruser, Helene Plank, and William Plank is on view at the Ewing Branch of the Mercer County Library System through March 31. more

PU Women’s Hockey Edges Quinnipiac in Epic Series, Fillier Gets OT Goal as Tigers Make ECACH Semis

OVERJOYED: Princeton University women’s hockey players Sarah Fillier, right, and Maggie Connors celebrate after the Tigers scored last Friday in the opening game of their best-of-three ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series against visiting Quinnipiac. The matchup turned into an epic battle as Princeton won the first game 5-1 before falling 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. A day later, sophomore Fillier scored the winning goal as Princeton pulled out a thrilling 3-2 victory in double overtime to win the series. Sixth-ranked Princeton, now 24-6-1 overall, will head to the ECACH Final 4 next weekend in Ithaca, N.Y. where it faces No. 7 Clarkson (25-5-6) in the semis on March 7 with the victor advancing to the title game a day later. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sarah Fillier sensed that Princeton University women’s hockey team was in for a tough fight as it hosted Quinnipiac in a best-of-three ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series last weekend at Hobey Baker Rink.

“We knew we were going to get their best game,” said sophomore forward Fillier.

“They are ranked 10th in the country. Arguably we play in the best league in the nation and we knew it was going to be a battle.”

The battle with the Bobcats turned into a war as sixth-ranked Princeton won the opener 5-1 on Friday but then fell 3-2 in overtime on Saturday as Quinnipiac forced a decisive game three on Sunday.

In the finale, Princeton built a 2-0 lead in the third period and was on the verge of victory before a feisty Quinnipiac squad responded with a pair of late goals to force overtime for a second straight day. more

Mitchell Bonding with High School Rival Alarie, Helping PU Women’s Hoops Clinch Ivy Crown

EL-TRAIN: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell dribbles the ball upcourt in recent action. Freshman forward Mitchell enjoyed a big game last week as Princeton defeated Penn 80-44 on February 25, tallying 13 points with eight rebounds and six assists. Mitchell and the Tigers went on to defeat Brown 81-39 on Friday and Yale 64-49 a night later to clinch the Ivy League outright regular season title and the top seed in the upcoming league postseason tournament. The 21st-ranked Tigers, now 24-1 overall and 12-0 Ivy, are riding a 21-game winning streak and will complete regular season play with games at Columbia on March 6 and at Cornell on March 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Bella Alarie remembers that Ellie Mitchell wore a bow in her hair on the basketball court four years ago.

That memory draws a laugh from the Princeton University women’s basketball teammates who were adversaries back then on rival Independent School League (ISL) teams in the Washington, D.C. area.

“I looked up to her so much when I was a freshman,” said Mitchell, a native of Chevy Chase, Md.

“I heard so many great things about her and to be able to play against her was such a great opportunity. To finally come here and get to play with her has been so much fun. It’s been like a dream come true.” more

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

PHS Boys’ Hockey Falls in State Opener But Defeat Can’t Dim Special Campaign

SOUTHERN STATE: Princeton High boys’ hockey Cooper Zullo controls the puck in a game earlier this winter. Last Friday, freshman forward Zullo scored the lone goal as ninth-seeded PHS fell 4-1 at eighth-seeded Southern High in the first round of the Public B state tournament. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 18-4-2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having lost 6-1 to Southern High in a regular season meeting in early February, the Princeton High boys’ hockey team was determined to put the pressure on when the foes met for a rematch last Friday in the first round of the state Public B tournament.

“We were trying to screen the goalie more and take advantage of the opportunities that we got,” said PHS head coach Joe Bensky.

“We just really needed to finish more, that was evident the first time we played them.”

Having rallied from a 5-0 deficit a week earlier to defeat Hun 7-5 in the Mercer County Tournament final, ninth-seeded PHS wasn’t fazed when it fell behind eighth-seeded Southern 1-0. more