November 11, 2015

Bouncing Back From Disappointing Loss to Cornell, PU Women’s Hockey Tops Colgate, Improves to 5-1

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SEEING IT THROUGH: Princeton University women’s hockey player Kelsey Koelzer controls the puck in a game last season. This past Saturday, junior defenseman Koelzer chipped in a goal to help Princeton edge Colgate 3-2. The Tigers, now 5-1 overall and 3-1 ECAC Hockey, have a two-game set with Quinnipiac this weekend, playing at the Bobcats on November 13 and then hosting a rematch at Baker Rink on November 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Playing in its first home weekend of the season, the Princeton University women’s hockey team got out of the gate with a bang. more

November 4, 2015

Nelson’s Heroics Help PU Football Get Back on Track As Tigers Pull Away to 47-21 Victory Over Cornell

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FULL NELSON: Princeton University running back Dre Nelson eludes a foe in action this fall. Last Saturday against visiting Cornell, senior star Nelson returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and was credited with 174 all purpose yards to help Princeton prevail 47-21 over the Big Red and snap a two-game losing streak. The Tigers, now 5-2 overall and 2-2 Ivy League, play at Penn, 4-3 overall and 3-1 Ivy, on November 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Dre Nelson has distinguished himself as a top sprinter for the Princeton University men’s Ivy League champion track team, starring in the 60 and 4×100 relay.

Last Saturday, Nelson’s track experience came in handy on the football field early in the fourth quarter as the senior star took a Cornell kickoff three yards deep in the end zone and proceeded to zigzag through and past the Big Red for a scintillating touchdown return. more

Showing Plenty of Positives on Opening Weekend, PU Men’s Hockey Goes 1-1 in Capital City Classic

Opening its season at the Capital City Classic in Trenton last weekend, the Princeton University men’s hockey team was looking to score early and come away with at least one win.

Mission accomplished on both counts as Princeton got a first period goal from Eric Robinson against Yale in the opener on Friday and battled the Bulldogs tooth-and-nail before succumbing 3-1. A day later, the Tigers jumped out to 2-0 lead on the way to a 3-1 win over Maine.

Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty liked what he saw from his team right from the opening face-off of the weekend at the Sun Bank Center.

“Our energy was great at the start of the period,” said Fogarty, who is in his second year guiding the Tigers.

“We had scoring opportunities, we transitioned extremely well from defense to offense. In the second period, we had to grind it out with the onslaught of opportunities that Yale had. We only gave up four grade A scoring chances during all of that time in our zone. In the third period, we had scoring chances. Unfortunately, we gave up a goal there late in the third period.” more

Sparked By Junior Star Lussi’s Finishing Touch, Surging Tiger Women’s Soccer Wins Ivy Title

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CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT: Members of the Princeton University women’s soccer team celebrate after they defeated Cornell 2-0 last Saturday, a win which gave the Tigers at least a tie for the Ivy League title and the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. Later in the day, Princeton earned the outright Ivy title as second place Harvard tied 1-1 with Dartmouth. The Tigers, who got goals from Tyler Lussi and Jesse McDonough in beating Cornell and earning their 11th straight victory, improved to 13-3 overall and 6-0 Ivy. Princeton wraps up regular season play with a game at Penn on November 7. (Photo by Beverly Schaefer, Courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

Hosting a stingy Cornell team last Saturday that had yielded only six goals in its first 15 games, the Princeton University women’s soccer team didn’t want to get mired in a defensive battle with the Big Red.

Princeton junior star Tyler Lussi didn’t waste any time getting the Cornell defense on its heels, arching a shot into the back of the net to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead 7:51 into the contest. more

Gersoff Enjoys Big Senior Day for PU Field Hockey As Tigers Top Cornell, Clinch 11th Straight Ivy Crown

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GOING OFF: Princeton University field hockey goalie Anya Gersoff, right, enjoys the moment after a 2014 win. Last Saturday against visiting Cornell, senior star Gersoff made five saves in earning the shutout as 20th-ranked Princeton defeated the Big Red 4-0 and earned at least a tie for the Ivy League title. The win marked Princeton’s 21st league crown in the last 22 seasons and 11th in a row. The Tigers, now 9-6 overall and 6-0 Ivy, play at Penn, 13-2 overall and 5-1 Ivy, on November 7 with the winner to get the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Anya Gersoff and the other members of the Class of 2016 on the Princeton University field hockey team were showered with affection in the program’s annual Senior Day ceremony last Saturday.

As the Tigers took the field to host Cornell, star goalie Gersoff was looking to return the favor. more

October 23, 2015

Tiger Football Falls 38-31 at Brown for First Defeat, Aims to Rebound in Key Clash at Undefeated Harvard

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BROWN OUT: Princeton University receiver Trevor Osborne heads up the field in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, junior Osborne made three receptions for 74 yards in a losing cause as Princeton fell 38-31 at Brown. The Tigers, now 4-1 overall and 1-1 Ivy League, play at No. 15 Harvard (5-0 overall, 2-0 Ivy) on October 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

It didn’t take long for the Princeton University football team to find itself in an uphill battle as it played at Brown last Saturday. more

October 21, 2015

Emphasizing Overall Toughness, Consistency, PU Women’s Hockey Excited for 2015-16 Season

After experiencing a bit of a roller-coaster ride last winter in going 15-14-2, the Princeton University women’s hockey team hopes to be on a more even keel in the upcoming season.

“I think the thing we are working on is mental and physical toughness, being consistent every day, no matter who we play,” said Princeton head coach Jeff Kampersal, a former Tiger men’s hockey star who is entering his 20th season guiding the women’s program, compiling a 285-242-53 record.

“It is just giving our best effort. If we have a big win, we need to show up the next day. If we don’t do well in a particular game we need to show up better the next day.” more

Senior Star Miller Setting Tone With Intensity As Tiger Men’s Soccer Looks for Big Finish

Even though the Princeton University men’s soccer was locked in a scoreless tie at halftime against visiting Fairleigh Dickinson University last week, Josh Miller was confident that the Tigers could break the game open.

“We knew we had the potential to dominate this team and we were much better than them,” said Princeton senior defender and co-captain Miller.

“We were pretty disappointed with how slow and lackadaisical we came out in the first half. We just had to impose our will if we wanted the game.” more

Symanovich Helps PU Women’s Soccer Top Columbia, Sizzling Tigers Ready for Pivotal Showdown at Harvard

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KICKING INTO GEAR: Princeton University women’s soccer player Mikaela Symanovich kicks the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, sophomore defender Symanovich contributed two assists to help Princeton defeat Columbia 3-1 and win its ninth straight game. The Tigers, now 11-3 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, head to New England this Saturday for a pivotal clash at defending league champion Harvard (7-6-1 overall, 4-0 Ivy). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Despite moving to defense from midfield this fall in her sophomore season on the Princeton University women’s soccer team, Mikaela Symanovich has emerged as an offensive catalyst for the Tigers. more

October 14, 2015

Sparked by Sura’s Return From Hip Operation, PU Women’s Soccer Rises to Top of Ivy Standings

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SURE FOOTED: Princeton University women’s soccer player Emily Sura patrols the field in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior captain and star defender Sura contributed a goal as Princeton defeated Army West Point 4-1. On Saturday, Sura and the Tigers topped Brown 4-0 to improve to 9-3 overall and 3-0 Ivy League and with their seventh straight game. Princeton hosts Lehigh on October 14 and Columbia on October 17. (Photo by Beverly Schaefer, Courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

Emily Sura is trying to make up for lost time this fall as she plays in her senior campaign for the Princeton University women’s soccer team. more

Princeton Football Routs Colgate 44-20, Improves to 4-0; Showing Depth, Intensity in Tradition of ’95 Ivy Champs

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GOING FOURTH: Princeton University star safety Dorian Williams, center, gets ready for a play in a game earlier this fall. Last Saturday against Colgate, junior Williams made a critical pass breakup in the fourth quarter to help shut the door on the Raiders as the Tigers pulled away to a 44-20 win and improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2006. Princeton, who is 1-0 in Ivy League action, will look to keep on the winning track as it plays at Brown, 2-2 overall and 0-1 Ivy, on October 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Twenty years ago, a deep and hard-hitting Princeton University football team won the Ivy League title. more

With Freshman Catalino Providing Late Heroics, PU Field Hockey Rallies for Win Over Columbia

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NICK OF TIME: Princeton University field hockey player Nicole Catalino controls the ball in recent action. Last Friday against visiting Columbia, freshman Catalino scored the game-tying goal and game-winning tally in overtime as the 19th-ranked Tigers rallied from a 3-2 deficit to pull out a 4-3 victory. Princeton, now 6-4 overall and 3-0 Ivy League, plays at Brown on October 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After a powerful thunderstorm delayed the start of the last Friday evening’s showdown between the Princeton University field hockey team and visiting Columbia for 90 minutes, Nicole Catalino was hit with a jolt. more

October 7, 2015

Savoring Final Campaign for PU Field Hockey, Senior Benvenuti Helps Tigers to 2-0 Weekend

Teresa Benvenuti was down in the dumps for a few weeks last fall during her junior season with the Princeton University field hockey team, missing six games due to a broken nose.

This fall, the upbeat Benvenuti is at full strength and is savoring every minute she has been on the field.

“Someone was saying that we have six weeks left of the season and then I am a retired athlete,” said star midfielder Benvenuti with a chuckle. more

Using Rhattigan, Defense to Overcome Ugly Conditions, PU Football Tops Columbia In Ivy Opener, Moves to 3-0

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RAIN MAN: Princeton University running back Joe Rhattigan heads upfield in recent action. Last Friday night, junior star Rhattigan sloshed through the rain for 85 yards rushing to help Princeton top Columbia 10-5 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The Tigers, now 3-0 overall and 1-0 Ivy, host Colgate on October 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

The conditions were miserable as the Princeton University football team hosted Columbia last Friday evening in the Ivy League opener for both squads, with a driving rain, winds gusting over 20 miles an hour, and the temperature hovering in the high 40s. more

Princeton Men’s Soccer Suffers Frustrating Week, Capped by Losing 1-0 at Dartmouth in Ivy Opener

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GREEN DAY: Princeton University men’s soccer player Patrick Barba heads the ball in a 2014 game. Last Saturday, junior defender Barba and Princeton came up just short as the Tigers fell 1-0 at Dartmouth in the Ivy League opener for both teams. Princeton, which dropped to 3-3-1 overall and 0-1 Ivy with the loss to the Big Green, play at Brown (5-3 overall, 1-0 Ivy) on October 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Having started 1-2, the Princeton University men’s soccer team appeared to be on the right track, winning two straight games by a combined margin of 5-2 as it edged Boston University 2-1 before topping Binghamton 3-1. more

October 4, 2015

Producing Explosive Display on Both Sides of the Ball, Tiger Football Routs Lehigh, Girds for Ivy Opener

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HIGH INTENSITY: Princeton University receiver Seth DeValve leaps up for a pass last Saturday against Lehigh. Senior star and co-captain DeValve made four receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown to help Princeton rout Lehigh 52-26. The Tigers, now 2-0, start Ivy League play when they host Columbia (0-2) on October 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Despite falling behind Lehigh 13-10 in the second quarter last Saturday evening to trail for the first time in 2015, the Princeton University football team was unfazed. more

September 30, 2015

PU Fencer Holmes Earns 2 Golds at Pan Am Games, Providing Boost in Quest to Earn Spot in Olympics

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TOP OF THE PODIUM: Princeton University fencer Katharine Holmes celebrates after winning the gold medal in the individual epee this summer at the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. Holmes, who has taken a leave of absence from Princeton to maximize her chances of making the U.S. squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics, also helped the U.S. to the team epee gold at the Pan Am Games. (Photo Courtesy of the Holmes Family)

Having entered Princeton University in the fall of 2011, Katharine Holmes was scheduled to graduate this past June. more

September 23, 2015

Sparked by Hurtado’s Playmaking Ability, PU Men’s Soccer Edges Boston University

Nico Hurtado sees himself as a facilitator for the Princeton University men’s soccer team.

“I am just trying to be the playmaker, trying to set guys up with my passing and hopefully get some goals later on,” said Hurtado, a 5’11, 160-pound senior midfielder from Key Biscayne, Fla. more

With Frosh Asom Emerging as Key Weapon, PU Women’s Soccer Primed for Ivy Campaign

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A-GAME: Princeton University women’s soccer players Mimi Asom, left, and Haley Chow celebrate after a goal in a 6-0 win against Howard in late August. Last Sunday, freshman forward Asom scored a golden goal in overtime to give Princeton a 2-1 win over 23rd-ranked William and Mary. She was later named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week for her heroics. The Tigers, now 5-3, start Ivy play by hosting Yale on September 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

For Mimi Asom, making the jump to college soccer has kept her on the move.

“I have never really been a player before this who just goes and goes; I have always been more of a pick my moment player,” said Asom, a freshman forward on the Princeton University women’s soccer team. more

Posting First Season-Opening Victory Since 2006, PU Football Looks Sharp in Routing Lafayette 40-7

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FAST START: Princeton University football player Dre Nelson speeds upfield in a 2014 game. Last Saturday, senior running back Nelson rushed for 116 yards on eight carries with one touchdown to help Princeton roll to a 40-7 win at Lafayette in its season opener. It was the Tigers’ first opening day win since 2006 when it edged Lehigh 14-10. Princeton hosts Lehigh (2-1) on September 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Locked in a scoreless tie at Lafayette after the first quarter last Saturday, it looked like the Princeton University football team could be facing another rocky opening night as it kicked off its 2015 campaign.

Having lost eight straight openers, Princeton has struggled coming out of the gate, fighting an uphill battle as it takes on teams like Lafayette, who had two games under its belt. more

Senior Star Copeland Produces 1st Hat Trick, As Tiger Field Hockey Defeats American 5-1

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FINISHING TOUCH: Princeton University field hockey player Maddie Copeland prepares to send the ball up the field in recent action. Last Sunday, senior striker Copeland, a former Stuart Country Day and Peddie School standout, scored three goals to help Princeton defeat American University 5-1. The Tigers, who improved to 2-3 with the win, were slated to play at Maryland on September 22 before starting Ivy League play with a game at Dartmouth on September 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Despite having not scored a goal in the first four games of the season for the Princeton University field hockey team, Maddie Copeland was primed to make an impact as the Tigers hosted American University last Sunday. more

September 16, 2015

Beating Villanova to Snap 3-Game Losing Streak, Tiger Women’s Soccer Displays Sense of Urgency

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EARLY SALVO: Princeton University women’s soccer player Natalie Larkin, right, controls the ball in a 2014 game. Last Sunday, sophomore midfielder Larkin scored a goal 12 minutes into the contest to get Princeton rolling as it topped Villanova 3-1. The Tigers, now 3-3, host LaSalle on September 16 and William and Mary on September 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Hosting Delaware last Thursday evening, the Princeton University women’s soccer team dug an early hole, surrendering a goal less than five minutes into the contest. more

Hoping to Regain Championship Form After 5-5 Season, Princeton Football Opening 2015 Campaign At Lafayette

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THREE’S COMPANY: Princeton University quarterbacks, from left, sophomore John Lovett, junior Chad Kanoff, and senior Kedric Bostic pose together during the program’s media day earlier this month. The trio are competing for playing time and each figures to see action this fall. Princeton, which went 5-5 overall and 4-3 Ivy League last fall, kicks off its 2015 campaign when it plays at Lafayette (0-2) on September 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Slipping to fourth place in the Ivy League standings last fall after sharing the title in 2013 with Harvard, the Princeton University football team headed to Asia this spring to begin a hoped-for climb up the league standings. more

Moving to Linebacker from Safety for Senior Year, Co-Captain Arends Aiming to Shore Up PU Defense

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HAPPY CAMPERS: Princeton University football senior co-captains, Matt Arends, left, and Seth DeValve enjoy a light moment as the players took a break from preseason camp earlier this month for the program’s media day. Arends is moving to outside linebacker from safety this fall as the Tigers look to shore up their defense after giving up 28.7 points a game in 2014 in going 5-5 overall and 4-3 Ivy League. The Tigers open their 2015 season by playing at Lafayette on September 19. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Matt Arends found a home in the secondary during his first three years with the Princeton University football team. more

September 9, 2015

Displaying Mental Toughness, Superb Ball Movement, PU Men’s Soccer Rallies to Edge St. John’s in Opener

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BIG BEN: Princeton University men’s soccer goalie Ben Hummel stretches out to thwart a foe in a game last season. Last Friday,  6’6 Hummel stood tall, making two saves as Princeton rallied to beat St. John’s 2-1 in its season opener. In upcoming action, the Tigers head south to play at Florida Gulf Coast University on September 10 and at Florida International on September 12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As the Princeton University men’s soccer team hit the field at St. John’s last Friday evening in its season opener, the players were anxious to see where they stood. more