September 20, 2023

Overcoming Some Sloppy Play in Season Opener, Tiger Football Grinds Out 23-12 Win at San Diego

TOUGHING IT OUT: Princeton University running back John Volker battles for some extra yardage in a 2022 game. Last Saturday, senior Volker rushed for a game-high 91 yards and a touchdown as Princeton defeated the University of San Diego 23-12 in its season opener. The Tigers are hosting Bryant (1-2) on September 23 in their home opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

By some metrics, it would appear that the Princeton University football team endured a long afternoon when it opened its 2023 season by playing at the University of San Diego last Saturday afternoon.

“If I check with the analytics people, we lost the turnover battle 2-0, we lost the penalty battle, I think we had 40 more yards in penalties, and we didn’t finish drives,” said Princeton head coach Bob Surace. “All of those are things the analytics people say you have got to focus on. They would have said we lost the game by 20 points.”

But playing with intensity and executing when it counted, Princeton was able to grind out a 23-12 win over the Toreros before  a crowd of 1,191 at Torero Stadium.

“I was just saying to Mike Willis (Tiger offensive coordinator), ‘If you watch the film, most of the plays were really good,’” said Surace. “That is very encouraging. You watch it play to play and there are so many good things that you would have thought you have won by 20 points.”

Heading to California last week, the Tigers were chomping at the bit to get started after going through an arduous fall camp. more

With MacNab Finding Rhythm After Dealing with Injury, Tiger Women’s Soccer Tops Quinnipiac 4-2, Now 5-1-1

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University women’s soccer player Heather MacNab gets ready to toss the ball into play in recent action. Last Sunday, junior forward MacNab tallied a goal and an assist to help Princeton defeat Quinnipiac 4-2. The Tigers, now 5-1-1, host Cornell on September 23 in their Ivy League opener before playing at Lafayette on September 26. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Heather MacNab did not want to rest on the high of the biggest win of the season for the Princeton University women’s soccer team.

With Princeton coming off a 3-2 win over No. 10 Georgetown last Thursday evening, junior forward MacNab scored her first goal of the season and added an assist to help the Tigers post a 4-2 win over Quinnipiac last Sunday.

McNab was one of four different goal scorers for Princeton, who improved to 5-1-1 heading into the Ivy League portion of the schedule which starts when Princeton hosts Cornell on September 23.

“We have a lot of momentum going forward,” said MacNab. “We do have a big chip on our shoulder. I think we had a lot to give last season that we didn’t fully give so I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves just in terms of being able to compete in such a competitive league. We know we’re really good and able to compete with the best in the nation so it’s very important that we remain locked in and ready to fight and compete and dominate the Ivy League.” more

QB Petrone Makes Strides for PHS Football As Tigers Battle Hard in 28-23 Loss to Florence

FLASH POINT: Princeton High quarterback Travis Petrone fires a pass last Saturday as PHS hosted Florence High. Junior Petrone passed for 143 yards and two touchdowns and had a 29-yard TD run in a losing cause as PHS fell 28-23 to the Flashes. The Tigers, now 2-2, play at Bishop Eustace on September 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High football team trying to rally against undefeated Florence in the fourth quarter last Saturday, Travis Petrone threw an interception and it looked like the Tigers were going to go away quietly as they trailed 28-16.

Instead, forcing a punt, PHS got the ball with 2:39 left in regulation and went on a march.

“It was just play fast, play hard,” said junior quarterback Petrone. “Coach (Charlie Gallagher) kept saying, ‘get out of the huddle, run to the ball, play fast, play fast, play fast,’ and that is what we did.”

Petrone capped the 56-yard drive with a dazzling jaunt down the sideline for a TD as the Tigers narrowed the gap to 28-23 with 1:39 remaining in regulation.

“I didn’t know I had that in me,” said Petrone, reflecting on his 29-yard touchdown run. “I see a big opening — I was thinking about getting out of bounds, but then I saw one of our wide receivers, Ben Walden, make a huge block. I thought OK, I have got to try to get in. I made a move on one or two guys and got into the end zone.” more

Senior Forward Howes Triggering the Offense As PHS Girls’ Soccer Gets Off to a 3-2 Start

HOWE ABOUT THAT: Princeton High girls’ soccer player Holly Howes is all smiles after scoring the lone goal for PHS in a 1-0 win over Hightstown last Thursday. The Tigers, who lost 2-1 to Haddonfield last Saturday to move to 3-2, host Lawrence High on September 21 before playing at Princeton Day School on September 23 and at Notre Dame on September 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Holly Howes made a number of runs to goal early on for the Princeton High girls’ soccer team as it hosted Hightstown last Thursday, but to no avail as the foes were knotted in a scoreless stalemate.

Despite misfiring wide and having one point blank shot saved by the Rams goalie, Howes was undeterred.

“You could definitely see that the momentum was in our direction,” said senior forward and co-captain Howes. “When you have a miss that you probably think you should have scored. The best thing you can do is forget about it and move on to the next play.”

With 23:39 left in the first half, Howes didn’t miss as she slotted the ball into the back of the net to give PHS a 1-0 lead. more

With Ryan Determined to Make the Most of Senior Season, PDS Field Hockey Looking Formidable as it Starts 3-0-1

LILY OF THE FIELD: Princeton Day School field hockey player Lily Ryan controls the ball in a game earlier season. Last Friday, senior star Ryan scored two goals to help PDS defeat Stuart County Day School 5-0. The Panthers, who topped Robbinsville 5-2 last Monday to improve to 3-0-1, play at Hamilton West on September 20 before hosting Allentown on September 22 and Steinert on September 26. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Lily Ryan is determined to go out with a bang this fall in her final season with the Princeton Day School field hockey team.

“It is a sense of urgency,” said senior forward/midfielder Ryan. “It is senior year and you want to make it the best that you can. Everyone on the team is friends, which makes the energy for every game much better.”

Displaying that urgency last Friday against visiting Stuart Country Day, Ryan tallied two goals to help the Panthers pull away to a 5-0 victory.

After jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first minute of the contest on a goal by Tessa Caputo, PDS did hit a lull as it controlled possession but didn’t push across another goal for more than 28 minutes. more

With Sahrbeck Moving Up to Head Coaching Role, Hun Girls’ Soccer Looking to be More Consistent

RISING SPEKTOR: Hun School girls’ soccer player Olivia Spektor goes after the ball in a 2021 game. Senior Spektor figures to be a key offensive threat for Hun this fall. The Raiders, who are being guided by new head coach Krista Sahrbeck, fell 6-1 to Seneca last Thursday to move to 0-3. Hun plays at Westfield High on September 21 before hosting Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) on September 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Krista Sahrbeck has a lot on her plate as the dean of students at the Hun School.

Despite a hectic schedule packed with meetings, phone calls, and administrative work, Sahrbeck has carved out several hours a day to follow her sporting passion, taking the helm as the head coach of the Hun girls’ soccer team.

For Sahrbeck, balancing all of her responsibilities has proven to be a challenge. more

Featuring a Battle-Tested Core of Stellar Seniors, Hun Field Hockey Produces Promising 2-1 Start

BE STRONG: Hun School field hockey player Phoebe Thielmann, right, dribbles the ball in recent action. Last Monday, junior midfielder Thielmann scored two goals to help Hun defeat the Academy of New Church 5-0. The Raiders, now 2-1, will host Pennington on September 20 and then compete in the 2023 Max Field Hockey National High School Invitational in Conshohocken, Pa., from September 22-23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Tracey Arndt wants her Hun School field hockey team to adopt a run-and-gun approach to the game this fall.

“I keep talking to them, saying that field hockey has to have a mindset more like basketball than any other sport, meaning that if the other team scores that doesn’t matter,” said Arndt, who guided the Raiders to a 9-8 record in 2022. “I have my perfectionists. It is who scores more at the end and just keep that idea. It is working through playing the whole 60 minutes and not worrying about the score until the whistle blows.”

Arndt believes that she will get some scoring punch from her forward line which features senior Alexa Cavalli, sophomore Addi McNally, and freshman Piper Morey. more

Princeton Junior Football League Starting 2023 Season, Aiming to Give Full Benefit to a Record Turnout of Players

FULL SPEED AHEAD: A player races to the end zone in action last fall in the Princeton Junior Football League (PJFL). The popular flag football league, which is in its 11th year, will be kicking off its 2023 campaign this Sunday at the Princeton High turf field. (Photo provided courtesy of PJFL)

By Bill Alden

For the Navy Seals, the term “Full Benefit” stands for a philosophy that implores one to get the most out of any situation, good or bad.

That Full Benefit mindset is being employed by the Princeton Junior Football League (PJFL) as it kicks off its 2023 campaign this Sunday at the Princeton High turf field.

“We really wanted that theme this year because we are getting the full benefit with more kids and more divisions,” said PJFL president Matt Bellace, noting that the Princeton police will be co-sponsoring opening day with plans to provide refreshments and stage an exhibition game.

“You know what, whether you are having a great game or the worst game of your life, this is how you get full benefit. It became a motivational theme. We made T-shirts that we gave out to the kids with PJFL on the front and Full Benefit on the back.” more

September 13, 2023

Princeton Football Kicking Off Season at San Diego, Excited for Fresh Start After Rough Finish Last Fall

CALIFORNIA DREAMING: Princeton University quarterback Blake Stenstrom fires a pass in action last fall. Senior star Stenstrom, a second-team All-Ivy League selection in 2022 after passing for 2,742 yards and 16 touchdowns, will be looking to get his final campaign off to a good start when Princeton plays at the University of San Diego on September 16 in its season opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After roaring out to an 8-0 start last fall, the Princeton University football team faltered down the stretch, losing nail biters to Yale and Penn in its final two games to see its Ivy League title hopes dashed.

Looking ahead to the 2023 campaign which starts when the Tigers play at the University of San Diego on September 16, Princeton head coach Bob Surace doesn’t see any hangover from that staggering finish. more

With Senior Agatucci Bringing Versatility, Energy, PU Field Hockey Battling Tough Foes in 1-3 Start

FINISHING TOUCH: Princeton University field hockey player Liz Agatucci controls the ball in a game last year. Last Sunday, senior midfielder Agatucci scored the lone goal for No. 15 Princeton as it fell 2-1 to No. 12 Rutgers in overtime. The Tigers, now 1-3, play at Maryland on September 14 before hosting Connecticut on September 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Liz Agatucci has done a bit of everything for the Princeton University field hockey program.

After her class lost its freshman year to the COVID-19 pandemic, Agatucci began her career on defense for the Tigers. Last year, she moved to forward, and this year she has established herself in the midfield while also taking on a new leadership role as a senior starter.

“We joke about it all the time,” said Agatucci. “I’ve been everywhere.”

Her versatility and growth are helping the rebuilt Tigers sort out their strengths. No. 15 Princeton fell to 1-3 on the young season with a 2-1 loss to No. 12 Rutgers in double overtime Sunday in the Tigers’ home opener. It was Agatucci who provided the lone goal for Princeton to force overtime following a long delay to tend to injured goalie and reigning Defensive Player of the Week Robyn Thompson who was hurt in a collision with a Rutgers player. Freshman star Ottilie Sykes drove the penalty corner toward the goal and Agatucci dove to get her stick on it and redirect the ball to tie the game. more

PHS Field Hockey Looking to Fill Some Spots, But Boasts the Talent to Have Another Big Season

GOAL-ORIENTED: Princeton High field hockey player Erin Liggio dribbles the ball in a game last season. Liggio sparked the PHS forward line in 2022 as she scored a team-high 30 goals. The Tigers will be hosting Ewing in September 13 and WW/P-South on September 18 to get their 2023 campaign underway. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High field hockey team lacking strength in numbers, Heather Serverson will need a strong effort across the board from her squad.

“I have a lot of spots to fill, we graduated a big group and we have a small junior class,” said PHS head coach Serverson, who guided the Tigers to a 14-3 record in 2022 as they advanced to the Mercer County Tournament semis and the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional quarterfinals. “We are kind of low on numbers right now. We really need a lot of bang for our buck from every player on the field.”

Senior Erin Liggio, a Dickinson College commit, should give the Tigers plenty of bang for the buck on the forward line. more

Coming Off Unexpected Trip to State Final Last Fall, PHS Girls’ Tennis Looking to Maintain Winning Ways

POWER HITTER: Princeton High girls’ tennis player Lada Labas warms up before a match last fall. Junior Labas is back at second singles for PHS this season. The Tigers, who improved to 2-0 with a 5-0 win over Hightstown last Monday, play at Hamilton West on September 13 and at WW/P-North on September 15 before starting play in the Mercer County Tournament on September 18 at Mercer County Park Tennis Complex. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Working five new players into its lineup last fall, the Princeton High girls’ tennis team appeared to be heading into a transition season.

Exceeding expectations, PHS caught fire down the stretch, winning the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 sectional title and advancing to the Group 3 state championship match on the way to a 15-3 season.

Heading into the 2023 campaign, the Tigers are again dealing with some roster turnover as it has lost a singles star and two doubles standouts from last fall but PHS head coach Sarah Hibbert is confident that the program will maintain its winning tradition.  more

Building on Surge that Saw it Make MCT, Prep B Finals PDS Field Hockey Upbeat About Prospects This Fall

MIDDLE OF THE ACTION: Princeton Day School field hockey player Kelly Christie, middle, goes after the ball last Saturday against Hopewell Valley in its season opener. PDS tied HoVal 0-0 in a game that ended in the third quarter due to the thunderstorms that rumbled through the area. The Panthers were scheduled to play at WW/P-North on September 12 before hosting Stuart Country Day on September 15 and Robbinsville High on September 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton Day School field hockey team played to a 0-0 stalemate against Hopewell Valley last Saturday in a season opener that ended in the third quarter due to the thunderstorms that rumbled through the area, Heather Farlow liked what she saw from her club.

“We controlled possession most of the game, we were in our offensive end quite a bit,” said PDS head coach Farlow. “When it stopped we were in our offensive 25 and we had the ball. We had momentum.”

Bringing momentum from a late surge that saw the Panthers advance to the final in both the Mercer County Tournament and Prep B state tourney last fall, PDS is upbeat heading into 2023. more

Featuring New Faces, Facing New Foes in Move to CVC, PDS Girls’ Tennis Primed for Exciting 2023 Campaign

By Bill Alden

Losing a trio of key seniors from last year’s squad to graduation, the Princeton Day School girls’ tennis team will be featuring some new faces in new places.

In addition to a revamped lineup, PDS will also be facing a new slate of foes as it’s playing a full Colonial Valley Conference schedule for the first time.

“As an independent school, the regular season matches you always want to win but they are more about maneuvering to get ready and seeded for tournaments,” said PDS head coach Michael Augsberger, whose program said goodbye to single stars Neha Khandkar and Amy Zhou along with doubles standout Josephine Baranski from a squad that went 9-6 in 2022 and advanced to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public state final last year. more

Bolstered by Returning Veterans, Strength in Numbers, PDS Girls’ Soccer Poised for Major Breakthrough

FANCY FOOTWORK: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Adriana Salzano controls the ball in game last season. Senior star Salzano, a Monmouth University commit, figures to be an offensive catalyst for the Panthers this fall. PDS, which defeated Lawrenceville 3-0 last Friday in its season opener as Ella McLaren, Makena Graham, and Salzano each scored goals, plays at Nottingham on September 13, hosts WW/P-North on September 14, and plays at Hightstown on September 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Heading into his third season at the helm of the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team, Chris Pettit believes the program is poised for a major breakthrough.

“We did OK the first year, last year we were much more successful and the aim this year is to be even more successful than last year,” said Pettit. “I have high hopes for this season, we have a lot of returning players. We have grown the program a little bit to go from 17 in my first year to 27 now. It is getting a little bit of a consistency there which I hope will improve because the way we play, the possession style, is not your typical high school style. It takes a little time to get some of those concepts across.”

The Panthers will need that strength in numbers as they are playing a full Colonial Valley Conference schedule for the first time. more

Featuring a Battle-Tested Group of Senior Stalwarts, Hun Boys’ Soccer Aiming to Continue Upward Trend

GOING PLACES: Hun School boys’ soccer goalie Diego Pena clears the ball in a game last season. Junior Pena emerged as a star last fall for Hun. The Raiders were slated to start their 2023 season by playing at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Pa.) on September 12, host Delran High on September 15, and then face the Pingry School on September 17 in the Mainline Jamboree in Downingtown, Pa. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over the last two years, the Hun School boys’ soccer has been on an upward trajectory, going 10-7 in 2021 and improving to 12-4-2 last fall.

Welcoming back a battle-tested crew of seniors, Hun head coach Pat Quirk believes his squad can continue that trend.

“The senior class has been part of the program for the last two, three years when we did really well in the MAPL league (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) and have been able to have some big wins off some good programs,” said Quirk, whose team tied for the MAPL title last fall with a 4-0-1 league record. “It has definitely given them a lot of confidence.”

Quirk has confidence that his forward unit of junior Luciano Verduci, senior Zachary Stark, junior Toba Olaleye, sophomore Donovan Hayes, sophomore Christian Wolfe, and sophomore Noah Silvestri can produce around the goal. more

September 6, 2023

Lineman Travis Grows Into a Force for PU Football, On NFL Radar Heading Into Senior Season for Tigers

STANDING TALL: Princeton University football star offensive lineman Jalen Travis catches his breath between plays in a game last year. The 6’9, 315-pound Travis has emerged as a force at tackle for Princeton, earning 2022 second-team All-Ivy League honors as a junior and getting named to the 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist and East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 list heading into this fall. Travis and the Tigers kick off the 2023 campaign by playing at the University of San Diego on September 16. (Photo by Sideline Photos, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

As Jalen Travis headed into high school in 2016, it looked like his athletic future would center on basketball.

One of his older brothers, Reid, played hoops at Stanford and Kentucky and is currently playing pro ball overseas while another older brother, Jonah, starred for the Harvard men’s basketball team.

But as Travis went through DeLaSalle High in Minneapolis, Minn., he grew into a standout offensive lineman in football, earning first-team All-State and Minnesota All-Star honors as a senior. That success had Travis turning his focus to someday playing in the NFL.

Attracting attention from major college football programs, including getting an offer from local Big 10 power University of Minnesota, Travis decided that heading to Princeton and the Ivy League was his best option on and off the field.

 more

PHS Football Loses 14-7 to Riverside to Move to 1-1, But Senior Granozio Provides Highlight with 1st TD

CATCHING ON: Princeton High senior receiver Remmick Granozio heads upfield in recent action. Last Saturday, Granozio made three receptions for 41 yards, including a 28-yard touchdown catch, in a losing cause as PHS lost 14-7 to Riverside to move to 1-1. The Tigers will look to get back on the winning track when they host Haddon Township on September 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Remmick Granozio dabbled in flag football as a middle schooler, playing in the Princeton Junior Football League.

Once Granozio got to Princeton High in 2020, however, he poured his athletic efforts into basketball, developing into a threat from the perimeter as a sharp-shooting guard.

Heading into his senior year at PHS, Granozio decided to give tackle football a try at the urging of his friends who convinced him to join the Tiger squad.

“Running back Tyler Goldberg reached out and got me to come out here,” said Granozio. “I had focused on basketball; this is my senior year and I wanted to come out here. These guys work super hard every day.”

Impressing the PHS football coaching staff with his work ethic, Granozio has emerged as a key option at wide receiver.

In the Tigers’ season-opening 20-0 win at Lawrence High on August 25, Granozio sparkled in his gridiron debut, making three receptions for 18 yards. more

PHS Girls’ Soccer Faltered Down the Stretch Last Fall,But Believes That Experience Will Pay Dividends in 2023

KNOW HOW: Princeton High girls’ soccer player Holly Howes, left, kicks the ball in a game last year. Senior forward Howes figures to be a go-to finisher for PHS this season. The Tigers open their 2023 season by playing at Allentown on September 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With a number of freshmen and sophomores being pressed into service last fall, the Princeton High girls’ soccer team went through an up-and-down campaign.

PHS got off to an 8-2-2 start but faded down the stretch to end the season with an 8-8-2 record.

Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Tiger head coach Dave Kosa believes that taking those lumps will pay dividends this fall.

“The year of growth hopefully will help us because we had four or five freshmen that started last year for us,” said Kosa whose team kicks off the fall by playing at Allentown on September 7. “We are just hoping that experience will pay off for us this year. We have a lot of talent on the roster but we are still young. It is just a matter of everyone meshing together and understanding their roles.”

 more

Although Walsh Succeeding Legendary Sutcliffe at Helm, It Should be Business as Usual for Strong PHS Boys’ Soccer

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Nick Matese leaps over a foe to get the ball in 2022 action. Sense defender Matese will be spearheading the PHS back line this fall. The Tigers, who will be guided by new head coach Ryan Walsh after Wayne Sutcliffe stepped down after a legendary 26-year tenure, start their 2023 season by hosting Allentown on September 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With Wayne Sutcliffe having stepped down from coaching Princeton High boys’ soccer team this spring to end a 26-year tenure that featured two state titles, it will be the start of a new era for the program this fall.

But as longtime assistant coach Ryan Walsh succeeds his boss, he vows that things will be pretty much the same around the team. more

PDS Boys’ Soccer Will Be Featuring a New Look,Having Lost 12 Seniors to Graduation From Last Fall

HEADS UP: Princeton Day School boys’ soccer player Todd Devin heads the ball in a game last fall. Junior Devin’s skill set will be a big asset this fall for PDS. The Panthers open their 2023 season by playing at Lawrenceville School on September 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With 12 seniors having departed from last season’s squad due to graduation, the Princeton Day School boys’ soccer team will have a radically different look this fall.

While PDS head coach Brian Thomsen will miss the program’s Class of 2023, he is looking forward to seeing the new faces seize opportunity. more

Bringing an 18-Game Winning Streak into 2023, Hun Football Primed for Another Big Campaign

By Justin Feil

The Hun School football team will put its two-year unbeaten streak on the line when it kicks off the 2023 season at high noon on September 9 by hosting Mastery High School of Camden.

The Raiders will take to the field after graduating three-year starting quarterback Marco Lainez III, now a freshman at Iowa, as well as most of their offensive line — Zach Aamland (Illinois), Logan Howland (Oklahoma), Brian Ingram (Williams), and Cole Morgan (Michigan). Hun, though, remains optimistic that its depth and some new additions are enough to continue its winning ways. Hun looked good in a preseason scrimmage on Friday against Brunswick School. more

August 30, 2023

Tigers Women’s Soccer Starts Season with 2-0 Weekend As Forward Tordin Ignites Offense with 3 Goals, 2 Assists

TORRID START: Princeton University women’s soccer player Pietra Tordin prepares to unload the ball last Sunday against La Salle. Sophomore forward Tordin tallied a goal and two assists in the contest to help the Tigers win 5-0 and improve to 2-0. Tordin, who scored two goals in a 3-0 win over Monmouth in the season opener on Friday, was later named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week. In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Rutgers on August 31 and Army West Point on September 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a superb debut season for the Princeton University women’s soccer team which saw her win the Ivy League Rookie of the Year, Pietra Tordin is feeling a heightened comfort level on the field this year.

“I already know a lot of the girls very well so I think the chemistry is starting to click in,” said forward Tordin, a 5’6 native of Doral, Fla. “It is just getting to know the personnel of the team and knowing how to work with them and work around their skill sets as much as possible.”

Last weekend, Tordin clicked as Princeton opened its 2023 campaign by topping Monmouth 3-0 last Friday and then defeated La Salle 5-0 on Sunday. Tordin scored two goals in the opener and added a goal and two assists in the win over the Explorers. more

Tiger Men’s Soccer Facing Stern Tests from the Start, Aiming to Steel Itself for the Ivy League Battles Ahead

HARRY SITUATION: Princeton University men’s soccer player Harry Roberts heads upfield in a game last season. Junior Roberts brings versatility to the Tigers as he can play both forward and defender. Princeton opens its 2023 season by hosting Rutgers on September 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University men’s soccer team heads into the 2023 season, it is facing some stern tests from the get-go.

“I think we have the hardest schedule we have ever had — we have six teams in the preseason Top 20 on our schedule,” said Princeton head coach Jim Barlow, whose team hosts Rutgers on September 1 and Duke on September 4 to get the season underway. “We start off with the defending Big 10 champs and the No 4 team in the country on Monday.”

With the Ivy League holding its inaugural postseason tournament this year that will include the top four finishers in the league standings with victor earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, Barlow is hoping that the gauntlet of tough foes will steel his squad for the Ivy League battles ahead. more

PU Field Hockey Featuring a Bevy of New Faces, But Confident it Can Maintain Winning Tradition

AMAZING GRACE: Princeton University field hockey player Grace Schulze, left, controls the ball in a game last fall. Senior forward Schulze, who tallied six goals and 10 assists in 2022, figures to be a key offensive catalyst for the Tigers this fall. Princeton, ranked No. 10 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) preseason poll, opens its 2023 campaign by facing Louisville on September 1 and the University of North Carolina on September 3, with both games to be played at Ellen Vagelos Field in Philadelphia. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University field hockey team will feature a new look when they take on Louisville on Friday in Philadelphia.

The Tigers have to replace nine starters led by a group of seniors, including 2022 third-leading scorer Sammy Popper (9 goals, 2 assists), that graduated after helping Princeton go 13-5, win the Ivy League and reach the NCAA tournament. Princeton will also be without last year’s top scorer Beth Yeager (12 goals, 8 assists), the 2022 Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-American, who is playing with the United States team that is working toward Olympic qualification.  more