April 12, 2023

PU Men’s Lax Renews Historic Rivalry Against Syracuse But Can’t Overcome Slow Start as it Falls 16-13 to Orange

ORANGE BOWL: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Jake Stevens, right, battles against Monmouth earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior midfielder Stevens scored two goals but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 16-13 to visiting Syracuse. It marked the first game against the Orange since 2013 as the foes renewed their historic rivalry. Princeton, now 4-5 overall, will look to get back on the winning track as it resumes Ivy League play with a game at Dartmouth on April 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a historic rivalry that captivated the men’s lacrosse world in the 1990s and 2000s.

The matchup between Princeton and Syracuse produced national champions and classic NCAA tournament clashes during that stretch. Either Princeton or Syracuse won the NCAA championship each year from 1992 to 2004 except for two (1999, 2003). From 1992-2003, every Princeton season ended with either an NCAA title or an NCAA tournament loss to Syracuse.

The foes have met in four national title games with the teams each winning two championships as Princeton prevailed in 1992 and 2001 with the Orange winning in 2000 and 2002. more

Enjoying Big Debut Campaign for PU Women’s Lax, Star Attacker MacDonald Living Up to Family Tradition

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Jami MacDonald, left, fires a shot in recent action. Last Saturday, freshmen attacker MacDonald tallied a game-high four goals with one assist to help Princeton defeat Columbia 19-4. The No. 22 Tigers, now 5-5 overall and 2-1 Ivy League, host No. 11 Loyola on April 12 and Brown on April 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Jami MacDonald, seeing her older brother, Mikey, play for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team in 2012 changed the course of her life.

“I have wanted to play here since his first game,” said MacDonald of her brother, a 2015 Princeton alum who scored 208 points in his Tiger career on 132 goals and 76 assists and was the Ivy League Co-Player of the year as a senior. “I was here when I was about 7 years old, it was great. After watching my brother play, this has been a dream of mine.”

That dream is coming true for MacDonald this spring as she has come to Princeton and joined its women’s lax team, emerging as a go-to scorer in her debut campaign for the Tigers.

Last Saturday, freshman attacker MacDonald tallied a game-high four goals along with one assist to help Princeton cruise to a 19-4 win over Columbia before 816 at Class of 1952 Stadium as it improved to 5-5 overall and 2-1 Ivy. more

Putting an Emphasis on Developing Consistency, PU Men’s Heavyweight Crew Produces Solid Start

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton University men’s heavyweight rowing team, its approach to the spring season comes down to a basic principle.

“Straight up, the one word that describes it is consistency,” said Princeton head coach Greg Hughes. “It is consistency as an individual, it is consistency as a whole team.”

So far, Princeton has displayed that consistency, as its varsity 8 opened the season on March 29 by topping Drexel, Temple, and Georgetown. The Tiger top boat covered the 2,000-meter course on Lake Carnegie in a time of 5:48.6 with Drexel taking second in 6:00.2, Temple coming in third at 6:01.0, and Georgetown fourth in 6:05.1.

A week later, the Princeton varsity 8 produced a dominant performance in topping Navy to earn the Navy-Princeton Cup. Princeton’s top boat finished the 2,000-meter course at 5:34.1 with Navy coming in at 5:56.4. more

Senior Johnson Leading in the Field, At Bat As Youthful PHS Softball Showing Progress

IN GOOD HANDS: Princeton High softball catcher Clare Johnson scoops up a pitch in a game earlier this season. Senior star Johnson has been leading PHS with her glove and bat in her final campaign for the program. The Tigers, who fell 12-1 to WW/P-North last Thursday to move to 0-3, play at Lawrence High on April 14 and at Notre Dame on April 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As a three-year starting catcher for the Princeton High softball team, Clare Johnson is looking to impart some wisdom to the squad’s younger players.

“I am a captain this year, I am really excited to just step up and help these girls,” said senior Johnson, whose freshman season in 2020 was canceled due to the global pandemic. “It is my last year in the program.”

Johnson is determined to make an impact in the field and at the bat in her final campaign for the Tigers.

“I have worked on becoming more confident, definitely commanding the field and knowing what to call,” said Johnson, who is heading to the College of William and Mary and will not be playing softball at the college level. “It helps all of the rest of the girls when we are talking a lot. At bat, I am focused on finding those pitches to hit, being very patient in the box, knowing what I like.” more

Coming Into 2023 Season with a Chip on its Shoulder, PDS Boys’ Lax Tops Blair, Pennington to Start Spring

BRINGING IT ON: Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse player Harry Bernardi brings the ball up the field in a game last year. Senior attacker Bernardi chipped in an assist as PDS defeated Blair 13-5 in its season opener on April 4. PDS, who topped Pennington 12-5 last Thursday to improve to 2-0, hosts George School (Pa.) on April 14 before playing at Lenape High on April 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into this spring, the Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse team was hungry to get back on the winning track after a disappointing 2022 campaign that saw it go 6-11.

“We are all playing and coaching with a chip on our shoulder,” said PDS head coach Joe Moore, who in his last year at the helm of program, having decided to step back to devote more time to his job at Centercourt and his young family. “We had a salty taste in our mouth at the end of last year and we are taking that with us this year.”

In Moore’s view, the squad’s experience gives it the foundation to have a big year in 2023.  more

Sparked by Marino’s Offensive Production, Hun Boys’ Lacrosse Defeats Hillsborough

SHOOTING STAR: Hun School boys’ lacrosse player Brendan Marino heads to goal in a 2022 game. Last Thursday, junior attackman Marino tallied four goals to help Hun defeat Hillsborough High 15-6. The Raiders, who improved to 1-1 with the win, will be playing at Haddonfield on April 13, at the Peddie School on April 15, and at Notre Dame on April 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Brendan Marino, a native of Peterborough, Ontario, his athletic versatility is a product of his Canadian upbringing.

This winter, junior Marino starred on the ice for the Hun School hockey team, tallying 19 points on 11 goals and eight assists. Taking his athleticism to the lacrosse field in the spring, Marino had developed into the key attackman for the Raiders.

“My whole life I have played both, hockey is really big in Canada and then it is lacrosse in the summer,” said Marino. “I go from one sport to the next. I like it because you get to focus on hockey and then play lacrosse. It is a bit of balance.”

Last Thursday as Hun hosted Hillsborough, Marino played very well, tallying four goals to help Hun post a 15-6 win and bounce back from a 24-6 loss to the Lawrenceville School a day earlier in its season opener. more

Kobryn Hurls Perfect Game, Smacks 2-Run Homer As Hun Softball Rolls to 12-0 Win Over Hill, Now 5-0

PERFECT DAY: Hun School softball player Lexi Kobryn, right, celebrates after scoring a run in a 2022 game. Last Wednesday against the Hill School (Pa.), junior star Kobryn produced a brilliant performance in a 12-0 victory, pitching a perfect game with 14 strikeouts in a contest that ended after five innings due to the 10-run rule. Kobryn, a Villanova commit, also hit a two-run homer in the win which improved Hun to 5-0. In upcoming action, the Raiders are slated to host Hamilton West on April 15 and the Pingry School on April 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a cloudy, chilly afternoon last Wednesday with  temperatures hovering in the high 40s as the Hun School softball team hosted the Hill School (Pa.).

But Hun junior star pitcher Lexi Kobryn was undeterred by the nippy conditions.

“I was really feeling good, it was a little cold but I had my Under Armour on,” said Kobryn with a smile.

The talented right-hander proceeded to bring a lot of heat from the circle, striking out 14 of 15 batters she faced with nobody reaching first base, hurling a perfect game as Hun defeated Hill 12-0 in a game that ended after five innings due to the 10-run rule. more

Sparked by the One-Two Scoring Punch of Ix, Lee, Stuart Lacrosse Gets Off to Promising 2-2 Start

FULL SPEED AHEAD: Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Emily Ix (No. 14) races upfield in recant action. Last Monday, senior star Ix tallied six goals and three assists to help Stuart defeat Hamilton West 18-10. The Tartans, who improved to 2-2 with the win, host WW/P-North on April 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Stuart Country Day School lacrosse team fell 16-7 to Peddie School in its season opener, Missy Bruvik saw her players improve within the contest.

In the loss to the Falcons on March 30, Stuart trailed 11-1 at halftime but then outscored Peddie 6-5 in the second half.

“We saw a lot of resilience, we have a lot of kids who are first time players on the field for the very first time in a game situation,” said Tartan head coach Bruvik, who has served as assistant coach for the program and has switched roles with Mark Maser, the head coach since 2020. more

April 5, 2023

With Senior Midfielder English Finding the Range, Princeton Men’s Lacrosse Defeats Brown 16-12

ENGLISH ACCENT: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Sam English fires a shot in a game last year. Last Saturday, senior midfielder English tailed three goals and an assist to help Princeton defeat Brown 16-12. The Tigers, now 4-4 overall and 2-1 Ivy League, host Syracuse on April 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After producing a breakout season last year by tallying 30 goals and 18 assists for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, Sammy English has been misfiring a bit this spring.

Coming into last Saturday’s game against visiting Brown, senior midfielder English had scored four goals with 12 assists.

But wasting no time finding the range against the Bears, English scored a goal 2:45 into the contest. He went on to notch three goals and an assist to help the Tigers pull away to a 16-12 win over Brown before a crowd of 1,712 at Class of 52 Stadium and improve to 4-4 overall and 2-1 Ivy League. more

Princeton Softball Tied Atop Ivy League Standings, But Believes There is Plenty of Room to Improve

STARK DIFFERENCE: Princeton University softball player Serena Starks takes a cut in recent action. Senior Starks has been a catalyst as the Tigers have won nine of their last 11 games and are tied with Harvard atop the Ivy League standings. The Tigers, now 13-14 overall and 7-2 Ivy, host Lehigh on April 5 and then welcome Columbia for a three-game set with a doubleheader on April 8 and a single game on April 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton University softball team has won nine of its last 11 games and is tied with Harvard atop the Ivy League standings, Lisa Van Ackeren knows that her squad has plenty of room to grow.

“We haven’t hit our stride yet,” said Princeton head coach Van Ackeren, whose team won two out of three games last weekend at Penn and is now 13-14 overall and 7-2 Ivy. “We are winning games. We are in a place where we are tied for first and all of those things are great after three weekends of league play, but we haven’t played our best game yet. In some ways that is frustrating, but also in other ways really exciting. There are a lot of good things to come.”

The Tigers have been showing some good things in close games. more

PHS Baseball Has Plenty of Room for Growth, Needs to Play Within Itself to Be Competitive

THE PRICE IS RIGHT: Princeton High pitcher Wes Price fires a pitch in a game last spring. PHS is depending on senior Price to emerge as a key starter this season. The Tigers, who fell 8-7 to Hightstown in their season opener last Monday, host Hamilton West on April 5,WW/P-North on April 6, and Robbinsville on April 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In Dom Capuano’s view, the key to success for his Princeton High baseball team comes down to his players just being themselves.

“We need to make sure that we understand who we are,” said PHS head coach Capuano, who guided the Tigers to an 11-14 record last spring. “We have been preaching it. They have been doing a good job of it, making sure we are doing the little things right to maximize what we can do.”

As PHS has gone through the preseason, Capuano has seen that message getting through. more

Stanton Stepping In to Guide PHS Boys’ Lacrosse, Emphasizing a Daily Commitment to Getting Better

GETTING TO GOAL: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Patrick Kenah goes to goal in a 2022 contest. Junior star Kenah figures to trigger the PHS attack this spring. The Tigers start their 2023 campaign by playing at WW/P-North on April 6 and then hosting Scotch Plains-Fanwood on April 8 and Notre Dame on April 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Peter Stanton enjoyed a legendary tenure as the head coach of the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team from 1996 to 2015, getting inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2015.

Shifting roles within the program, Stanton has served as an assistant coach for PHS starting in 2016.

But with head coach Chip Casto on sabbatical for the 2022-23 school year, Stanton is back at the helm of the program this spring.

“It is pretty great but to be honest, I had some self-doubt just because stepping back there is lot more to being head coach,” said Stanton, who guided the program to more than 220 wins, two Mercer County Tournament crowns, and six Colonial Valley Conference titles during his tenure. “It is 24/7, it is always lacrosse season. I am very much an all-or-nothing person. I didn’t know if I could bring what I used to bring to it. It is not entirely like riding a bicycle, there are things that I forget.” more

Filling Void Left by Seniors with Precocious Freshmen, PHS Girls’ Lax Will Be Featuring Bevy of New Faces

OPENING SALVO: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Riley Devlin controls the ball in a game last spring. On Monday, junior midfielder Devlin tallied two goals and two assists to help PHS defeat Hightstown 16-7 in the season opener for both teams. The Tigers were slated to host WW/P-South on April 4 and are next in action when they play at Hillsborough on April 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

On one hand, the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team is dealing with a major void in the wake of the graduation of a senior class that drove the squad.

But as the Class of ’22 moves on, with four of the six playing at the college level, a corps of promising freshmen has arrived on the scene to fill that gap.

“The freshmen are really a special group, so I am excited to see what they do,” said PHS head coach Katie Federico, who led the Tigers to a 12-6 record last spring and a spot in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals. “They really look up to the upperclassmen and they are trying to learn through that. They stick together, they connect and they have been playing Ultimate club together. It reminds me of last year’s seniors, this crew is kind of the same.” more

Succeeding Coach Thomas to Guide PDS Girls’ Lacrosse, Young Determined to Continue Program’s Winning Ways

TURNING THE PAIGE: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Paige Gardner races upfield in 2022 action. Senior star and Fairfield University commit Gardner figures to spark the PDS attack again after having scored 78 goals last season as the Panthers won both the Prep B state and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public Group B titles. PDS, which will be led by new coach Tracy Young in the wake of the retirement of the legendary Jill Thomas, was slated to open its 2023 campaign by hosting the Blair Academy on April 4, Shore Regional on April 6, and Pennington School on April 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Succeeding a legendary coach is never easy, but Tracy Young appears to be up for the challenge in getting promoted to lead the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse program.

With Jill Thomas, a member of the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame, having retired last year and going out in a blaze of glory guiding PDS to both Prep B state and New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public Group B titles, longtime assistant Young is now in charge of the Panthers.

Having served seven years a coach with the program, it has been a smooth transition so far for Young and her players.

“I think they were relieved — they know me and they know my coaching style,” said Young, a third grade teacher in the PDS lower school. “I think there is a sense of relief because they weren’t going have to start anew. I know the program, I know the players, I know the parents. Some of these are kids I have taught in my classroom. I have a very strong connection with the players and a strong connection with a lot of the families.” more

In Taking the Helm of PDS Baseball Program, Schnepf Bringing Focus on Attitude, Energy, Effort

GETTING IN THE SWING: Princeton Day School baseball player Ryan Vandal takes a swing in a game last spring. Senior Vandal figures to help PDS on the mound and with his bat in his final campaign. The Panthers, who fell 13-0 to Middlesex High last Monday in their season opener and first game under new head coach Eric Schnepf, play at Manville High on April 6, at New Hope Solebury High on April 10, and at Montclair Kimberley on April 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Eric Schnepf takes the helm of the Princeton Day School baseball program, he is espousing a philosophy that goes well beyond the diamond.

“We put a huge emphasis on controlling what we can control,” said Schnepf, who starred at Bridgewater-Raritan and then went on to play at Tufts University and served as an assistant coach for the Somerville High baseball program last year in his first taste of high school coaching.

“In sports, baseball, and life, you need to focus on the things you can control and master. We place a huge emphasis on competitiveness and the ability to overcome adversity. That is built on a standard of attitude, energy, and effort.”

Schnepf has been seeing those qualities from his players as they have prepared for the season. more

March 29, 2023

Tiger Men’s Hoops Ousted in NCAA Sweet 16, But Magical Run Leaving Indelible Memories

END OF THE RUN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Tosan Evbuomwan drives to the hoop in recent action. Last Friday, senior standout Evbuomwan tallied 24 points in a losing cause as 15th-seeded Princeton fell 86-75 to sixth-seeded Creighton in the NCAA Sweet 16 at the South Regional in Louisville, Ky. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 23-9 and ended a magical run which saw the Tigers advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last Friday night, the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky., was transformed into Jadwin Gym south as the 15th-seeded Princeton University men’s basketball team faced sixth-seeded Creighton in the NCAA Sweet 16 at the South regional.

The arena was a sea of orange and the Princeton fans were in full roar, serenading their squad with chants of “let’s go Tigers” as tip-off approached.

In the first half, Princeton gave its fans plenty to cheer about as it built a 38-35 lead with 4:28 to go before halftime. more

Senior Guard Langborg Goes Out with a Bang in Defeat As PU Men’s Hoops Falls to Creighton in NCAA Tourney

FIGHT TO THE FINISH: Princeton University men’s basketball player Ryan Langborg, left, drives around Penn’s George Smith in the Ivy League postseason tournament. Last Friday night, senior guard Langborg scored a game-high and career-high 26 points as 15th-seeded Princeton fell 86-75 to sixth-seeded Creighton last Friday in the Sweet 16 at the NCAA South Regional in Louisville, Ky. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

His eyes were reddened but Ryan Langborg managed a smile after the Princeton University men’s basketball team fell 86-75 to Creighton last Friday night in the Sweet 16 at the NCAA South Regional in Louisville, Ky.

Reflecting on Princeton’s magical run which saw the 15th-seeded Tigers upset second-seeded Arizona and seventh-seeded Missouri before losing to the sixth-seeded Bluejays, senior guard Langborg focused on the bonds with his teammates rather than the sting of the defeat.

“As much as you guys see us having fun on the court, we have even more fun when we are off the court, hanging out and playing video games together in the hotel,” said Langborg, standing in the Tiger locker room at the KFC Yum! Center a half hour after the loss that left the squad with a final record of 23-9. “We play a little trivia game all of the time; it just laughing and hanging out with my best buddies.” more

Local Standouts Scott, Ettin Enjoyed the Journey As PU Men’s Hoops Made Trip to NCAA Sweet 16

 

AMAZING JOURNEY: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jack Scott, left, a Hun School alum, and Tiger assistant coach Skye Ettin, a former Princeton High and The College of New Jersey standout, show their joy after upset victories in the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament. Last week, the pair were in Louisville, Ky., as the Tigers played in the Sweet 16. While the 15th-seeded Tigers fell 86-75 to sixth-seeded Creighton last Friday night at the South Regional, they will have special memories of the historic 2022-23 campaign. (Photos provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Jack Scott and Skye Ettin honed their basketball skills by toiling in gyms all over New Jersey.

Scott played three years for the Hun School boys’ basketball team from 2019-22 while Ettin starred at Princeton High before going to The College of New Jersey where he served as a team captain for three seasons, culminating with the 2014-15 campaign.

Last week, the pair was 700 miles and worlds away from their Garden State roots as they arrived in Louisville, Ky., for the NCAA Sweet 16 as members of the 15th-seeded Princeton University men’s hoops squad that had captivated the nation with stunning upsets of second-seeded Arizona and seventh-seeded Missouri in the first weekend of March Madness on the way to the South Regional.

For Tiger freshman guard Scott, the highlight of the run, which saw Princeton advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985, has been the bonds developed with his teammates. more

With Sophomore Star Mackesy Exploding for 8 Goals, PU Men’s Lax Routs Yale 23-10, Snaps 4-Game Skid

GOAL-ORIENTED: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Coulter Mackesy goes to goal in a 2022 game. Last Saturday, sophomore attacker Mackesy fired in a career-high eight goals to help Princeton defeat Yale 23-10 and snap a four-game losing streak. Mackesy, who also added two assists to reach a career-high 10 points and become the ninth player in program history to reach double figures in a game, was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. Princeton, now 3-4 overall and 1-1 Ivy, hosts Brown on April 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Although the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team’s matchup with Yale last Saturday came halfway through the regular season, it had a must-win feeling as the Tigers challenged themselves from top to bottom.

“All our groups — coaches, players, staff, everyone — put a ton of pressure on themselves this week to have a better sense of urgency and clean it up a little bit,” said Princeton head coach Matt Madalon. “And then get yourself in a position to execute on game day. I’m really impressed with our seniors and captains again. We went at those guys pretty hard and had them teetering — you’ve gotta believe or not believe. Those guys did a really good job of believing and getting it back. You’re a couple opportunities, a couple bounces away from not feeling like that.”

The Tigers were coming off four straight losses, including back-to-back deflating overtime defeats to Rutgers (14-13 on March 11) and Penn (9-8 on March 18). It would have been easy for Princeton to tighten up further when they fell behind 1-0 to the Bulldogs over the first eight minutes, hit a pair of pipes, and saw top face-off specialist Tyler Sandoval go down with an apparent knee injury.

Then sophomore attacker Coulter Mackesy, whose shots had been the ones to clang off the pipe, including one from midfield with the Yale goalie scrambling back into cage, scored to tie it. Barely a minute later, he tallied another to help Princeton go ahead. Mackesy ended up scoring five straight to help the Tigers grab an 8-1 lead and control of the game on their way to a record-setting 23-10 victory over the visiting Bulldogs at Class of 1952 Stadium on otherwise dreary Saturday. The 23 goals scored were the most the Tigers have ever had against Yale in the 108 meetings in the series.
“If you get a hot hand, keep shooting,” said Mackesy, who finished with a career-high eight goals and two assists for 10 points, making him the ninth player in program history to reach double figures in a game. “I was just playing free and loose. Shooting to score is kind of the biggest thing. Playing relaxed out there and having fun, it made it easier for me. There was high energy from the whole team.” more

PHS Boys’ Swim Star Baytin, Tiger Girls’ Wrestler Rose Earn the Nod as Town Topics’ Leading Winter Performers

MAKING WAVES: Princeton High boys’ swimming star Daniel Baytin displays his breaststroke form in a race this past winter. Senior Baytin produced a memorable final campaign, setting a school record in the 100-yard breaststroke and getting named as the Most Valuable Swimmer at the Mercer County Swimming Championships as PHS won its second straight team title. He helped the Tigers reach the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 2, Group B sectional final and culminated his PHS career by placing third in the 100 breast at the Meet of Champions. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Daniel Baytin liked what he saw from the Princeton High boys’ swimming team heading into the winter.

“Our team is a lot faster this year,” said PHS senior star Baytin. “When I was here as a freshman we were fast but nowhere near as fast as this team. The younger guys are growing, they are a lot bigger.”

Baytin, though, proved to be the fastest of the Tiger boys’ swimmers. He set a school record in the 100-yard breaststroke in a meet against WW/P-South in early January, clocking a time 57.22, breaking his previous mark of 58.48.

“It is my main event, I have been swimming it for four years,” said Baytin, who also took first in the 50 freestyle in the meet as PHS topped previously undefeated WW/P-S 126-44. “It is good to drop time definitely. It is still going to get knocked down. It means a lot to me, it is a legacy. I hope my brother (Stephen) one day will beat it.”

In Baytin’s view, he was just scratching the surface of what he could accomplish this winter with the record swim.

“I have just been getting back in shape, the season is far from over,” said Baytin. “The fun stuff is still coming.” Over the course of the season, Baying ended up having a lot of fun. more

Looking to Produce Another Championship Campaign, Hun Softball Emphasizing the Basics, Staying Positive

POWER SOURCE: Hun School softball player Lexi Kobryn smacks the ball in a game last season. Junior Kobryn enjoyed a huge sophomore campaign last spring, hitting .500 with team highs in homers (7), RBIs (28), and runs (30) in addition to being the team’s pitching ace with six no-hitters and 190 strikeouts in 87 innings. Kobryn’s heroics helped Hun go 18-1 and win its first Prep A state title since 2017. Picking up where they left off, the Raiders started their 2023 campaign by sweeping a doubleheader from Mercersburg Academy (Pa.) last Sunday, winning 16-0 and 15-0. Hun will be playing at the Lawrenceville School on March 30, at Penn Charter (Pa.) on April 1, and at the Peddie School on April 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

There is a target on the back of the Hun School softball team as it comes into its 2023 campaign.

Having rolled to an 18-1 record last spring and winning its first Prep A state title since 2017, Kathy Quirk warned her players that they will be getting the best efforts of their foes this spring.

“As we told them, every team is going to be out to get you,” said head coach Quirk, who is entering her 48th season at the helm of the program.

In order to prepare for that challenge, the Raiders headed south to Vero Beach, Fla., for their annual preseason trip and some bonding.

“It was a great experience that way; the girls had a lot of time together, we went golfing one day,” said Quirk. “It is one of these places where you are stuck on a compound where we do everything together.” more

March 22, 2023

Producing Stunning NCAA Run, PU Men’s Hoops Makes Sweet 16

HOW SWEET IT IS: Princeton University men’s basketball star Matt Allocco jumps for joy in the waning moments of 15th-seeded Princeton’s 59-55 upset of second-seeded Arizona last Thursday in their NCAA tournament South Region first-round game in Sacramento, Calif. The Tigers went on to defeat seventh-seeded Missouri 78-63 on Saturday to advance to the Sweet 16. Princeton will face sixth-seeded Creighton (23-12) in a round of 16 contest on March 24 in Louisville, Ky. (Photo provided by Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University men’s basketball team is still dancing after winning two straight games to start the NCAA tournament.

That hasn’t happened since Tiger fans were dancing in 1965 to the No. 1 song “My Girl,” by the Temptations.

“I feel like these guys; it’s unbelievable,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson, reflecting on his squad’s stunning run.

Princeton won a pair of games in different fashion to reach the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. The 15th-seeded Tigers relied on a determined defensive effort to rally late past second-seeded Arizona for a 59-55 victory in their South Region first-round game last Thursday in Sacramento, Calif. more

Showing Grit, Stifling Defense in Dramatic NCAA Run Tiger Women’s Hoops Edges N.C. State, Falls to Utah

STONE COLD: Princeton University women’s basketball player Grace Stone heads to the hoop in recent action. Last Friday, senior guard Stone drained a three-pointer with 4.7 seconds left in regulation to give the 10th-seeded Tigers a 64-63 win over seventh-seeded N.C. State in the first round of the NCAA tournament’s Greenville 2 Region in Salt Lake City, Utah. Two days later, Stone scored 16 points with a game-high four 3-pointers but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 63-56 to second-seeded Utah. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 24-6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Grace Stone clearly didn’t want it to end.

As Princeton University women’s basketball team trailed  N.C. State last Friday in the first round of the NCAA tournament’s Greenville 2 Region in Salt Lake City, Utah, senior guard Stone drained a three-pointer from the corner to give the Tigers a 64-63 win and keep their season alive.

“That is a play we practiced over, and over; that is a shot I have taken in a game before,” said Stone, who scored with 4.7 seconds left in the game. “I think my teammates have all the confidence in the world in me. I knew, if I missed the shot, they would get the offensive rebound. It is really hard not to shoot with confidence when you have teammates like mine. Yes, I think before the play, I knew what shot we had to get. When it happened, I blacked out. Then afterwards, just a bunch of hugs.”

Princeton head coach Carla Berube was not surprised to see Stone come up with the clutch bucket. more

PU Wrestling Star Glory Wins NCAA Title at 125, Earning 1st National Crown for Program Since 1951

GLORY DAY: Princeton University wrestler Pat Glory celebrates after winning the 125-pound title at the NCAA Championships last Saturday in Tulsa, Okla. Senior Glory defeated Matt Ramos of Purdue 4-1 in the final. It marked the first national title for the program since Bradley Glass placed first at heavyweight in 1951. (Photo by Lisa Elfstrum, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Pat Glory is going to make the Princeton University wrestling program do some redecorating in its practice room. 

The team will be adding a framed photo of the Tiger senior after he claimed the second NCAA championship in program history with a 4-1 win over Matt Ramos of Purdue in the 125-pound final at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on Saturday.

“I cannot wait,” said Glory, a Randolph resident who attended Delbarton. “I’m so ecstatic because it gets old walking into the room and seeing the same big picture underneath the national championship wall.” more

Tiger Women’s Lax Loses Nail-Biter to Penn State, But Junior Midfielder Buonanno Shines in Defeat

KARI ON: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kari Buonanno races upfield last Saturday against Penn State. Junior midfielder Buonanno tallied four goals and an assist in a losing cause as Princeton fell 16-14 to the Nittany Lions. The Tigers, now 3-3, play at Cornell on March 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kari Buonanno has dealt with plenty of adversity over her career with the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team.

As a freshmen, Buonanno’s season was halted after five games when the sports world was shut down in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

After taking a gap year, Buonanno returned to the team last spring and missed five games due to injury.

Back at full speed coming into the 2023 campaign, Buonanno is primed to make up for lost time. more