HOT START: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Colin Burns heads to goal last Sunday as the Tigers hosted Monmouth in their season opener. Freshman attacker Burns made an immediate impact for Princeton, tallying four goals and three assists as the No. 11 Tigers prevailed 15-5 over the Hawks. The output by Burns tied the program record for points in the first game of a freshman season, matching Michael Sowers ’20 who also had seven on two goals and five assists in his first game in 2017. Princeton was slated to host Manhattan on February 20 before playing at No. 4 Maryland (3-0) on February 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Matt Madalon sensed that his group of first-year players could make an immediate impact for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team.

“The freshman class is really talented, it is a really nice complete class,” said Princeton head coach Madalon of his crew of 12 newcomers, which was ranked No. 1 in Division I by Inside Lacrosse.

With Princeton’s season opener originally scheduled to be played at Monmouth last Saturday delayed to Sunday due to the snow that fell overnight and moved to Class of 1952 Stadium, the highly-touted Tiger freshmen made quite a debut before the home fans.

Rookie attacker Colin Burns tallied four goals and three assists to help Princeton prevail 15-5 over the Hawks. The output by Burns tied the Tiger record for points in the first game of a freshman season, matching Michael Sowers ’20 who also had seven on two goals and five assists in his first game in 2017.

Burns wasn’t the only Princeton freshman who stood out as his attack partner and former Georgetown Prep teammate, Nate Kabiri, chipped in three goals and two assists in the win. The other starting attackman, junior Coulter Mackesy, also had three goals and two assists. Sophomore Chad Palumbo, making his first career start and just his second appearance for the Tigers, led the way in the midfield with three goals.

While the Tiger offense was clicking from the start as Princeton built a 7-5 halftime lead, things tightened up at the other end of the field as the game went on. The Tigers held the Hawks scoreless in the second half as they blanked them over the last 34:04 of the contest.

Senior goalie and tri-captain Michael Gianforcaro picked up where he left off last season, looking sharp as he made 13 saves on a blustery, chilly day. Fellow captain and senior defender Pace Billings scored the first goal of the game for the Tigers and ended up picking up three ground balls and causing three turnovers. Junior defender Michael Bath also starred with three ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Princeton head coach Matt Madalon appreciated getting the chance to start the season even if the opener came a day later than scheduled.

“First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who worked hard to allow us to play this game,” said Madalon, as quoted on the Princeton sports website. “Coach [Brian] Fisher gave up a home game. Our facilities and event staffs stepped up and had everything ready to go. The fans from both teams came out. Our whole program is very appreciative of all of the efforts.”

The Tigers will need to be ready to go as they were slated to host Manhattan (0-2) on February 20 before playing at No. 4 Maryland (3-0) on February 24. The contest against the Terps will start a gauntlet of road tests against nationally-ranked foes for the Tigers as they will play at No. 15 North Carolina in March 1, at No. 2 Duke on March 3, and at No. 17 Rutgers on March 10.