June 19, 2024

Smoyer Park Field Dedicated in Honor of Tommy Parker As Event Draws Cross Section of Princeton Community

FAMILY AFFAIR: Tommy Parker, center, the longtime manager of the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball team, enjoys the moment with members of his family last Thursday afternoon as the baseball field at Barbara Smoyer Park was dedicated in his honor. The dedication was memorialized by the unveiling of a plaque citing Parker’s “hard work and dedication to the lives of Princeton’s youth,” listing his contributions as founder/GM/coach of Post 218 from 1990-2022, a longtime coach of youth baseball and youth football, and a local leader in civil rights, worker rights, and youth athletics. It marks the first time that Princeton has dedicated a field in someone’s honor. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Recreation Department)

By Bill Alden

With the sun shining brightly midway through last Thursday afternoon, the soccer fields and baseball diamond at Barbara Smoyer Park were quiet with practices and games hours away.

But there was a buzz around the pavilion building in the center of the park as a crowd of around 100 had gathered to honor Tommy Parker, one of the shining stars of the Princeton community.

The throng was on hand for a ceremony dedicating the park’s baseball field in the honor of Parker, the longtime manager of the Post 218 American Legion baseball team and a community activist. The dedication was memorialized by the unveiling of a plaque citing Thomas A. Parker’s “hard work and dedication to the lives of Princeton’s youth,” listing his contributions as founder/general manager/coach of Post 218 from 1990-2022, longtime coach of youth baseball and youth football, and local leader in civil rights, worker rights, and youth athletics. more

Kane Stars For Princeton Supply in Summer Hoops As Defending Champs Top Lob City in Season Opener

IRON MIKE: Mike Kane of Princeton Supply looks to unload the ball during a 2023 game in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Last Friday night, Kane tallied 14 points to help Princeton Supply defeat Lob City 61-52 in its season opener. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Mike Kane enjoyed a superb career with the Drew University men’s basketball team and a memorable graduate season this winter for Widener.

Former Notre Dame High standout Kane totaled 698 points in his four seasons at Drew and then averaged 7.5 points and 3.3 rebounds a game this winter as he helped Widener go 24-5 and advance to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Division III tournament.

But while Kane produced many highlight moments in his college career, taking the court last Friday night for Princeton Supply as it faced Lob City to open its campaign in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League held a special meaning for him. more

Princeton Post 218 Baseball Gets Off to Rough Start, But Squad Staying Upbeat as it Deals with Adversity

SWINGING AWAY: Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball player Travis Petrone follows through on a swing in recent action. Last Monday, Petrone, a rising Princeton High senior, had a hit in a losing cause as Post 218 fell 7-1 to Hamilton Post 31. Princeton, which moved to 0-9 with the defeat, hosts Bordentown Post 26 on June 19, plays at North Hamilton on June 21, hosts Lawrence Post 414 on June 22, plays at Broad Street Park Post 313 on June 23, and at Allentown on June 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having lost its first six games this summer, the Princeton Post 218 American Legion baseball team was primed for a breakthrough as it hosted Broad Street Park Post 313 last Thursday evening at Smoyer Park.

“It has been a tough stretch coming into this game,” said Post 218 manager Peter Nielsen. “I see the hunger in these kids. They are ready to get that first win.”

Post 218 built a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth inning on run-scoring hits by Mike Prete and Gavin Lauer. more

June 12, 2024

PU Track Athletes Gained Valuable Experience, Taking on the Best at NCAA Championship Meet

ACTION JACKSON: Princeton University men’s track star Jackson Shorten competes in the steeplechase last week at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore. Sophomore Shorten placed fifth in his preliminary heat on Wednesday to qualify for the final. Two days later, he took 10th in the final, earning second-team All-American honors. Seven other Tiger athletics competed in the NCAA meet including Casey Helm in the men’s discus, Nicholas Bendtsen in the men’s 5,000 meters, Siniru Iheoma the women’s discus, Shea Greene in the women’s javelin, Alexandra Kelly in the women’s long jump, Georgina Scoot in the women’s triple jump, and Tessa Mudd in the women’s pole vault. (Photo provided by Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

As the crème de la crème of the college track world converged last week at the mecca of the sport in the U.S., Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., for the NCAA Championships, the Princeton University squad had eight athletes make the stellar field.

For sophomore star steeplechaser Jackson Shorter, earning a trip to Hayward was the culmination of a superb spring.

“As I look forward to the coming week, I feel an immense sense of gratitude,” said Shorten as quoted on the Princeton sports website. “I am so thankful for the way that I have continued to progress this season, my coach, and my incredible teammates. I would not be where I am today without such an incredible support system. Ahead is an incredible opportunity and I want to make the most of it.” more

Coming Through with Personal Best on Final Throw, PHS Junior Star Wilton Wins Group 4 Shot Put Title

HOT SHOT: Princeton High throwing star Sean Wilton, center, enjoys the moment last Saturday with assistant coaches Brandon Willams, left, and Fred Samara after he placed first in the shot put at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state track and field championship meet. Junior Wilton produced a best throw and personal best of 57’5.25 to win the title. Wilton will next be in action when he competes in the NJSIAA Meet of Champions on June 12 at Pennsauken High.

By Justin Feil

Sean Wilton was not satisfied as he stepped into the circle to make his final throw at the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 4 state track and field championship meet last Saturday at Franklin High.

The Princeton High junior stood in second place in the boys shot put behind South Brunswick’s Braden Paulmenn, just how he had finished at the sectional meet the week before – second behind Paulmenn. Wilton had thrown a personal-best 56’1 on his second throw of the group meet, but Paulmenn took the lead minutes later when he threw six inches further. Wilton fouled each of his next three throws to set up his last chance to pull ahead. more

With Young Squad Displaying Growth this Spring, Stuart Lax Ended 2024 Campaign on a High Note

SISTER ACT: Stuart Country Day School lacrosse player Lauren Lee defends a foe in a game this spring. Freshman midfielder Lee combined with her older sister, junior attacker Allison Lee, to trigger the Tartan offense. The younger Lee tallied 21 goals and 10 assists while her sister led the way for Stuart with 88 goals and 10 assists. The Tartans posted a final record of 6-12. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Enduring some ups and downs this spring as it incorporated a number of young players into its lineup, Stuart Country Day School displayed its growth by ending the season on a high note.

Stuart defeated the Solebury School (Pa.) 16-1 and then topped Gill St. Bernards 14-7 in its season finale on May 20 as the Tartans posted a final record of 6-12.

Stuart first-year head coach Paige Meszaros saw the pair of wins as a culmination of the effort her players put in this spring. more

Producing a 4-Game Winning Streak Down the Stretch, PDS Baseball Made Big Strides, Excited for the Future

FULL EFFORT: Princeton Day School baseball player Keegan Fullman fires a pitch in action this spring. Freshman Fullman starred with his arm and bat in his debut campaign, helping PDS go on a late run that saw it win four of its last five games, including a victory in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public B tournament. The Panthers ended 2024 with a 6-17 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton Day School baseball team lost 2-1 to Trenton High in mid-May to suffer its seventh defeat in its last eight games and drop to 2-16, it appeared that the Panthers were heading to a rough homestretch.

But PDS head coach Eric Schnepf saw the loss to the Tornadoes as a step forward.

“That was a really close game,” said Schnepf. “That got us going, we started to play better.” more

As Princeton Summer Men’s Hoops Tips Off 35th Year, Princeton Supply Looks Primed to Defend League Title

SUPPLY CHAIN: Troy Jones puts up a shot for Princeton Supply last year in the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League. Star guard Jones helped Princeton Supply win the league’s best-of-three championship series in 2023 as the squad broke through for its first crown. Princeton Supply is back to defend its title as the league tips off its 35th year with a doubleheader on June 12 at the Community Park courts. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton Recreation Department Men’s Summer Basketball League, its slogan of “#Still Here” is ringing true in a big way this week as the league is tipping off its 2024 campaign with nine squads ready to hit the Community Park courts.

With the venerable hoops circuit entering its 35th year, Rec Department executive director and league commissioner Evan Moorhead is proud of its staying power.

“It is a lot of the same faces from last year, there are a lot of returners which is good,” said Moorhead, reflecting on the 2024 campaign with which will start with a doubleheader on June 12 at Community Park. “There is good loyalty to the league, guys come back, year in, year out. We know them, they know us. It is always a big one when you are on the 5s or the 0s. It is another nice milestone to reach considering where we started in the summer of 1989 and here we are in 2024. We are still going strong, it is still a popular league and still drawing fans. It is one of the top leagues, if not the top outdoor league, in the area. A lot of leagues have moved inside.” more

June 5, 2024

Senior Stroke Fry Goes Out with a Bang in Final Race As PU Women’s Lightweight Varsity 8 Wins IRA Title

STROKE OF BRILLIANCE: Sarah Fry, center, powers the Princeton University women’s lightweight varsity 8 from the stroke seat in a race earlier this spring. Last Sunday, senior star Fry helped Princeton placed first in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship grand final on Mercer Lake. It was the fourth straight IRA title for the varsity 8. The Tigers also won the Commissioners’ Cup as the women’s lightweight team points leader at the regatta for the third straight season with 67 points, one point better than runner-up Stanford. (Photo by Ed Hewitt/Row2k, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Sarah Fry’s dedication page of her thesis features a quote from Theodore Roosevelt.

It’s from a speech in April, 1899, when Roosevelt said: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”

The quote is something that the Princeton University senior who is graduating as a well decorated mechanical and aerospace engineering major and member of the women’s lightweight rowing team has followed over the last five years.  more

Brazilian Misasi Enjoyed Ride with PU Men’s Rowing, Helping Tiger Heavyweights Take 2nd in IRA Standings

MAKING HIS MARK: Princeton University men’s heavyweight rower Marco Misasi, center, competes in the seven-seat in a race this spring for the varsity 8. Last Sunday, team captain Misasi helped the varsity 8 take fourth in its grand final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championships on Mercer Lake. Princeton finished second in the Ten Eyck team point standings at the regatta with 266, 12 points behind champion Washington. (Photo by Ed Hewitt/Row2k, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

As a 12-year-old growing up in Brazil, Marco Misasi was a high-spirited kid.

Looking to channel that vigor, Misasi’s parents pushed him to take up rowing.

“What got me into the sport was that I had too much energy as a kid,” said Misasi, a native of Sao Paulo. “My dad asked one of his friends and his son was in rowing and he said you should put him into rowing because rowing is going to drain all of his energy.” more

Fueled by Supportive Culture Molded by Senior Class, Princeton Women’s Open Crew Places 4th at NCAAs

by Bill Alden

In her 27 years as the head coach of Princeton University women’s open crew program, Lori Dauphiny has guided a number of superb teams.

Her tenure has included the 2006 and 2011 NCAA varsity 8 champions as well as the 2022 NCAA varsity 4 champion. While this year’s squad didn’t win a national title, it will stand out in Dauphiny’s memory.

“They are a special team; this team is very close and they have built a culture that is so supportive,” said Dauphiny. “It really shows. We didn’t just focus on our boats, we focus on the team. We talked about how much of the success comes from our Ivy campaign and from all of the boats.” more

With Mathewson Thriving in Move Up to 1st Singles, Undefeated PHS Boys’ Tennis Makes Sectional Final

FIRST CLASS: Princeton High boys’ tennis player Garrett Mathewson blasts a backhand in a match earlier this spring. Last Friday, sophomore Mathewson produced a straight-set win at first singles to help top-seeded PHS defeat fifth-seeded Middletown South 5-0 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 semis. The Tigers, who improved to 16-0 with the win, were slated to host second-seeded WW/P-South in the sectional final on June 4 with the victor advancing to the Group 3 state semis on June 6 at the Mercer County Tennis Facility. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Even though Garrett Mathewson is just a sophomore, he hasn’t been fazed by moving into the first singles spot this spring for the Princeton High boys’ tennis team.

“It has been great, it feels good to be at first singles,“ said Mathewson. “Last year I was at three, it was kind of hard.”

In facing a higher level of competition this spring in the top singles spot, Mathewson has focused on staying in the moment. more

PHS Boys’ Lax Falls to Northern Highlands in States But Had Big Spring, Highlighted by Making MCT Final

ALL IN: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Alex Famiglietti heads upfield in recent action. Junior midfielder Famiglietti tallied two goals and one assist as ninth-seeded PHS fell 13-10 to eighth-seeded Northern Highlands in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 3 tournament on May 24. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 11-8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It proved to be an uncomfortable sense of déjà vu for the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team as it played at Northern Highlands in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 3 tournament.

Last year, PHS headed up to Northern Highlands in the NJSIAA opener and lost 14-12.

In the 2024 state tourney rematch on May 24, the ninth-seeded Tigers found themselves in another nail-biter with eighth-seeded Northern Highlands as the foes were locked in a 9-9 stalemate heading into the fourth quarter. more

May 29, 2024

After PU Softball Earns 1st NCAA Victory Since 2005, Tigers Confident of Future Success on National Stage

SO GOOD: Princeton University softball player Sonia Zhang takes a cut in a game this spring. Freshman infielder Zhang starred as Princeton went 1-2 in the NCAA regional in Lafayette, La. earlier this month posting a 4-2 win over Ole Miss on May 18 to earn its first win in the national tournament since 2005. The Tigers finished the season with a 30-18 record. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University softball team prepared to head to the NCAA regional in Lafayette, La. earlier this month, the squad’s veterans imparted some wisdom gained from their experience at the 2022 national tournament.

“It was good to have a bunch of perspectives from coaches to the juniors and seniors,” said Princeton head coach Lisa Van Ackeren. more

Tiger Women’s Hoops Star Chen, Men’s Fencer Szapary Named as Recipients of PU’s Top Senior Sports Awards

TOP TIGER: Princeton University women’s basketball player Kaitlyn Chen dribbles up the court in a game this past winter. Senior star point guard Chen was named last Thursday as the recipient of the 2024 C. Otto von Kienbusch Award which is presented annually to a Princeton senior woman of high scholastic rank who has demonstrated general proficiency in athletics and the qualities of a true sportswoman. Tiger men’s senior fencer Tristan Szapary was named as the winner of the 2024 William Winston Roper Trophy which is awarded annually to a Princeton senior man of high scholastic rank and outstanding qualities of sportsmanship and general proficiency in athletics. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As Kaitlyn Chen played in her final game at Jadwin Gym for the Princeton University women’s basketball squad this past March, she reflected on the special ride she has enjoyed with her teammates.

“This school is just amazing and it is surrounded by such great people,” said Chen, a 5’9 native of San Marino, Calif., who helped Princeton defeat Penn 72-55 that night as the Tigers clinched a tie for the Ivy League regular season crown. “I am just lucky to be here and be able to celebrate this with them. I will just be grateful for all of the memories I have made here and all of the friendships and relationships that I have grown and developed. Those will be with me the rest of my life.” more

PHS Baseball Displayed Plenty of Hitting Punch But Pitching, Fielding Lapses Hurt Down the Stretch

LEADING MAN: Princeton High baseball player Dylan Newman connects in a game this spring. Senior Newman enjoyed a superb final campaign for the Tigers, batting .381 with 24 hits and 11 RBIs. PHS, which fell 12-2 to South River on May 21 in its last game, posted a final record of 8-16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the Princeton High baseball team defeated longtime nemesis Hopewell Valley 7-3 in late April, it appeared that the Tigers were on the right track.

The victory improved PHS to 5-6 and the squad was hoping that beating a powerhouse HoVal squad could be a springboard to a big May.

“After the Hopewell game, we said we can’t let this be a highlight,” said Tiger head coach Dom Capuano. “We have to work forward and we really didn’t.” more

With Senior Christie Showing Grit, Skill in Smoyer Finale PHS Girls’ Lax Tops Newark Academy in NJSIAA Opener

IN CONTROL: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Kelly Christie, right, goes after a ground ball in recent action. Last Thursday, senior star Christie tallied four goals and two assists and scooped up 11 draw controls to help fifth-seeded PDS top 12th-seeded Newark Academy 19-7 in the first round of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public Group B tournament. The Panthers, now 15-5, will play at fourth-seeded Saddle River Day on May 30 in a quarterfinal contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kelly Christie beamed with a large chain draped around her neck after the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse team defeated Newark Academy 19-7 last Thursday in the first round of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public Group B tournament.

Senior attacker/midfielder Christie was awarded the chain in the PDS postgame huddle in recognition of her gritty play in the victory more

Princeton FC Produces Special Championship Double As Barcelona 18U, United 15U Teams Earn State Titles

UNITED THEY STAND: Members of the Princeton FC 2009 United 15U enjoy the moment after they placed first in their division at the New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) Presidents Cup earlier this month. PFC United topped NJ Stallions 09 Valencia 2-0 in the final on May 18. The club is next in action when it competes in the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional in Charleston/Barboursville, W.Va., from June 14-18.

By Bill Alden

Achieving a historic championship double, two Princeton FC squads, PFC 2009 United 15U and the PFC 2006 Barcelona 18U, won New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) boys’ state titles earlier this month.

The PFC United 15U team started its title run on April 6 at Princeton Day School by defeating the SPF Raiders Gold 8-0 in the Round of 32 in the NJYS Presidents Cup. United got goals from Oscar Klein, David Gajewski, Rayyaan Mohiuddin, Kingston Lipsey, Yash Thakur, and Gregoire Stefani in the victory. more

May 22, 2024

Triple Crown

Members of the Hun School baseball team are all smiles after they defeated Lawrence High 10-2 in the Mercer County Tournament championship game last Thursday night at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Hun, which won the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL) title earlier this spring and went on to win the Prep A state championship last weekend, became the first team in program history to win all three crowns in the same season. For more details on the postseason run by the Raiders, see page 32. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

Maintaining Focus as it Juggled Training with Exams, PU Women’s Open Crew Wins Ivy Title, Makes NCAAs

OPENING UP: The Princeton University women’s open varsity 8 churns through the water in recent action. Last Sunday, the varsity 8 placed first in its grand final at the Ivy League Championships in Pennsauken, N.J. The top boat’s victory helped the Tigers win their seventh straight Ivy title and earn the league’s automatic berth to the upcoming NCAA Rowing Championships. The NCAA regatta is taking place from May 31-June 2 at the East Fork/Harsha Lake in Bethel, Ohio. (Photo by Ed Hewitt/Row2k, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton University women’s open rowers had to juggle exams last week with preparing for the Ivy League Championships, they didn’t let that detract from their training.

“They did a really nice job balancing the academic demands with testing and rowing,” said Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny. “They were just very focused in their approach. I think that is a testament to the team.” more

Lifted by Junior Star Barlag’s Finishing Touch, PHS Boys’ Lacrosse Makes Run to MCT Final

FINISHING TOUCH: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Braden Barlag heads past two Lawrenceville B players last week in the Mercer County Tournament semis. Junior attacker Barlag scored a career-best seven goals in the May 14 game as third-seeded PHS topped the Big Red 19-11. Two days later, Barlag tallied four goals and one assist but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers fell 16-11 to fifth-seeded and host Hopewell Valley in the MCT final. PHS, now 11-7, will be starting action in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 3 tournament this week where they are seeded ninth and will play at eighth-seeded Northern Highlands in a first round contest on May 24. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While Braden Barlag has piled up a lot of goals this spring for the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team, he readily acknowledges that his production results from a group effort.

“It is amazing having two of the best players in the state,” said junior attacker Barlag, referring to Tiger senior star attacker Patrick Kenah and junior standout midfielder Brendan Beatty. “They are the best teammates you could ask for, and two of the best leaders. We have some other great players like Jason Singer and Alex Famiglietti. They are great dudes to play with and great guys. I love being on the team with them. They hit me on the stick every time so I can just step and shoot it. It is just an honor to play with them.” more

Trkov Displays Her Versatility for PHS Girls’ Track, Anchoring 2 Relays at Mercer County Championships

By Justin Feil

Mila Trkov has been adjusting to her first year of track and field with the Princeton High girls’ squad.

The freshman took another big step by anchoring two of the Tigers’ highest placing events at the Mercer County Championships on Friday and Saturday at Robbinsville High, the 4×800 and the 4×400 relays. She has toggled between the sprints and the distance group as a runner who can help both relay teams.

“It was definitely really scary because there was like that pressure that now we can score points,” said Trkov. “I was in the relays for the 4×8 and the 4×4 so I didn’t want to let my team down, and you know my group down. So there was definitely some nervousness from that as well as my additional pre-race anxiety.” more

With Balewitz Starring in Stretch Run for Hun Baseball, Raiders Earned Triple Crown of MAPL, MCT, Prep A Titles

HAVING A BLAST: Hun School baseball player E.J. Balewitz makes contact in the Mercer County Tournament final last Thursday at Trenton Thunder Ballpark as second-seeded Hun defeated top-seeded Lawrence 10-2 to win the title. Senior catcher Balewitz, who blasted a walk-off homer as Hun edged Robbinsville 5-4 in the MCT semis, helped Hun end the season with the Prep A state title as it defeated Lawrenceville 8-7 in the final round of the double-elimination competition last Saturday. The Raiders, who finished the spring with a 20-5 record, became the first team in program history to win the MAPL (Mid-Atlantic Prep League) title, MCT crown, and Prep A championship in the same season. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

From May 11-18, the Hun School baseball team faced a playoff gauntlet as it competed in both the Mercer County Tournament and Prep A state tourney.

Rising to the occasion and getting contributions throughout its roster, Hun ran the table, going 3-0 in the MCT on the way to winning its second county crown in three years and 3-0 in the Prep A as it earned its second straight title in the competition. more

Sophomore Jolly Provided Spark at Leadoff Spot As Hun Softball Advanced to Prep A State Final

LEADING ROLE: Hun School softball player Sam Jolly lays down a bunt in a 2023 game. Last week, sophomore second baseman and leadoff hitter Jolly starred as top-seeded Hun defeated fifth-seeded Lawrenceville 3-0 in the Prep A state semis. Jolly went 2 for 2 with a walk, run, and RBI in the May 14 contest. Two days later, Jolly went 1 for 3 with a run in a losing cause as the Raiders feel 3-2 to third-seeded Pingry in the Prep A final. Hun ended the spring with an 18-3 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sam Jolly’s uniform was covered with dirt stains after the Hun School softball team defeated visiting Lawrenceville 3-0 in the Prep A state semi last week.

Those stains were badges of honor for Jolly as she sparked the Hun hitting attack from her leadoff spot, going 2 for 2 with a walk, run, and RBI helping the top-seeded Raiders edge the fifth-seeded Big Red. more

May 15, 2024

Tiger Softball Shows Resolve, Special Team Chemistry As it Wins Ivy Tourney, Will Face Louisiana in NCAAs

SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT: Members of the Princeton University softball team show their joy as they greet Allison Ha after she hit a homer against Cornell in a regular season game on May 4. Last Saturday, the Tigers had a lot to celebrate as they edged Harvard 1-0 in a winner-take-all contest in the final round of the double-elimination Ivy League Tournament and earned the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. Princeton, now 29-16, will head south to the Louisiana Regional in Lafayette, La., where it will face host Louisiana on May 17 in the opener of the double-elimination competition. The two other teams at the site are Ole Miss and Baylor. (Photo by Steven Wojtowicz)

By Bill Alden

It was a blast that gave the Princeton University softball team a huge lift as it headed into the Ivy League Tournament last week.

With Princeton trailing Cornell in the bottom of the seventh inning in its regular season finale on May 4, Lauren Sablone slammed a three-run walk-off homer that gave the Tigers a 5-4 win. In the wake of the triumph Princeton earned the top seed in the Ivy tournament and the right to host the double elimination competition at the friendly confines of Strubing Field.

“That was one of the top three sports moments I have been a part of, it was unbelievable, it was electric,” said Princeton head coach Lisa Van Ackeren. “There is genuine belief that anything can happen and when you have a moment like that you remember what sports are all about. Nobody knows who is supposed to win and really anything can happen on any given day. I think that gave our team a huge boost of momentum going into the tournament.” more