November 8, 2023

Keegan Tallies OT Goal Against Phillipsburg As PHS Field Hockey Makes Sectional Final

CLUTCH HIT: Princeton High field hockey player Delaney Keegan dribbles the ball last Saturday as PHS battled Phillipsburg in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 4 sectional semis. Senior star Keegan scored the winning goal in overtime as the second-seeded Tigers prevailed 2-1. PHS, who improved to 17-2 with the win, were slated to host fifth-seeded Ridge in the sectional final on November 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Delaney Keegan wasn’t about to do anything fancy when she got the ball on her stick early in overtime as the second-seeded Princeton High field hockey team battled third-seeded Phillipsburg in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Group 4 sectional semis last Saturday.

“It just came down to not thinking about it and just taking the shot,” said PHS senior star Keegan. “I was crossing my fingers and for a second I held my breath — Mia [Ramirez] gave me a great pass. I didn’t want to keep dribbling in, I just wanted to take a shot. I was just ripping at that point, just get it on cage, trust that Erin [Liggio] was going to be there. I knew she was down low so that really helped me out, it gave me comfort.”
There was no need for Liggio to tip in a rebound as Keegan’s blast flew past the Phillipsburg goal one minute into the extra session to give PHS a 2-1 win and punch its ticket to the sectional final.

 more

Having Starred in Lacrosse, Soccer, Track for Tigers, Allen Bryant ’10 Entering PHS Athletic Hall of Fame

MULTITASKING: Allen Bryant competing in soccer and lacrosse during his Princeton High career. Bryant ’10, who starred in both sports as well as indoor track, is being inducted into the 15th class of the Princeton High School Athletic Hall of Fame at a banquet being held this Saturday at the Mercer Oaks Country Club in West Windsor.

By Bill Alden

When Allen Bryant entered Princeton High in 2006, he wasn’t focused on what he could achieve in his athletic career.

“I looked up to the seniors when I was a freshman,” said Bryant, noting that he was particularly inspired by one of those seniors, Tyler Moni, who went on to play for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse program. “The reality is that I didn’t have any specific goals, just to do the best I possibly could.” more

PDS Senior Girls’ Runner McCann Primed for Last MOC, Leading Pack of Local Stars Aiming to End Fall on a High Note

FINAL RUN: Princeton Day School girls’ cross country runner Emily McCann shows her form in a race last fall. Last Saturday, senior star and Northeastern commit McCann placed sixth in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public A girls’ meet at Holmdel Park to earn a spot in the upcoming NJSIAA Meet of Champions. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Emily McCann will compete in the Meet of Champions (MOC) girls’ cross country race for the third straight year this Saturday at Holmdel Park.

The Princeton Day School senior qualified the last two years as a wild card entrant out of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public Group A division, meaning she had to wait a day after the group races to find out she was officially in. This year, McCann made things official on race day by finishing sixth in New Non-Public A girls’ meet to earn one of the 10 automatic entries to the MOC. more

With Goalie Ruf Coming Up Big in Shootout, PDS Girls’ Soccer Advances to Non-Public Final

SAVING THE DAY: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer goalie Shelby Ruf clears the ball last Wednesday as fifth-seeded PDS hosted eighth-seeded St. John Vianney in the semifinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public A Tournament. Junior goalie Ruf made a clutch save in a penalty kick shootout as the Panthers advanced to the final. PHS, who moved to 16-3-2, with win were slated to play at third-seeded Trinity Hall in the final on November 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer goalie Shelby Ruf got ready to face the third shot from St. John Vianney in a penalty kick shootout last Friday in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public A semis, her teammates shouted encouragement.

But junior Ruf tuned them out as she focused on the task at hand.

“I just went in there open-minded, pick a side, stick with it and do your best; I know my team has my back,” said Ruf. “Most girls are righty and most of time times they are going to open their hips so I just went for a side.” more

Christie Helps PDS Field Hockey Advance in Sectional, But Panthers Fall to Pingry in Semis, End Fall at 15-4-1

REACHING OUT: Princeton Day School field hockey player Kelly Christie, left, goes after the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior star Christie tallied a goal to help third-seeded PDS defeat sixth-seeded Academy of St. Elizabeth 5-0 in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Non-Public Tournament. The Panthers went on to lose 7-2 to second-seeded Pingry in the semifinals last Saturday to end the fall with a 15-4-1 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was Kelly Christie’s last appearance on Smoyer Field for the Princeton Day School field hockey team, but she was determined that it wouldn’t turn out to be the final game of her career.

As third-seeded PDS hosted sixth-seeded Academy of St. Elizabeth in the quarterfinal round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey Non-Public Tournament last Wednesday, senior star Christie and her teammates were fired up to keep their season going. more

November 1, 2023

Coming Off Historic Run to NCAA Sweet 16, PU Men’s Hoops Hoping to Draw on that Success

LOCKED IN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco heads to the hoop in a recent practice. Senior star guard and co-captain Allocco figures to play a key role this winter for a Princeton program coming off a historic run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last winter. The Tigers open their 2023-24 campaign by renewing their rivalry with Rutgers as they face the Scarlet Knights on November 6 at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Carving out a niche as the lovable underdog who has historically put scares into powerhouses in the NCAA tournament, the Princeton University men’s basketball team flipped the script last March.

Knocking off second-seeded Arizona and seventh-seeded Missouri, the 15th-seeded Tigers advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time since the tournament was expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson knows that the Tigers won’t be going under the radar in the wake of last year’s success.  more

Boasting a Mix of Key Veterans, Talented Newcomers PU Women’s Hoops Primed for Another Big Season

HANDS ON: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, right, guards a Penn player last season. Senior star Mitchell, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, is looking to diversify her offensive game as she heads into her final campaign for the Tigers. Princeton tips off its 2023-24 campaign by hosting Duquesne on November 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In the last two years, the Princeton University women’s basketball team has come excruciatingly close to making the NCAA Sweet 16.

Last season, Princeton fell 63-56 at Utah in the second round of the NCAA tourney and it got edged 56-55 at Indiana at the same stage of the 2022 March Madness.

As the Tigers head into the 2023-24 campaign, Princeton senior forward Ellie Mitchell acknowledged that getting over that hump is a goal, even if it is on the back burner as the Tigers prepare to tip off their 2023-24 campaign by hosting Duquesne on November 6.

“Day to day, we focus on the little things, the little pieces that get us in that position,” said Mitchell, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 and 2023, who averaged 5.8 points and 11.3 rebounds a game last winter as the Tigers went 24-6 overall and 12-2 Ivy League. “We know that once we earn it, we are excited. We are confident, we can break into that Sweet 16 this year. It is our year.” more

Featuring Stifling Defense, Explosive Passing Plays, PU Football Tops Cornell, Remains Tied Atop Ivies

COOL HAND LUKE: Princeton University star receiver Luke Colella races upfield in recent action. Last Saturday, junior Colella made three receptions for 44 yards with a 33-yard touchdown catch to help Princeton defeat Cornell 14-3. The Tigers are now 4-3 overall and 3-1 Ivy League and tied with Harvard atop the league standings. They will look to stay in first place when they play at Dartmouth (3-4 overall, 2-2 Ivy) on November 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into its matchup last Saturday at Cornell, the Princeton University football team sensed that it could produce some big plays against a stingy Big Red defense.

“They really have a high volume of different things that they do, it puts an onus on you,” said Princeton head coach Bob Surace. “You just have to give them a lot of stuff as well. We went into the game thinking if we do that, we may have a few opportunities.”

Sure enough, Princeton seized opportunity as quarterback Blake Stenstrom hit wide receiver Tamatoa Falatea with a 77-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter as the Tigers went ahead 7-0. After the Big Red narrowed the gap to 7-3 with a second quarter field goal, Stenstrom rifled a 33-yard scoring strike to Luke Colella in the waning seconds of the half to put Princeton ahead 14-3 at intermission. more

Encouraged by the Resilience That it Showed Last Winter, Princeton Men’s Hockey Fired Up for Opener at Harvard

MURPHY’S LAW: Princeton University men’s hockey player Ian Murphy controls the puck in a game last season. Senior forward Murphy figures to trigger the Tiger offense this season after leading Princeton in scoring last year with 30 points on 15 goals and 15 assists. The Tigers start their 2023-24 season by playing at Harvard on November 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Bouncing back from a rough start last winter, the Princeton University men’s hockey team caught fire in the middle of the season.

Putting together a 9-6 stretch after losing six of its first eight games, Princeton posted a number of notable wins in that span, including victories over Colorado College, RIT, No. 12 Providence, Clarkson, and Dartmouth. An injury to star goalie Ethan Pearson hampered the Tigers down the stretch, but they were still able to defeat Union in the first round of the ECAC Hockey playoffs on the way to a 13-19 final record.

As Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty looks ahead to the 2023-24 campaign, he believes his returning players can build on that solid stretch heading into this winter. more

With Former Lawrence Star Schenck Coming Up Big, PU Field Hockey Edges Yale, Earns Spot in Ivy Tourney

STANDING TAL: Princeton University field hockey player Talia Schenck, left, goes after the ball in recent action. Last Friday, sophomore star Schenck, a former Lawrence High standout, scored a goal to help Princeton defeat Yale 2-1 in overtime in a winner-take-all game for the fourth and final spot for the inaugural Ivy League Tournament. The Tigers, now 7-8 overall and 5-2 Ivy, are seeded third in the tourney and will face second-seeded Cornell at Harvard on November 3 in a semifinal contest. The victor will advance to the final on November 5 against the winner of the Harvard-Penn semifinal with the champion earning the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Talia Schenck and the Princeton University field hockey team have been through ups and downs.

Last Friday was definitely a high note.

Schenck scored the first goal of the game for the Tigers who went on to win a must-win game, 2-1, in overtime at Yale on a goal by Bridget Murphy. The winner of the game earned the fourth and final spot for the inaugural Ivy League Tournament, while the loser’s season was finished. The champion of the tournament will receive the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament.

“We’re really excited to rewrite what’s happened this Ivy season because we want more for ourselves than to be third,” said Schenck, a sophomore who starred at nearby Lawrence High before coming to Princeton. “We’re excited to have another chance to prove ourselves. That’s what’s so great about having the Ivy tournament introduced this year.” more

Sparked by Senior Star Matese’s Stellar Play at Center Back, PHS Boys’ Soccer Posts 2 Shutouts in Making Sectional Semis

NICK OF TIME: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Nick Matese, left, battles a foe in a game earlier this season. Senior center back and co-captain Matese has helped PHS get off to a superb start in state tournament action. Competing in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 tournament, the top-seeded Tigers defeated 16th-seeded Montgomery 4-0 in a first round contest on October 25 and then blanked eighth-seeded Jackson Memorial 3-0 in a quarterfinal last Saturday. PHS, now 18-2, hosts fourth-seeded Monroe in the semifinals on November 1 with the victor advancing to the sectional final on November 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While Nick Matese was frustrated when the Princeton Hugh boys’ soccer team got edged 2-1 by nationally-ranked Pennington in the Mercer County Tournament final on October 21, he saw the squad’s performance as a plus going into the state tournament.

“After the game we were really disappointed but we were really proud with our effort, especially in the second half,” said PHS senior defender and co-captain Matese. “I was really impressed, especially with our midfield. They went toe-to-toe with those guys, it was unbelievable. We played some of the best we have played this year. We want to be snowballing wins going into the playoffs, but having that kind of confidence boosting that we can play with the best of the best  was a good thing.”

As the top-seeded Tigers hosted 16th-seeded Montgomery last Wednesday in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional, Matese and his teammates were determined to take care of business and get back on the winning track. more

After Rolling to 2nd Straight BCSL Championship, PHS Girls’ Volleyball Primed for Big Run in States

RISING FORCE: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Naomi Lygas follows through on a hit in recent action. Last week, sophomore star Lygas helped PHS defeat Notre Dame 2-0 (25-19, 25-15) in the Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL) tournament final. Lygas contributed 11 kills and eight digs in the October 24 match as PHS improved to 25-1. The Tigers will now start play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 3 tournament where they are seeded first and were slated to host ninth-seeded Colts Neck in a quarterfinal contest on October 31 with victor advancing to the semis on November 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Rolling to a 2-0 win (25-10, 25-15) over Northern Burlington in Burlington  County Scholastic League (BCSL) tournament semis, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball was primed to close the deal when it hosted Notre Dame in the final last week.

“The girls have been in a good place, we have two months of matches under our belts,” said PHS head coach Patty Manhart. “We were happy with how they played against Northern Burlington.”

But Manhart was not happy with how the Tigers started in the final against Notre Dame, a team it had already defeated twice in regular season. more

Senior Standout Salzano Looking to Go Out with a Bang, Starring as PDS Girls’ Soccer Makes Non-Public Quarters

FINAL PUSH: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer player Adriana Salzano, left, controls the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior star and Monmouth commit Salzano tallied a goal and an assist as fifth-seeded PDS topped 12th-seeded Donovan Catholic 4-1 in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public A tournament. The Panthers, who improved to 14-3-1 with the win, were slated to host 13th-seeded Mount St. Mary in the quarterfinals on October 31 with the victor advancing to the semis on November 2. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Adriana Salzano, her stellar career with the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team reached the do-or-die stage last Friday as the squad started play in the Non-Public A South Jersey tournament.

With PDS having lost 1-0 to Steinert in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and having been edged by the Blair Academy in a shootout in the quarterfinal round of the Prep state tourney, senior star midfielder Salzano was down to her last competition as a Panther when the team hosted Donovan Catholic last Friday to open play in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) South Jersey Non-Public A tournament.

“This is knockout, win or go home; we knew that we needed to come out here and kill the game immediately,” said Salzano. “That was our main goal, come out with fire and intensity and get it done.” more

PDS Girls’ Tennis Places 2nd in Prep B State Tourney As 2nd Doubles Pair Earns Title to Provide Highlight

FRESH APPROACH: Princeton Day School girls’ tennis player Prisha Tiwari smacks a forehand in a match this fall. Last week, freshman Tiwari advanced to the third singles final at the Prep B state tournament, helping the Panthers take second in the team standings behind champion Montclair Kimberley Academy. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With powerhouse Montclair Kimberley Academy returning to the Prep B state girls’ tennis tournament this fall after not competing in the event last year, the Princeton Day School squad faced a challenge as it went after the title.

While MKA, ranked third in the state by NJ.com, advanced to final in all five flights of the competition, PDS was not far behind as made four finals.

Unable to overcome the Cougars’ advantage, the Panthers did produce a major highlight as the second doubles pair of Kavita Amin and Zarna Kalra won their flight. MKA totaled 14 points to win the team title with PDS amassing 10 to take second in the competition which wrapped up last Wednesday at Wardlaw-Hartridge. more

October 25, 2023

Coming Up with Big Plays on Both Sides of the Ball, PU Football Edges Harvard, Moves Into Tie Atop Ivies

DEFENSIVE STAND: Princeton University football players, from left, linebacker Ozzie Nicholas, defensive back Jackson Fischer, and linebacker Liam Johnson celebrate after a stop in recent action. Last Saturday, the Tiger defense came up big as Princeton edged previously undefeated Harvard 21-14. The Tigers, now 3-3 overall and 2-1 Ivy League, moved into a five-way tie for first place in the league standings. Princeton will play at Cornell (3-3 overall, 2-1 Ivy) on October 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a disappointing 28-27 overtime loss at Brown that dropped it to 2-3 and hosting an undefeated, high-powered Harvard squad, the Princeton University football team underwent some soul-searching last week.

“We got together after that last loss, a game we should not have lost, a game where we made some critical errors and we showed up this whole week,” said Princeton senior star linebacker and co-captain Ozzie Nicholas. “We worked really hard. We worked hard on the culture. We worked hard on the scheme. Guys were locked in this week.”

In looking to stymie a Crimson squad that came into Saturday averaging 41.2 points a game, the Tigers stuck with a basic scheme.

“Our game plan was to do our base defense, our game plan was to fight and just play every snap like we have the whole season,” said Nicholas. “We play great defense and we just decided to do it today. That was our base defense and that is just what we do.” more

Freshman Goalie Corniea Making Immediate Impact As PU Women’s Hockey Produces Positive 3-1 Start

SAVING GRACE: Princeton University women’s hockey goalie Uma Corniea makes a save in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman Corniea made 17 saves to help Princeton defeat Brown 2-0 and improve to 3-1 overall and 1-1 ECAC Hockey. It marked Corniea’s second shutout in three appearances this season. The Tigers play at St. Lawrence on October 27 and at Clarkson on October 28. (Photo by Shelley Szwast, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

As freshman Uma Corniea has emerged as the starting goalie this season for the Princeton University women’s hockey team, she has focused on getting up to speed at the college level.

Last Friday, as Princeton hosted No. 5 Yale in its ECAC Hockey opener at Hobey Baker Rink, Corniea got a trial by fire.

“The pace is so fast, I am just really honored to be able to play,” said Corniea. “We have two other incredible goalies (Jennifer Olnowich, Taylor Hyland). It is just really a blessing and super fun. Everyone was super ready to go; everything is a lot quicker than I’m used to.”

Yale got off to a quick start, jumping out to a 2-0 lead with 13:22 left in the second period. more

Ramirez’s OT Goal Gets PHS Field Hockey into MCT Final, But Tigers Fall to Hun in Title Game in Penalty Shootout

RAMMING IT HOME: Princeton High field hockey player Mia Ramirez, right, controls the ball in a game earlier this season. Junior star Ramirez scored the game-winning goal in overtime as top-seeded PHS edged fourth-seeded Allentown 4-3 in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals last Thursday evening. The Tigers went on to fall to second-seeded Hun in the MCT final last Monday in a penalty shootout after the foes tied 3-3 through regulation and 20 minutes of overtime. PHS, now 13-2, will next be competing in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional where it is seeded second and will host 15th-seeded Montgomery in a first round contest on October 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After losing 1-0 to Allentown on October 13 to suffer its first defeat of the fall, the Princeton High field hockey team was fired up when the rivals met for a rematch in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals last Thursday evening.

“When we lost to them the last time, it was just an off day,” said junior forward Ramirez. “We had possession the entire time — their goalie (Kylie Elefante) had so many saves and we couldn’t take advantage of our opportunities. Today we knew what we had to do.”

The Tigers didn’t waste any time finding the back of the cage in the game played at Lawrence High, jumping out to a 2-0 lead on goals by Delaney Keegan and Leah Rose-Seiden. more

After Battling Hard in 2-1 Loss to Pennington in MCT Final, PHS Boys’ Soccer Bringing Confidence into State Tourney

GRAND FINAL: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Felipe Matar Grandi, right, controls the ball in recent action. Last Saturday, senior midfielder/forward Matar Grandi scored a second half goal for second-seeded PHS as it fell 2-1 to top-seeded and undefeated Pennington in the Mercer County Tournament final last Saturday. PHS, now 16-2, will now be competing in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Group 4 sectional where it is seeded first and will host 16th-seeded Montgomery in a first round contest on October 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For the Princeton High boys’ soccer team, it was a test that it had been shooting for all fall.

Going 16-1 with 15 shutouts, PHS was on a collision course with undefeated and nationally-ranked Pennington and the powerhouses met in the Mercer County Tournament final last Saturday.

Heading into contest played at Hopewell Valley High, the second-seeded Tigers were undaunted by the prospect of taking on the top-seeded and high-powered Red Hawks, who came into the day at 12-0 with 72 goals for and just three against. more

Coming Through in the Clutch for PHS Boys’ Soccer, Breitman Scored Goal that Put Tigers into MCT Final

BRIGHT STAR: Princeton High boys’ soccer player Azariah Breitman, left, gets ready to boot the ball against Steinert in the Mercer County Tournament semis last Wednesday. Junior Breitman scored the lone goal in the contest as PHS prevailed 1-0. The second-seeded Tigers went on lose 2-1 to undefeated and top-seeded Pennington in the final last Saturday as they moved to 16-2 in the season. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Azariah Breitman and the rest of the attack on the Princeton High boys’ soccer team struggled to find a rhythm in the early going against Steinert in Mercer County Tournament semis last Wednesday.

Second-seeded PHS found itself knotted in a scoreless stalemate with the third-seeded Spartans at halftime of the contest played at Hopewell Valley.

“The first half was really a struggle,” said junior midfielder/forward Breitman. “We had a few chances but we were just lacking all of the composure. Every time we got the ball we just booted it.” more

PHS Girls’ Cross Country Takes 1st at County Meet As Local Runners Produce Strong Showing Overall

SETTING THE PACE: Princeton High girls’ cross country runners, Kajol Karra, left, and Grace Hegedus pace each other at the Mercer County Championships last Thursday at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. The pair helped PHS place first in the team standings at the meet. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton High School girls cross country team has a lot of new members, which meant a lot of first-time champions at the Mercer County Championships.

Three first-year runners combined with a pair of returning seniors for the perfect mix to earn the Tigers the county crown last Thursday at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. It is their second title in three years. PHS’s 66 points distanced them from runner-up Hopewell Valley (86) and third-place Wilberforce (119), who got a fifth-place finish from sophomore Laura Sallade.

On the boys’ side, PHS placed third led by the comeback of Max Dunlap, who took fourth in his final county meet. Wilberforce took sixth led by individual race winner senior star Caleb Brox and Hun School was 15th with sophomore Jacob Newman pacing the Raiders in eighth place. more

Sparked by Senior Star Ieva’s Production, Leadership, Hun Field Hockey Edges PHS to Earn 1st MCT Crown

ALL IN: Hun School field hockey player Ali Ieva, right, dribbles the ball upfield last Monday in the Mercer County Tournament final as Leah Rose-Seiden of Princeton High defends her. Senior forward Ieva tallied a goal and an assist in the final as second-seeded Hun edged top-seeded Princeton High 2-1 in a penalty shootout after the foes tied 3-3 through regulation and 20 minutes of overtime. It marked the first outright county crown for the Raiders, who improved to 13-3 with the win. In upcoming action, Hun will be pursuing another championship as it competes in the Prep state tourney where it is seeded third and hosting sixth-seeded Blair Academy in a semifinal contest on October 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Ali Ieva wasn’t fazed when the Hun School field hockey team found itself trailing Princeton High 2-0 early in the Mercer County Tournament final last Monday evening.

“We have been in this situation before, we know how it goes,” said senior forward and co-captain Ieva. “We just come out with a lot of grit. We wanted it so bad. We haven’t been in here since 1994 and we wanted to make history.”

The second-seeded Raiders displayed grit, scoring three straight goals to forge ahead of top-seeded PHS heading into the fourth quarter.

Ieva tallied the go-ahead goal with 2:55 left in the third quarter. more

Senior Brox Wins Mercer Cross Country Boys’ Race, Becoming 1st Wilberforce Runner to Win County Crown

BROX TALE: Wilberforce School boys’ cross country star Caleb Brox heads to the finish line at the Mercer County Championships last Thursday at Thompson Park in Jamesburg. Senior Brox placed first individually in the boys’ meet, covering the 5,000-meter course in a time of 16:44.10. Brox became the first Wilberforce runner to win an individual title at the county meet and helped the Wolverine boys take sixth in the team standings. (Photo provided by Lois Szeliga)

By Bill Alden

Coming into this fall, Caleb Brox was fit and fast as he headed into his senior season for the Wilberforce School boys’ cross country team.

“I was probably running 45 miles a week most weeks, trying to get a tempo run in on Monday,” said Brox. “That was the staple. When preseason started, I was running faster time trials than I had the year before.”

But Brox hit a roadblock as he took ill early in the school year.

“I got sick starting in September and then into mid-October, I was still coughing,” said Brox. “I decided to not race at all and really try to recover. Last season I had also gotten sick early.” more

With Thielmann Serving as Catalyst for Hun Field Hockey, Raiders Edged Lawrence in MCT Semis on the Way to Title

BE-LINE: Hun School field hockey player Phoebe Thielmann, right, goes after the ball in recent action. Last Thursday, junior star Thielmann scored a goal to help second-seeded Hun defeat sixth-seeded Lawrence High 2-0 in the Mercer County Tournament semis. On Monday, Thielmann tallied two goals as Hun edged top-seeded Princeton High in the MCT final in a penalty shootout after the foes tied 3-3 through regulation and 20 minutes of overtime. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Phoebe Thielmann sees herself as a catalyst for the Hun School field hockey team.

“I have been focusing more on distributing towards the outside, so once it comes to me, to get it right off,” said junior co-captain Thielmann. “I have been working on quick skill.”

As second-seeded Hun faced sixth-seeded Lawrence High in the Mercer County Tournament semis last Thursday, Thielmann got Hun off to a quick start, tallying a goal midway through the first quarter to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead.

“Lawrence was a great team, they were prepared,” said Thielmann. “Our mindset was to get a score in the first five minutes — we really just wanted to start off on a good foot. I just saw my shot, I saw the opening. I had to go for it.”

Thielmann’s tally set the tone as Hun posted a 2-0 win, earning its first trip to the MCT final since 1994. more

October 18, 2023

With Curry Primed to Make the Most of Senior Year, Princeton Women’s Soccer in Thick of Ivy Title Race

MAD GOOD: Princeton University women’s soccer player Madison Curry, right, goes after the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior defender Curry helped Princeton earn a 1-1 tie at Harvard last Saturday. The Tigers, now 8-2-3 overall and 3-1-1 Ivy League, play at Dartmouth on October 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Madison Curry would love to extend her college soccer career into December when the NCAA Women’s College Cup culminates in Cary, N.C.

Curry’s return from a gap year for her senior season at Princeton University this fall is one reason the Tigers are aiming that high.

“You see how much it means to her,” said Princeton head coach Sean Driscoll. “It was a major void not having her last year. She just brings a whole different drive.” more

Princeton Football Falters Late Against Brown, Losing 28-27 in OT, Dropping to 2-3 Overall

FAST CARR: Princeton University running back Jiggie Carr, right, looks for daylight in a 2022 game. Last Saturday at Brown, junior Carr rushed for 88 yards in 13 carries, including a 53-yard TD run, but it wasn’t enough as Princeton fell 28-27 in overtime to the Bears. The Tigers, now 2-3 overall and 1-1 Ivy League, host No. 17 Harvard (5-0 overall, 2-0 Ivy) on October 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Parity has been the story of the Ivy League football so far this season. Of the eight Ivy games played in 2023, seven have been decided by one score.

Two weeks ago, Princeton was on the right side of that trend, edging Columbia 10-7. Last Saturday, though, the Tigers came up short in latest league nail-biter, falling 28-27 in overtime at Brown, moving to 2-3 overall and 1-1 Ivy.

Princeton head coach Bob Surace knows that his squad has to be more precise to thrive in a league where things are on a razor’s edge. more