May 17, 2023

PU Softball Falls to Harvard in Ivy Tourney Finale, But Senior Starks Feels Gratitude for Experience

CONTACT HITTER: Princeton University softball player Serena Starks makes contact in action last week at the Ivy League postseason tournament. Senior standout Starks performed well from the leadoff spot as the Tigers made the final round of the double-elimination tourney. Princeton topped Harvard 6-0 on Saturday to stay alive in the competition but then fell 3-2 to the Crimson in a winner-take-all finale for the league’s automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA tournament. Outfielder Starks made the All-Tournament team as the Tigers finished the spring with a 29-20 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Serena Starks prides herself on being a catalyst for the Princeton University softball team in her role as its leadoff hitter.

“I understand that I am batting first and I have to set the tone,” said senior outfielder Starks, a 5’8 native of Huntington Beach, Calif. “Last year, I don’t grasp it as much but this year, I really know what it means to be the leadoff hitter and set the tone.”

This spring, Starks performed that role with aplomb, getting named as the Ivy League Player of the Year. Over the course of the regular season, she led the league in batting average (.411), runs scored (36), and hits (65), hitting 40 points better than the next-best eligible player and with 22 more hits than any other Ivy League player.

Last Friday, as Princeton’s season was on the line, Starks was determined to set the tone. With the Tigers hosting the Ivy postseason tournament and having lost 3-1 to Columbia on Thursday to open the double-elimination event, Princeton faced Yale with the loser to be eliminated.

Starks got a single to lead off the game and came around to score to give the Tigers a 1-0 lead.

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PU Women’s Open Crew Wins Ivy Championships, Men’s Lightweights Win Sprints, Heavyweights 2nd

OPEN SEASON: Members of the Princeton University women’s open crew varsity 8 celebrate after they placed first in their grand final at the Ivy League Championships in Worcester, Mass., last Sunday. By virtue of its performance in the Ivy regatta, the Tiger open crew earned an automatic bid the NCAA Championships, which will be taking place from May 26-28 in Camden. (Photo by Ed Hewitt/Row2k, provided by Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Displaying the form that has catapulted it into being ranked No. 1 nationally, the Princeton University women’s open crew varsity 8 placed first in its grand final at the Ivy League Championships in Worcester, Mass., last Sunday.

The Princeton top boat covered the 2,000-meter course on Lake Quinsigamond in a time of 6:01.806, 1.57 seconds ahead of second-place Penn to remain undefeated on the spring.

The varsity 8’s win helped Princeton win the team title as it scored 85 points, edging runner-up Yale by one point. Penn was third with 66 points while Brown was fourth with 64.

The third varsity 8 also placed first while the 2V8 took second and the varsity 4 took third.

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Semi-Tough

Princeton University women’s water polo player Kayla Yelensky unloads the ball in recent action. Last Friday, sophomore Yelensky tallied two fourth quarter goals to help No. 10 Princeton edge No. 3 California 11-9 in the NCAA quarterfinals at the Douglass M. Eberhardt Aquatics Center in Stockton, Calif. It marked the first time the Tigers advanced to the NCAA semis in program history and they became the first non-West Coast team to get to the Final Four since 2016. The Tigers went on to fall 18-8 to Southern Cal in the semis on Saturday to end the season with a final record of 30-4. It was just third time in the program that the Tigers recorded at least 30 victories (2014, 2015). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

With Freshman Pitcher Pilicer Making a Big Difference, PHS Softball Laying the Foundation for Future Success

IN RHYTHM: Princeton High softball pitcher Erin Pilicer fires a pitch in a game earlier this spring. Last Wednesday, freshman Pilicer fired a five-hit shutout to help 12th-seeded PHS defeated 13th-seeded Princeton Day School 9-0 in the quarterfinals of the Mercer County Invitational, the ‘B’ bracket of the Mercer County Tournament. The Tigers went on to fall 4-0 to ninth-seeded Hamilton/Nottingham in the MCI semis on Saturday. PHS, now 5-12, plays at Rutgers Prep on May 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton High softball team has gone through some ups and downs this spring as it has worked a number of young players into the lineup, Erin Pilicer has been a constant.

Freshman Pilicer has pitched every inning for PHS in her debut campaign, enduring some lopsided defeats along with hurling some mound gems.

As the Tigers lost eight of its first nine games, Pilicer kept her perspective, focusing on the long-term.

“Sometimes it is hard but I have to remember that there is going to be more games in the future when I am older,” said Pilicer. “I am just a freshman.”

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Senior Star Gardner Fights to the Final Second As PDS Girls’ Lacrosse Falls in Prep B Final

FRONT PAIGE: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Paige Gardner races upfield in recent action. Last Friday, senior star Gardner tallied a goal and three assists as top-seeded PDS got edged 10-9 by second-seeded Montclair Kimberley Academy in the Prep B state final. On Monday, Gardner tallied eight goals and four assists to help the Panthers defeat Hopewell Valley 17-6 and improve to 10-6. In upcoming action, PDS plays at Princeton High on May 18 and at Haddonfield at May 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was the final sequence of the fourth playoff game in five days for the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse team but Paige Gardner was still pressing forward.

With PDS trailing Montclair Kimberley Academy 10-9 in the Prep B state final last Friday afternoon, Gardner took a draw control with 7.7 seconds left and raced toward goal but couldn’t get a shot off before the horn sounded.

“We have all been working so hard this week,” said Gardner, who tallied one goal and three assists in the loss. “I feel like each game, we have slowly started to run out of gas. It is so tough on everyone on the team. They have had a busy schedule too, I think it was a good game.”

Having rallied to edge MKA 13-12 in the Prep B final last year, the Panthers put up a good fight as they looked to thwart the Cougars for a second straight year.

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Pitcher Sheth Has Eventful Senior Day for Hun Baseball As Raiders Fall to Stony Brook in Tune-Up for MCT, Prep A

SENIOR MOMENT: Hun School senior pitcher Rohan Sheth fires a pitch in recent action. Last Saturday, Sheth had an eventful day as the Raiders held their annual Senior Day festivities when they hosted the Stony Brook School (N.Y.). Sheth started the game on the mound and pitched 2 1/3 no-hit innings with one unearned run before exiting the contest when struck in the leg by a line drive. Hun went on to lose the game 13-0. The Raiders, who moved to 14-6 with the defeat, will be competing in both the Mercer County Tournament and the Prep A state tourney this week. In the MCT, fourth-seeded Hun is slated to face top-seeded Notre Dame in the semis on May 16 with the victor advancing to the final on May 19 at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark. The Raiders are seeded first in the Prep A tournament and are slated to host an opening round game on May 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Rohan Sheth, last Saturday turned out to be a day to remember for a lot of reasons.

As the Hun School baseball team held its annual Senior Day celebration when it hosted the Stony Brook School (N.Y.), Sheth got the start on the mound.

Senior right-hander Sheth, who has primarily worked out of the bullpen this spring, was thrilled to get the nod.

“Being here with the program for four years, it is a special group of guys I have been with, it is a great moment to be out here,” said Sheth. “Coach (Tom Monfiletto) told me on Wednesday that I was getting the start so I have been looking forward to this for the rest of the week. It is a big honor against a great team. It was good to be out there and competing.”

Competing very well against a foe stocked with Division I commits, Sheth pitched 2 1/3 no-hit innings with one unearned run.

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With Post-Grad Star Demato Triggering Attack, Hun Boys’ Lacrosse Clicking Down the Stretch

ON THE RISE: Hun School boys’ lacrosse player Ryan Demato leaps to fire a shot in a game earlier this spring. Last Saturday, Demato scored four goals to help Hun defeat Lenape High 13-1 and post its fifth straight win. The Raiders, who improved to 9-4 with the victory, will be continuing play in the Mercer County Tournament this week. Top-seeded Hun, the defending county champion, was slated to face fifth-seeded Princeton High in the MCT semis on May 16 with the victor advancing to the final on May 18 at Hopewell Valley High. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last spring, Ryan Demato enjoyed a superb senior campaign for the St. Augustine boys’ lacrosse program.

Demato led the squad in scoring with 62 points on 35 goals and 27 assists and helped the Hermits go 16-2 and win the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Non-Public Group A title.

But deciding that he needed to grow on and off the field, Demato opted to do a post-graduate year at the Hun School and play another high school season.

“I just wanted an extra year for recruiting, getting bigger, stronger, faster, and challenging myself with Hun’s curriculum,” said Demato. “It is definitely a difficult school. I think it will prepare me well for college.”

Last Saturday, Demato had a strong effort, scoring four goals as Hun jumped out to a 6-0 halftime lead over Lenape High on the way to a 13-1 victory as it improved to 9-4 and posted its fifth straight win.

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May 10, 2023

PU Men’s Lax Routs Yale in Ivy Tourney Final, Will Play at Penn State in NCAA Opening Round

SHOOTING STAR: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Jake Stevens heads upfield in a 2022 game. Last Sunday, senior midfielder Stevens scored six goals on six shots as Princeton routed Yale 19-10 in the Ivy League postseason tournament final. The Tigers, now 8-6, will play at fifth-seeded Penn State (9-4) in an NCAA first round contest on May 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The mission was clear for the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team as it headed to New York City last weekend to compete in the Ivy League postseason tournament.

Coming into the event with a pedestrian 6-6 record, Princeton needed to win the four-team tourney at Columbia’s Wien Stadium to book a trip to the NCAA tournament or it was going home for the season. more

With Vinci Emerging as Record-Breaking Slugger, PU Baseball Headed to Ivy Postseason Tournament

POWER SURGE: Princeton University baseball player Kyle Vinci waits for a pitch in recent action. Last Saturday, junior star Vinci hit a homer in a 6-5 win over Brown. It was Vinci’s 20th home run of the spring, a new Ivy League single-season record. Vinci was later named the Ivy Player of the Week, going 6 for 15 with three homers, four runs, and eight RBIs as Princeton fell 8-7 to Rutgers last Wednesday and then went 1-2 in the weekend series against Brown. The Tigers, now 22-21 overall and 13-8 Ivy, are next in action when they compete in the league postseason tournament from May 19-22. (Photo by Shelley Szwast, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Princeton University baseball head coach Scott Bradley had a vision for Kyle Vinci four years ago.

Vinci then was a high school player putting up strong power numbers for nearby powerhouse Delbarton School.

“He told me he wanted me to be a middle of the lineup guy putting balls into the trees in center field,” said Vinci. “I definitely knew this is what I was capable of, and it’s just great to see it.” more

Sparked by Senior Zang’s Play, Upbeat Approach, PHS Girls’ Golf Making History in Debut Season

MAKING HISTORY: Members of the Princeton High girls’ golf team are all smiles after they placed first in the Mercer County Tournament last Wednesday at the Mercer Oaks East course. Pictured, from left, are head coach Jess Monzo, Jacqueline Zang, Rachel McInerney, Tia Sindu, Raima Srivastava, and Madeleine Zang. The Tigers, who are in their first year as an official program, had a team score of 327 to defeat runner-up WW/P-South by 10 strokes. PHS went on to take second in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey Sectional Tournament at Stanton Ridge Golf Club in Whitehouse Station last Monday. The Tigers are next in action when they compete in the State Championships on May 16 at the Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater.

By Bill Alden

When Madeleine Zang came to Princeton High in 2019, she wasn’t sure if there was an avenue at the school for her to pursue a passion for golf.

“I was hoping there was some sort of golf team or something, hopefully a girls team,” said Zang, who started playing competitively as an 8-year-old in New York and moved to the Princeton area before starting high school. “There was no girls’ team; when I started out freshman year, there was just a coed team.”

Zang played with the boys, emerging as a key performer for the squad. more

Sparked by Sensational Performance from Kenah, PHS Boys’ Lax Rallies to Top Robbinsville in OT

ATTACK MENTALITY: Princeton High boys’ lacrosse player Patrick Kenah cradles the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Thursday, junior attacker Kenah tallied eight goals and one assist, including the game-tying and game-winning goals, to help PHS rally for a thrilling 13-12 overtime triumph against the Ravens. The Tigers, who improved to 7-5 with the win, were slated to host Lawrence High on May 9 before starting play in the Mercer County Tournament. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming into the spring, Patrick Kenah got a tutorial on the keys to taking the reins of the attack for the Princeton High boys’ lacrosse team.

Junior star Kenah consulted Will Doran, the leading scorer in the state last spring in his senior season for PHS, to get some tips.

“Will was a great leader of mine; I talked to him before the season about what I should be doing,” said Kenah of Doran, who is currently playing for the Williams College men’s lax program. “He gave me all of the good stuff to know.” more

Getting Pushed by Her Older Sisters to Excel, Freshman Gallagher Starring for PHS Girls’ Lax

MIGHTY QUINN: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Quinn Gallagher sprints upfield in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman Gallagher tallied two goals as PHS lost 14-2 at Peddie. The Tigers, who fell 17-3 to Allentown in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals last Monday to drop to 6-6, host Monroe on May 12 before playing at Northern Burlington on May 13 and at the Hun School on May 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Quinn Gallagher picked up lacrosse as a little girl by tagging along with her oldest sister Reece.

“I started playing with Reece when I was really young,” said Gallagher. “We got into it together.”

This spring, freshman Quinn has joined senior Reece and their other sister, junior Avery, on the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team.

“I am excited to play with all three of us together,” said Gallagher, whose father, Charlie, is the head coach of the PHS football team. “They push me to be my best.” more

With Senior Jaffe Producing Big Final Campaign, PDS Girls’ Lacrosse Enjoying Postseason Success

GOAL-ORIENTED: Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse player Sophie Jaffe heads to goal in recent action. Last Wednesday, senior attacker Jaffe tallied four goals, including the game-winner, as PDS edged Notre Dame 12-11. Two days later, she scored three goals, including the 100th of her career, as the Panthers fell 16-6 to the Lawrenceville School. PDS defeated Peddie 20-10 in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals last Monday to improve to 8-4 as Jaffe tallied five more goals. The third-seeded Panthers will now face second-seeded Allentown in the MCT semis on May 11. In addition, PDS was slated to host Pennington in the Prep B state semis on May 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Sophie Jaffe had the game on her stick for the Princeton Day School girls’ lacrosse team as it played at Notre Dame High last Wednesday afternoon.

With the foes locked in an 11-11 tie and 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Jaffe had a free position opportunity in front of the Notre Dame goal.

Senior attacker Jaffe felt the pressure of the moment as she waited for the whistle.

“It was just to get that first step off the 8-meter, I wanted make sure that I was bouncing off that line, beating the defenders, and tucking my stick, making sure I was protecting the ball,” said Jaffe. “I was a little nervous, I didn’t know if it was going to go in or not.” more

May 3, 2023

After Exceeding Expectations for Maryland Women’s Hoops, Former PU Star Meyers Looking to Make Impact in WNBA

PUMPED UP: Abby Meyers screams for joy during a game this past winter for the University of Maryland women’s basketball team. Meyers, a former Princeton standout who was the Ivy League Player of the Year in 2022 in her senior season for the Tigers, helped Maryland advance to the NCAA Elite 8. In early April, Meyers was selected by the Dallas Wings in the first round of the 2023 WNBA Draft as the 11th overall pick. The Wings started training camp last Sunday. (Photo provided courtesy of Maryland Athletics)

By Justin Feil

When Abby Meyers heard her name called as the 11th pick of the 2023 WNBA Draft on April 10, it brought joyous screams from the family, close friends, high school coach, and his wife that had gathered at the basketball star’s family home in Potomac, Md.

They hadn’t anticipated her selection so early as Meyers was the final first-round pick of the Dallas Wings.

“We didn’t know what to say,” said Meyers. “It was like a star-struck moment. I was grateful for that number to be picked and for me to hear my name. My expectations were far exceeded. That’s kind of the story of this year. I have certain expectations. I set the bar low and always exceed them. I’m very happy with how it all went.”

After graduating from Princeton University in 2022 where she was named the Ivy League Player of the Year in her final season for the Tiger women’s hoops team, Meyers, a 6’0 guard, played this past year for University of Maryland as a graduate student and averaged 14.3 points per game while shooting almost 39 percent from 3-point range to earn second-team All-Big Ten honors. In her final season at Princeton, she had averaged 17.9 points per game to amass the program’s highest single season scoring total of 538 points. more

Star Defender Berry Enjoys Special Senior Day As PU Women’s Lax Tops Harvard in Home Finale

GETTING DEFENSIVE: Princeton University women’s lacrosse senior defender Shannon Berry guards the crease in a game earlier this season. Last Sunday, Berry and her classmates enjoyed a special Senior Day, helping Princeton defeat Harvard 17-13 in the regular season finale. The Tigers, now 7-8 overall and 4-3 Ivy League, are next in action when they compete in the Ivy postseason tournament in Philadelphia, which will determine the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA tourney. The third-seeded Tigers will face second-seeded Yale on May 5 in the semis with the victor advancing to the final on May 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The constant rain and occasional downpours that soaked the Class of 1952 Stadium last Sunday afternoon didn’t dampen the spirits of the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team as it hosted Harvard in the regular season finale.

“I think we really embraced the rain, everyone was so excited to come out here,” said drenched senior defender Shannon Berry, clutching the bouquet of flowers she received in the Senior Day ceremony. “There were a ton of emotions definitely running through. It was our last game on ’52, it was a bittersweet moment.”

Overcoming a 6-4 second quarter deficit, Princeton pulled out a sweet 17-13 win over the Crimson. more

Displaying its Depth, Talent with Dominant Effort, PHS Boys’ Tennis Wins MCT for 1st Time Since ’03

SERVING NOTICE: Princeton High boys’ tennis junior star Melvin Huang follows through on a serve last week at the Mercer County Tournament. Huang took the title at second singles, helping PHS roll to the team title. It marked the first county crown for the program since 2003. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a shot that exemplified the skill and verve displayed by the Princeton High boys’ tennis team last week at the Mercer County Tournament.

Playing in the second singles final last Wednesday at the Mercer County Park tennis complex, junior star Melvin Huang chased down a shot from Joshua Chu of Princeton Day School in the first set and flipped it between his legs over his foe for a winner.

Huang went on to win the match in straight sets, providing one of many highlights as PHS rolled to the title, winning the program’s first MCT crown since 2003. more

Coming Through in Dramatic Playoff, PHS Boys’ Golf Wins MCT Championship

CROWNING MOMENT: Members of the Princeton High boys’ golf team are all smiles as they won the Mercer County Tournament last week at the Mercer Oaks West course. The squad tied Allentown at 299 through 18 holes and then won the title after carding the lowest score on the first hole in a 10-man playoff. It marked the program’s first MCT crown since 2007. Pictured, from left, are Walter Gumbinger, Brooks Cahill-Sanidas, Wes Yonish, Peter Eaton, Benji Tarter, and head coach Pat Noone.

By Bill Alden

For Pat Noone, it had the feel of a movie scene when his Princeton High boys’ golf team faced Allentown in a 10-man playoff after the foes had tied for first at the Mercer County Tournament last week at the Mercer Oaks West course.

“It was cool because you had 200 people standing around watching, it looked like something out of the Legend of Bagger Vance,” said PHS head coach Noone, whose squad and the Redbirds both had a score of 299 at the end of the 18-hole competition. “It was a great atmosphere.”

The Tigers came through in the playoff, winning the first hole by one stroke as they carded three pars and a bogey while the Redbirds had two pars and two bogeys. more

With Ewanchyna Sparking Stifling Defensive Effort, PDS Boys’ Lax Tops Gill St. Bernard’s in Prep B Final

CREASE CONTROL: Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse goalie Jake Harrison and the PDS defense stifle a foe in recent action. Last Monday, the Panther backline stood tall as second-seeded PDS defeated fourth-seeded Gill St. Bernard’s 9-6 in the Prep B state final. It marked the first Prep B crown for PDS since 2017. The Panthers, now 8-4, play at Hun on May 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After edging Gill St. Bernard’s 8-7 in a regular season contest on April 11, the Princeton Day School boys’ lacrosse team found itself trailing the Knights 4-2 at halftime last Monday when the foes met for a rematch in the Prep B state final.

PHS senior defender Ace Ewanchyna, though, was not concerned about fourth-seeded Gill turning the tables on the second-seeded Panthers.

“It was the first half, the coaches were saying there was a long way to go, a whole new game,” said Ewanchyna. “We were doing some preventable things, like letting guys cut backside, stuff like that. On offense we were just a little bit slow; we made some errors like dropping passes, stuff like that. We just had to clean some things up and play our game.” more

PDS Boys’ Tennis Takes 3rd in County Tournament As Li Makes Memorable Debut by Winning 1st Singles

DAZZLING DEBUT: Princeton Day School boys’ tennis player Heyang Li smacks a forehand last week at the Mercer County Tournament. Sophomore star Li made a memorable debut at the MCT, upsetting defending county and state champion Jonathan Gu of Princeton High in the final to win the title at first singles. Li’s heroics helped PDS finish third in the team standings at the event. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Heyang Li opted not to play for the Princeton Day School boys’ tennis team last spring as a freshman so he could focus on USTA tournaments.

Coming into 2023, Li took some advice to heart and decided to join the PDS squad.

“One of my private coaches, Glenn Michibata, helped convince me to play high school tennis because he thought it was really fun,” said Li. “It is really fun playing with all of these guys.”

Last week, Li had a lot of fun as he won the first singles title at the Mercer County Tournament, upsetting defending county and state champion Jonathan Gu of Princeton High 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the final. more

Outfielder Xiong Enjoying Big Senior Year, Helping Hun Softball Get Off to 12-0 Start

KAT QUICK: Hun School softball player Kat Xiong makes contact in recent action. Senior center fielder Xiong has been starring with her bat and glove as Hun has gotten off to a 12-0 start. In upcoming action, the Raiders play at Robbinsville High on May 4 and at the Blair Academy on May 6 before hosting the Peddie School on May 9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kat Xiong got off to a rough start as the Hun School softball team hosted South Hunterdon last Thursday.

Senior star center fielder Xiong uncharacteristically struck out looking as she batted second in the bottom of the first inning.

Displaying her poise, Xiong didn’t let that disappointing at-bat get her down.

“I just cleared my head and forgot about it,” said Xiong. “It was just a fluke, it was next one.” more

Fueled by Sophomore Lee’s Dynamic Play, Stuart Lax Displaying Growth, Improvement

ALL IN: Stuart County Day School lacrosse player Allison Lee heads upfield in a 2022 game. Sophomore star midfielder Lee has sparked the Stuart attack this spring, tallying 61 goals through 11 games to rank in the top 10 in goals in New Jersey. The Tartans, who lost 16-13 to Pennington last Monday in moving to 2-9, host Steinert on May 6 and then start play in the Mercer County Tournament on May 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Allison Lee is piling up some impressive stats this spring for the Stuart County Day School lacrosse team.

Talented sophomore midfielder Lee tallied 51 goals through Stuart’s first nine games, the seventh most goals in the state.

But Lee will tell you that her prolific scoring is the product of a group effort rather than any individual brilliance on her part.

“I could not have done it without this team, they have always been supporting me and have been with me every step of the way,” said Lee, after scoring four goals in an 11-8 loss to Steinert last Wednesday evening under the lights at Hamilton Veterans Park.  more

April 26, 2023

Ronda Enjoys Memorable Senior Day for PU Men’s Lax As Tigers Top Harvard, Set Up Ivy Title Clash at Cornell

KEEPING THE FAITH: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Christian Ronda heads to goal in recent action. Last Saturday, Ronda enjoyed a memorable Senior Day, tallying four goals and two assists to help Princeton defeat Harvard 17-11. The No. 25 Tigers, now 6-5 overall and 4-1 Ivy League, play at No. 6 Cornell (10-2 overall, 4-1 Ivy) on April 29 with the victor earning the league’s regular season title. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In one sense, it would appear that Christian Ronda’s first two years on the Princeton University men’s lacrosse were futile.

In 2020, Princeton’s season was halted after five games due to the global pandemic with Ronda making one appearance as a freshman and not getting off a shot.

A year later, the Ivy League canceled its spring campaign due to ongoing COVID concerns.

But Ronda soaked in some important lessons during that truncated 2020 campaign. more

PU Softball Goes 2-1 in Pivotal Series Against Harvard As Ace Pitcher Laudenslager Sets Tone with One-Hitter

SPECIAL DELIVERY: Princeton University softball star pitcher Alexis Laudenslager fires a pitch in a 2022 game. Last Friday, senior Laudenslager pitched a one-hitter to help Princeton defeat Harvard 4-0 in the opener of a three-game set between the Ivy League frontrunners. A day later, Laudenslager got the win as the Tigers topped the Crimson 8-5 in the first game of a doubleheader. Princeton fell 6-5 in the nightcap as it moved to 21-16 overall and 14-4 Ivy, one game ahead of Harvard in the league standings. The Tigers play a doubleheader at Villanova on April 25 and then conclude Ivy regular season play with a three-game set at Dartmouth with a doubleheader on April 29 and a single game on April 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Alexis Laudenslager planned to keep it simple as she took the pitching circle for the Princeton University softball team against Harvard last Friday afternoon in the opener of a pivotal Ivy League three-game set.

“My goal was to throw a lot of strikes,” said Princeton senior right-hander Laudenslager.

“I have played them many times in my career and I have struggled to throw strikes and I knew they would be patient.” more

Sutcliffe Stepping Down from Guiding PHS Boys’ Soccer, Ending Storied 26-Year Tenure that Featured 2 State Crowns

FOND FAREWELL: Princeton High boys’ soccer head coach Wayne Sutcliffe surveys the action in a game last fall. Sutcliffe recently announced that he is stepping down from guiding the Tigers after 26 seasons at the helm of the program. During his storied tenure, the Tigers won a slew of championships including 19 Colonial Valley Conference division titles, seven Mercer County Tournaments, seven New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Central Jersey sectional crowns, two NJSIAA state finals (2014, 2017), and two NJSIAA state championships (2009, 2012). (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Wayne Sutcliffe faced some tough competition in 1997 when he put his hat in the ring in a bid to take the helm of the Princeton High boys’ soccer program.

“I was hired to replace Ron [Celestin],” said Sutcliffe, referring to the beloved and legendary Celestin, who had guided the program to a state title before leaving to become an assistant coach for the Princeton University women’s soccer team. “There were 50 applicants for the job and I got it.”

Sutcliffe, who previously coached at Moorestown Friends and served as the technical director for Moorestown soccer club, quickly realized he had landed in a hot seat. more

Back in Action After Being Sidelined Last Year by Injury, Henderson Emerging as Catalyst for PHS Girls’ Lacrosse

HAPPY RETURN: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Sarah Henderson celebrates after a goal in recent action. Junior attacker Henderson, who has returned to action this spring after being sidelined by a knee injury last season, has emerged as a key offensive weapon for the Tigers. Last Wednesday, Henderson tallied two goals and three assists to help PHS defeat Hopewell Valley 18-14. The Tigers, who lost 13-4 to Notre Dame last Thursday to move to 4-2, hosts Lawrence High on April 26, play at Lawrenceville School on April 28, and then host WW/P-North on May 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Sarah Henderson, getting on the field this year for the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team required some grit and persistence.

Injuring her right knee in August, 2021, Henderson was sidelined last spring as she underwent a grueling and painstaking rehab process.

Returning to action for the 2023 campaign, junior attacker Henderson has quickly established herself as a key offensive weapon for the Tigers. more