September 4, 2019

Tiger Men’s Soccer Can’t Rest on Laurels As it Goes After 2nd Straight Ivy Crown

TOOLING AROUND: Princeton University men’s soccer player Kevin O’Toole, right, battles for possession in a 2018 game. O’Toole was named the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and the junior midfielder/forward figures to be a go-to scorer for the Tigers again this fall. Princeton kicks off its 2019 season by playing at No. 10 Duke (2-0) on September 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Although the Princeton University men’s soccer team was thrilled to win the Ivy League title last fall, Jim Barlow knows that triumph will make things harder on this year’s squad.

“There has never been a Princeton men’s soccer team that has won back-to-back Ivy Titles,” said Princeton head coach Barlow, who guided the Tigers to a 10-5-3 overall record and 5-1-1 Ivy in 2018, winning the fifth league title in his 23-season tenure guiding the program.

“It is pretty rare in our league because there is so much parity in our league. The big challenge for us is understanding how difficult it was to win the league last year and not taking anything for granted this year. The target is going to be on us. Every team is going to know who won the league last year and rise to give a great effort against us. We have got to be prepared for that and have the right mentality to deal with that.” more

PU Women’s Soccer Battles Hard in Home Opener But Rally Falls Short in 2-1 Loss to Boston College

HIGH NOON: Princeton University women’s soccer player Caroline Noonan, right, goes up for a ball in a 2018 game. Last Sunday, sophomore midfielder Noonan notched the first goal of her career in a losing cause as Princeton fell 2-1 to Boston College in its home opener. The Tigers, now 1-1, host Boston University (0-3-1) on September 5 and Rutgers (4-0) on September 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University women’s soccer team hosted Boston College last Sunday night in its home opener, it was locked in a scoreless battle with the Eagles an half hour into the contest,

But then BC struck for two goals in a three-minute span as Sam Smith scored at the 30:39 mark and then at 33:43 and the game became an uphill battle for the Tigers.

Princeton responded with a goal by sophomore midfielder Caroline Noonan late in the first half and applied pressure on the Eagles for the rest of the night but couldn’t break through with the equalizer in losing 2-1. more

August 28, 2019

Fueled by Disappointing Loss in NCAA Tourney, PU Women’s Soccer Primed to Win 3rd Ivy Crown

HOLDING COURT: Princeton University women’s soccer player Courtney O’Brien controls the ball in a game last fall. Senior midfielder/forward O’Brien has emerged as a key attacking player for the Tigers, earning second-team All-Ivy League honors last fall as Princeton won its second straight Ivy title and third in the four years. The Tigers kick off their 2019 campaign this week by playing at St. Joseph’s (1-0-1) on August 30 and then hosting Boston College (2-0) on September 1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last fall, the Princeton University women’s soccer team displayed resolve and grit after it started 1-1-1 in Ivy League play.

Catching fire down the stretch, Princeton won its last four league games to earn its second straight Ivy crown and third in the four years.

But the excitement of that title run was dampened by how the season ended as Princeton fell 3-0 at Texas Tech in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“We didn’t give a very good account of ourselves and that left a really bad taste in everybody’s mouths,” said Princeton head coach Sean Driscoll, reflecting on the loss to the Red Raiders which left the Tigers with a final record of 11-4-2.

“There is something to be said for winning a couple of Ivy League championships in a row and still not being very satisfied. That is a good thing. In that sense, it has been positive motivation.” more

August 21, 2019

After Wrapping Up Career for PU Men’s Hockey, Veronneau Comes Home to Play for Ottawa Senators

HOMECOMING: Max Veronneau skating for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League this past winter. Former Princeton University star Veronneau ’19 tallied two goals and two assists in 12 games for the Senators, joining the team in late March days after the end of the Princeton season. Next month, Veronneau, an Ottawa native, will be heading to his first NHL training camp, looking to earn a spot with his hometown club. (Photo provided courtesy of the Ottawa Senators)

By Bill Alden

Max Veronneau grew up rooting for his hometown Ottawa Senators of the NHL.

“I was always a big Sens fan,” said Veronneau “I cheer for the Sens, I went to a lot of their games.”

After finishing a stellar career for the Princeton University men’s hockey team in March, Veronneau went through a whirlwind process in joining the NHL along with classmates and fellow Tigers stars Josh Teves and Ryan Kuffner and ended up by making a homecoming as he inked a deal with Ottawa. more

Ending PU Hockey Career with Goal Scoring Marks, Kuffner Looking to Stick with Detroit Red Wings

DETROIT TIGER: Ryan Kuffner heads up the ice last winter for the Detroit Red Wings. Former Princeton University standout Kuffner ’19 played in 10 games for the Red Wings after wrapping up a Tiger career that saw him set the program record for career goals with 75. Kuffner will be starting training camp with the Red Wings on September 13, looking to earn a spot with the club. (Photo provided courtesy of Detroit Red Wings)

By Bill Alden

Ryan Kuffner accomplished a lot individually during his career with the Princeton University men’s hockey team.

The 6’1, 195-pound forward ended his Princeton career this past March with program records in career goals (75), goals in a season (29 in 2017-18), and games played (132). He is second in career points with 152 and was a two-time All-American.

But looking back on his career, Kuffner credits his teammates with making those individual achievements possible

“It is more of a testament to who I was able to play with over the last four years,” said Kuffner, a native of Ottawa, Ontario.

“It is really incredible looking back on it, I was so lucky that we had such a great group of guys, especially our senior class. I got to play with Max [Veronneau], Alex [Riche], Spencer [Kryczka], and Josh [Teves]. Being the recipient of some of the awards is very special; I also think it can be attributed to the entire class.” more

August 14, 2019

After Stint With Vancouver Canucks Last Winter, PU Grad Teves Hungry to Earn NHL Roster Spot

CAN DO: Josh Teves, left, helps goalie Austin Shaw hold the fort in a game last winter for the Princeton University men’s hockey team. Star defenseman and team captain Teves ended up signing with the Vancouver Canucks after wrapping up his Princeton career. Teves made his NHL debut on March 26 in a 5-4 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Next month, Teves heads to training camp where he will look to earn a spot on the Canucks roster. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Josh Teves would have been fine with delaying the start of his professional ice hockey career, but now he’s grateful for the experience gained at the end of last winter.

Three days after the defending ECAC Hockey champion Princeton University men’s ice hockey team lost 6-5 in triple overtime to Brown on March 9 to fall in an ECACH first round series, star defenseman Teves signed with the Vancouver Canucks. On March 26, he made his NHL debut for the Canucks in a 5-4 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

“It was a crazy experience,” said Teves, a 6’0, 180-pound native of Calgary, Alberta, reflecting on his first taste of NHL action. more

August 7, 2019

Capping Busy Summer of International Hoops, PU Star Alarie Playing for U.S. in Pan Am Games 

PANNING OUT: Bella Alarie goes up for a shot last winter in in her junior season for the Princeton University women’s basketball team. This week, Alarie, a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, will be competing for the U.S. squad at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Never has Bella Alarie been so happy to have a list alphabetized as the Princeton University senior was the first name announced to make the United States women’s basketball team for the Pan American Games after tryouts this May in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“It’s just so exciting to hear your name called,” said the 6’4 Alarie, a native of Bethesda, Md. and a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year.

“I was kind of shaking a little bit. I was thinking, ‘I really did this.’ It’s hard to hear the other names called, but I made a lot of other friends and to hear some of their names called was just really exciting.”

Alarie is one of three players from the U-19 national team that won silver in the 2017 World Cup to make the squad which will be competing for the U.S. in the XVIII Pan Am games in Lima, Peru this week. more

July 31, 2019

After Circuitous Road Through Pro Baseball, PU Alum Hale Finding Home with Yankees  

BRONX TALE: Former Princeton University standout David Hale fires a pitch in recent action for the New York Yankees. Hale has emerged as a key middle relief pitcher this summer for the Yankees, going 3-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 19 games through July 29. (Photo provided courtesy of the New York Yankees, all rights reserved).

By Justin Feil

David Hale expected there would be some travel in his baseball career, but he could never had imagined the extent of it.

The Princeton University graduate has been around the world for baseball.

“It’s all more than I would have expected,” said Hale, who went on to graduate from Princeton in 2011 after being drafted in 2009.

“It was always a dream. I think that’s why I chose Princeton. I had the ability to go there and they were looking at me. Going to that school gave me a plan. Baseball was a back-up plan. I know how fast baseball can end so I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself to just be a baseball player. I’m glad I got my degree from Princeton. It’s something I hope to use someday.” more

July 24, 2019

Pursuing Olympic Dream by Excelling in 3×3 Hoops, PU Alum Maddox Playing for U.S. in Pan Am Games  

THREE BALL: Kareem Maddox goes up for a shot in the 2010-11 season during his senior campaign for the Princeton University men’s basketball team. Maddox, the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team All-Ivy League selection in 2011, is moving up the ranks in the United Stares 3×3 hoops program. Recently, he teamed up with Robbie Hummel, Damon Huffman, and Canyon Barry to help the U.S. defeat Latvia for its first World Cup championship title at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Amsterdam. In late June, Maddox was selected for the USA Men’s 3×3 Pan American Games team that will play in the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, from July 27-August 10. (Photo by Stephen Goldsmith)

By Justin Feil

Five years after former Princeton University men’s basketball star Kareem Maddox retired from playing professional ball overseas, he has a realistic shot at the 2020 Olympics.

After working as a radio host and producer in his hometown Los Angeles and then Colorado, the 2011 Princeton graduate has revived a chance at his childhood dream through 3×3 basketball which will be contested at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo for the first time.

“It’s unbelievable,” said the multi-talented 6’ 8, 220-pound Maddox.  more

July 17, 2019

Former PU Baseball Star Gross Bets On Himself, Ends Up Starring at Duke, Getting Drafted by Twins

GROSS PROFIT: Ben Gross fires a pitch in action this spring in a post-graduate season for the Duke University baseball team. Gross, a former Princeton High and Princeton University standout, went 8-4 with a 4.40 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 75 2/3 innings for the Blue Devils, helping the team advance to the NCAA Super Regional. Gross was chosen by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round of the MLB draft and is currently pitching for Elizabethton (Tenn.), the organization’s rookie-level farm team in the Appalachian League. (Photo provided courtesy of Duke Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Ben Gross bet on himself and it paid off big time.

After producing a second-team All-Ivy League campaign in 2018 in his senior season for the Princeton University baseball team, star pitcher Gross was picked by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the Major League Draft.

With a season of college eligibility remaining due to being sidelined by a shoulder injury, Gross declined to sign with the Astros and instead decided to play for Duke University where he had been accepted in a graduate business program. more

July 10, 2019

After Showing Mound Versatility for PU Baseball, Smith Finding a Good Fit with Angels Organization

RYAN’S HOPE: Ryan Smith delivers a pitch this spring in his senior season with the Princeton University baseball team. The recently graduated Smith was selected last month by the Los Angeles Angels in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. He is currently pitching for the Angels short season Class A team, the Orem Owlz in Utah. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Justin Feil

Whether it’s throwing a 95 mile-per-hour fastball or being fluent in Spanish to bond with his teammates, Ryan Smith has found a fit in professional baseball.

One day after Smith graduated from Princeton University on June 4, he was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

“It’s been a dream to be drafted and play professional baseball so obviously it’s pretty exciting,” said Smith, who grew up in Garden City, N.Y.

“I kind of had the idea in my head that I would be selected this year, so it was more of where, not if I would. Obviously I was hoping to get drafted as high as possible. The 18th round is a good round to get taken in, but obviously I would have loved to go higher. I can have a chip on my shoulder now.” more

July 3, 2019

Blossoming Into Star Receiver for PU Football, Carlson Now Aiming to Make Cleveland Browns

ON TO CLEVELAND: Stephen Carlson, right, fights past a Penn defender in action last fall during his senior season for the Princeton University football team. Star receiver Carlson made 51 receptions for 683 yards and five touchdowns in 2018 to help Princeton go 10-0, the program’s first perfect season since 1964. In late April, Carlson signed free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns of the NFL and is looking forward to starting training camp later this month. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Stephen Carlson seemingly came out of nowhere to emerge as a star receiver for the Princeton University football team in 2017.

After having played JV as a freshman in 2015 and making 11 catches on varsity the next fall, Carlson grabbed six receptions for 94 yards and three touchdowns in Princeton’s 27-17 win over San Diego in the 2017 season opener. more

June 26, 2019

Aiming to Lead PU Women’s Hoops to Greater Heights, New Head Coach Berube Emphasizing Drive, Character

IN GOOD HANDS: Carla Berube makes a point during her introductory press conference last Wednesday after taking the the helm of the Princeton University women’s basketball program. Berube is coming to Princeton after superb 17-year tenure as the head coach of the Tufts University women’s basketball team which saw her lead the Jumbos to a 384-96 recored in 17 seasons while reaching the NCAA Division III final twice, the Final Four four times, and the Sweet 16 nine times. She is succeeding Courtney Banghart, who left Princeton in late April to take over the University of North Carolina program. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

When the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team reached the waning moments of the 1995 NCAA championship game seeking its first national title, coach Geno Auriemma turned to a young sophomore guard Carla Berube.

Knowing that Berube had ice water in her veins, he called a play designed to get her to the free throw line, confident that she would come through. Berube drained those free throws as UConn went on to a 70-64 win over Tennessee and the crown.

Last Wednesday, Berube displayed that same coolness, holding her introductory press conference after recently being named as the head coach of the Princeton University women’s basketball program.  more

June 19, 2019

After Record-Setting Career for PU Football, Receiver Horsted Aiming to Make Chicago Bears

BEARING DOWN: Jesper Horsted races up the field last fall in his senior season for the Princeton University football team. After a stellar career for Princeton which saw Horsted set the program record in receptions (196) and touchdown catches (28), he recently signed a free agent contract with the Chicago Bears of the NFL. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Jesper Horsted was mobbed by teammates after snatching a one-handed pass at a recent Chicago Bears practice during organized team activities (OTAs).

It’s the sort of play Horsted’s Princeton University teammates have seen many times before from the former Minnesota Athlete of the Year who often flashed that kind of ability as a record-setting wide receiver for the Tigers. Yet it wasn’t as easy for the dynamic Horsted to get a chance in the pros as some would have expected after an Ivy League championship season in his senior year.

“There were definitely a lot of ups and downs,” said Horsted, a native of Shoreview, Minn., who set Princeton records in receptions (196) and touchdown catches (28). more

Used To Winning Big as UConn Player, Tufts Coach Berube Taking the Helm of Tiger Women’s Hoops

WINNING APPROACH: Carla Berube makes a point to her players during her tenure as the head coach of the Tufts University women’s basketball team. Berube was recently named to guide the Princeton University women’s program, succeeding Courtney Banghart, who left Princeton in late April to take over the University of North Carolina squad. At Tufts, Berube guided the Jumbos to a 384-96 record in 17 seasons. She enjoyed a stellar playing career for the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team which saw her score 1,381 points and help the Huskies go 132-8 and win the 1995 NCAA title. (Photo by SportsPix, provided courtesy of Tufts Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

After a stellar career at the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team which saw her score 1,381 points and help the Huskies go 132-8 and win the 1995 NCAA title followed by a season of pro ball, Carla Berube decided to take a break from the game.

“I was living in California after the ABL (American Basketball League) went under and I was out there for two years,” said Berube.

“I wanted to get away from basketball a little bit because it had been my life for however many years.” more

June 12, 2019

Squeezing the Most Out of its Potential, U Men’s Heavyweights Excelled at IRAs

HEAVY LIFTING: The Princeton University men’s heavyweight varsity eight shows its form in a race this spring. Earlier this month, the top boat placed sixth in the Grand Final at the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA) national championship regatta on Lake Natoma in Gold River, Calif. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Having coached in the Princeton University rowing program since the late 1990s, Greg Hughes boasts a reservoir of experience in bringing boats together.

But Hughes knew he had to be innovative this spring as he guided the Princeton men’s heavyweight crew, with the Tigers having graduated a number of key seniors and thereby breaking new faces into the lineup.

“It was an interesting year for me,” said Hughes, a former Princeton lightweight star rower who started as the coach for the Tiger freshman heavyweight crew before guiding the men’s lightweight program from 2006-09 and then taking the helm of the heavyweights in 2010.

“It was my 22nd year of coaching and what is so cool for me is to realize that you are still seeing new things and still learning. This was definitely one of those years.”

 more

May 29, 2019

Bringing his Unique Skill Set, Competitive Fire, PU Star Lovett Aiming to Make Kansas City Chiefs

LOVE OF THE GAME: Princeton University football star John Lovett enjoys the moment last November in the season finale as Princeton defeated Penn 42-14 to put the finishing touches on a 10-0 campaign. Quarterback Lovett went on the earn his second Bushnell Cup as the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. This April, he signed a free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

John Lovett is trying to prove himself all over.

The Princeton University senior football star has taken the same attitude to Kansas City Chiefs preseason camp that he had when he started with the Tigers.

“When he first got here, he just wanted to get on the field,” recalled Princeton football head coach Bob Surace. “He said, ‘Coach, I can long snap.’ I don’t know if he ever long snapped before, and he had no technique, but the ball went exactly where it was supposed to go faster than anyone else we had. He’s going to find his way to make the club.”

Surace never did let Lovett long snap — for fear of losing his job if his starting quarterback with NFL potential were to be hurt — but instead watched him grow into a player that the Tigers had to get on the field. It meant that Lovett played his favorite spot, quarterback, at times, but also lined up at running back and wide receiver. He could be doing the same for Kansas City. more

May 22, 2019

With Seniors Setting Tone for PU Open Crew,  Tigers Dominate Ivy Regatta, Make NCAAs

OPEN MINDED: Members of the Princeton University women’s open crew celebrate last Sunday at Cooper River in Pennsauken, N.J., after the program won the Ivy League championship regatta and earned the the league’s automatic spot in the upcoming NCAA Championships. The Tigers earned five first-place finishes at the event and will finish the season by competing in the NCAA regatta from May 31-June 2 in Indianapolis, Ind. (Photo by the Ivy League, provided courtesy of Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Bill Alden

Even though the Princeton University women’s open crew program had produced a superb regular season, highlighted by its varsity eight going undefeated, Lori Dauphiny was uneasy heading into the Ivy League Championships last weekend.

“I was more nervous than I have ever been in my life,” said Princeton head coach Dauphiny.

“I want the senior class to succeed because this class has brought so much to this team. I really want the best for this senior class so we can’t, as a group, fall short for them.”

The Princeton group rose to the occasion last Sunday, dominating the regatta as it placed first in the varsity four, the varsity four B, the third varsity eight, the second varsity eight, and the varsity eight. more

Special Journey Ends for PU Women’s Lax Seniors As Tigers Fall to Boston College in NCAA Quarters

FINAL SALVO: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kathryn Hallett heads upfield in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior midfielder Hallett scored four goals in a losing cause as seventh-seeded Princeton fell 17-12 at second-seeded Boston College in the NCAA quarterfinals. The defeat left the Tigers with a final record of 16-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Each senior on the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team had the chance to tell their story to the team before a game this season.

They would talk about their journey from freshman year until this, their senior year, through the ups and downs of being a Princeton student, of injuries and setbacks, and of triumphs and titles. It’s a tradition that started five years ago, just before this year’s senior class joined the program.

“It really does personalize everybody and give you a better sense that a lot of kids weren’t starters the moment they got here, and in some cases they had to wait their time and grow and improve, or fight through injury,” said Princeton head coach Chris Sailer.

“Ultimately they were good enough to earn a spot. It’s unusual to have so many seniors that played significant roles for us on the field. But they’re a great example of what can happen if you work hard and bring a great attitude.” more

May 15, 2019

George Helps PU Women’s Lax Storm Past Loyola, Tigers to Play at Boston College in NCAA Quarters

DRAWING ON HER EXPERIENCE: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Elizabeth George, right, controls the draw as Princeton defeated visiting Wagner 19-7 last Friday in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Two days later, senior star attacker George scored six goals to help the seventh-seeded Tigers defeat Loyola 17-13 in a second round contest. Princeton, now 16-3, will play at second-seeded Boston College, 20-1, in the NCAA quarterfinals on May 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Two years ago, a torrential downpour hit Class of 1952 Stadium as the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team hosted Cornell in the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Princeton star Elizabeth George was undeterred by the conditions, scoring four goals, including the last two of the game, as the Tigers prevailed 11-9.

Last Sunday, a chilly downpour greeted the players as seventh-seeded Princeton hosted Loyola in a second round contest of this year’s NCAA tourney.

History repeated itself as senior attacker George thrived on the damp day, scoring six goals to help the Tigers earn a 17-13 win over the Greyhounds. By virtue of the triumph, Princeton, now 16-3 and riding an 11-game winning streak, will play at second-seeded Boston College, 20-1, in the NCAA quarterfinals on May 18. more

May 8, 2019

Extending Win Streak to 9 in Winning Ivy Tourney, Princeton Women’s Lax Hosting NCAA Weekend

HEADING HOME: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Nonie Andersen unloads the ball in recent action. Last weekend, senior defender Anderson helped Princeton defeat Penn 13-9 in the Ivy League Tournament championship game. The Tigers, now 14-3, will begin play in the NCAA tournament this weekend where they are seeded seventh and will host the victor of the opening round game between Fairfield and Wagner in a first round game on May 10. The winner of that game will advance to a second round game on May 12 at Class of 1952 Stadium against the victor of the Loyola/Richmond first round game. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University women’s lacrosse team has accomplished two of its goals, and now begins the pursuit of their third and loftiest goal.

Having won the regular season Ivy League title for the sixth straight year and then the Ivy League Tournament for the second straight season, the seventh-seeded Tigers will host the winner of Fairfield and Wagner in the first round of the NCAA tournament on May 10 at Class of 1952 Stadium. Princeton comes off a 13-9 win over Penn for the Ivy tournament championship Sunday, and hope to extend their nine-game winning streak.

“We’ve met two of our goals this year, but we have a lot in front of us,” said Sailer.  more

After Building PU Women’s Hoops Into Ivy Power, Banghart Named to Guide North Carolina Program

KICKING UP HER HEELS: Courtney Banghart instructs her players on the Princeton University women’s basketball team during a game last winter. Last week, Banghart decided to leave Princeton to become the new head coach of the University of North Carolina women’s hoops program. After building Princeton into a dominate force in the Ivy League, Banghart will be looking to help the Tar Heels produce a reversal of fortune as they are coming off an 18-15 season with former head coach Sylvia Hatchell retiring under fire. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In 2007, Courtney Banghart took the helm of a struggling Princeton University women’s basketball program that was at a crossroad after a mediocre 13-15 campaign.

The former Dartmouth star and assistant coach Banghart, then 29, brought energy, smarts, and toughness to the Tigers eventually turning Princeton into an Ivy League powerhouse.

After going 21-37 in her first two seasons, Banghart led the Tigers to an unprecedented success as they made the NCAA tournament in eight of the last 10 years, with seven automatic bids and the league’s only at-large bid by a men’s or women’s team, for a run that has never been matched in Ivy League women’s history and has been done just once on the men’s side (Penn won nine of 11 from 1970-80). more

May 1, 2019

With Trio of Senior Stalwarts Leading the Way PU Men’s Volleyball Gets 1st NCAA Tourney Win

SENIOR MOMENT: Princeton University men’s volleyball senior players, from left, Kendall Ratter, Curry Short, and Billy Andrew enjoy the moment as the program held its Senior Day celebration before topping Penn State 3-0 on April 13. Last Thursday, the trio helped Princeton make history as it topped Barton 3-1 in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, earning the program’s first-ever win in the national tourney. The No. 13 Tigers, now 18-12 overall, were slated to play at No. 3 Pepperdine (22-6) in a quarterfinal contest slated for April 30 in Long Beach, Calif. (Photo provided Princeton’s Office of Athletic Communications)

By Justin Feil

Billy Andrew, Kendall Ratter, and Corry Short were barely out of diapers the last time the Princeton University men’s volleyball team won the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) championship.

Now the trio are seniors for a Tigers team that claimed not only its first EIVA title since 1998 with a 3-2 win over Penn State at Dillon Gym on April 20, but one week later picked up the first NCAA tournament win in program history, 3-1 over Barton last Thursday.

“It’s been incredible,” said Short, a 6’4 native of Lighthouse Point, Fla., who shared team-high honors with Joe Kelly, getting six digs against Barton as the Tigers prevailed 25-23, 25-21, 18-25, 25-20 and improved to 18-12 overall. more

PU Women’s Lax Edges Cornell for 6th Ivy Title, Tigers Heading to NYC for League Tournament

SIX SHOOTERS: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Tess D’Orsi sprints upfield in recent action. Last Saturday, junior star D’Orsi tallied four goals and two assists to help Princeton defeat Cornell 18-15 in its regular season finale. The 10th-ranked Tigers improved to 12-3 overall and 6-1 Ivy with the win over the Big Red, earning their sixth straight league regular season title in the process. This weekend, Princeton heads to New York City for the Ivy postseason tournament where it is seeded first and will face fourth-seeded Cornell in a semifinal contest on Friday. The victor will advance to the title game on May 5 against the winner of the other semi between third-seeded Penn and second-seeded Dartmouth. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

There was a chill in the air as the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team played at Cornell last Saturday in its regular season finale as snow showers hit Ithaca and the temperature hovered around 40.

Undeterred by the wintry conditions, Princeton got off to a hot start, jumping out to a 12-5 halftime lead.

“We were playing really well, we were winning the draws by a large margin in the first half and that allowed us to get those good possessions,” said Princeton head coach Chris Sailer. more

Building on Family’s Special Baseball Lineage, Boone Emerges as Star Shortstop For Princeton

NEXT GENERATION: Princeton University baseball player Jake Boone takes a big cut in recent action. Last Sunday, sophomore shortstop Boone went 3-for-4 with a run and an RBI in a losing cause as Princeton fell 11-5 to Brown. Boone, who comes from a long line of Major League players including his father (Bret), uncle (Aaron), grandfather (Bob), and great grandfather (Ray), is now hitting .308 with a team-high 48 hits. While the Tigers went 2-1 against Brown last weekend, the defeat eliminated them from a shot at the Ivy League Playoff Series. Princeton, now 13-23 overall and 8-10 Ivy, has a three-game set against St. John’s next weekend with a doubleheader in Jamaica, N.Y. on May 4 and a single game in Princeton on May 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jake Boone comes from an incredible baseball lineage as his father (Bret), uncle (Aaron), grandfather (Bob), and great grandfather (Ray) all enjoyed stellar Major League Baseball careers.

Upon graduating from Torrey Pines High in San Diego, Calif., in 2107, Boone had the chance to join the family business, getting selected in the 38th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft by the Washington Nationals.

But Boone opted instead to attend Princeton University and join its baseball program. more