FINISHING TOUCH: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Coulter Mackesy heads to goal in a game last year. Junior attacker Mackesy, who set a program record with 55 goals last year, figures to be the go-to finisher again for the Tigers this spring. No. 11 Princeton starts its 2024 campaign by playing at Monmouth on February 17 and then hosting Manhattan on February 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With nine of its senior stars from last season having entered the transfer portal to finish their college careers as graduate students at other schools, the Princeton University men’s lacrosse program is currently stocking such powers as Duke, Syracuse, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and Michigan.

But while the exodus of such talent leaves a void for Princeton as it heads into the 2024 campaign, the cupboard is hardly bare for the Tigers as they welcome back a mix of battle-tested veterans and a stellar incoming freshman class that has been ranked No. 1 by Inside Lacrosse. more

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Grace Tauckus looks to elude some foes in a game last spring. Senior attacker Tauckus, who scored 29 goals in 2023, figures to be a key offensive weapon for the Tigers this season. Princeton plays at No. 16 Virginia (2-0) on February 17 to open its 2024 campaign. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

After transition season in 2023, Jenn Cook is excited to see the improvements in this year’s Princeton University women’s lacrosse team.

The Tigers open their season this Saturday at No. 16 Virginia, who improved to 2-0 after a 10-9 win over Stanford on February 11. With Princeton coming off a 7-9 season last spring, the first at the helm for head coach Cook, who took over for the retired Chris Sailer, the program has been building through the fall and preseason practices to turn things around this spring. more

STEPPING UP: Princeton University women’s basketball player Chet Nweke puts up a shot in a game last season. On Saturday, senior Nweke scored a career-high 18 points to help No. 25 Princeton defeat Brown 76-63. The Tigers, now 17-3 overall and 7-0 Ivy League, play at Penn on February 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While Chet Nweke was excited to finally break into the starting lineup for the Princeton University women’s basketball team in late January after making 76 appearances off the bench, she now feels pressure to be on her toes from the opening tip-off.

“It has been a little bit of an adjustment for me,” said senior Nweke. “Coming off the bench for so long, I was able to let the other people figure out how to start the game defensively and then I will figure it out and see what they are doing. Now it is more important for me to be locked in from the start, having to know the scout right away and how we are defending certain actions.”

Last Saturday as Princeton hosted Brown before a crowd of 2,710 at Jadwin Gym, Nweke was locked in at both ends of the court, tallying nine points on 4-for-4 shooting to help the Tigers build a 29-12 lead early in the second quarter. Never looking back, No. 25 Princeton went on to a 76-63 win over the Bears, improving to 17-3 overall and 7-0 Ivy League. more

BIG JAKE: Princeton University men’s hockey player David Jacobs sends the puck up the ice in action last season. Last Friday, sophomore forward Jacobs scored the lone goal for Princeton as it fell 5-1 to Dartmouth. The Tigers, now 7-12-2 overall and 5-8-1 ECAC Hockey, play at Clarkson on February 9 and at St. Lawrence on February 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Getting last week off to a good start, the Princeton University men’s hockey team pulled out a 4-3 win over West Point in overtime on Tuesday to snap a six-game losing streak.

Hosting Dartmouth last Friday, Princeton seemingly brought momentum from the win over Army in the first period as it carried play for the most part. more

SMALL WONDER: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ashley Chea dribbles upcourt in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, 5’8 freshman guard Chea tallied 11 points with four assists and three steals off the bench to help Princeton defeat Cornell 85-47. The Tigers, now 15-3 overall and 5-0 Ivy League, host Yale on February 2 and Brown on February 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Standing at 5’8, Ashley Chea is usually one of the shortest players on the court when she is in action for the Princeton University women’s basketball team.

But freshman guard Chea has made a big impact in her debut season for the Tigers, emerging as a key spark of the bench, averaging 5.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per game. more

ON HER TOES: Princeton University women’s basketball player Chet Nweke guards a Columbia player last Saturday. Senior Nweke made her first career start in the contest and contributed nine points and six rebounds to help the Tigers prevail 80-65 over the Lions. Princeton, now 14-3 overall and 4-0 Ivy League, hosts Cornell on January 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Women’s college basketball is currently enjoying a golden age with record crowds, unprecedented television coverage, and the emergence of stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese capturing national attention.

Last Saturday afternoon in a microcosm of the buzz around the sport, the Princeton University women’s hoops team hosted Columbia in a clash of Ivy League titans that entertained the raucous crowd of 1,873 braving arctic chill to show up at Jadwin Gym for the spectacle.

With the contest being broadcast nationally on ESPN News and the 2024 NCAA Division I championship trophy on display behind one of the baskets, the rivals, who were tied for first in the league standings, produced a riveting battle which saw Princeton overcome a 37-33 halftime deficit to pull away to an 80-65 win and improve to 14-3 overall and 4-0 Ivy.  more

EVEN KUEHL: Princeton University women’s hockey player Jane Kuehl streaks up the ice in a game last year. Last Friday, Kuehl scored a short-handed goal as Princeton lost 5-3 to Cornell in a game that saw the Tigers rally from a 3-0 deficit only to fall short. Princeton, who lost 6-0 to Colgate last Saturday to move to 12-7-3 overall and 5-7-3 ECAC Hockey, play at Brown on January 26 and at Yale on January 27. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Jane Kuehl, joining the Princeton University women’s hockey team last year was a family affair.

Coming to Princeton she was reunited with older sister, Annie, a star forward on the Tigers who helped inspire the younger Kuehl to get into the game.

“Seeing her play, I got competitive and I really wanted to play with her and against her,” said sophomore forward Kuehl of her older sister, who is in her senior season for the Tigers. “Luckily I have had the opportunity to play with her here.” more

LOCKED IN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco puts up a shot past Monday as Princeton hosted Dartmouth. Senior guard Allocco tallied a career-high and game-high 25 points to help the Tigers defat the Big Green 76-58. Princeton, now 14-1 overall and 2-0 Ivy League, plays at Columbia on January 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over the last few weeks, Matt Allocco has been a little banged up and not quite at 100 percent for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

Last Monday as Princeton hosted Dartmouth, senior guard Allocco was back at full throttle, draining three 3-pointers in the first half as Princeton jumped out to a 43-30 lead at intermission. Allocco kept firing away, tallying a career-high 25 points as Princeton pulled away to a 76-58 win over the Big Green before a crowd of 3,872 at Jadwin Gym. more

RIDING HIGH: Quincy Monday, top, dominates a foe in a bout last winter in his senior season for the Princeton University wrestling team. Monday has stayed at Princeton as an assistant coach for the Tiger wrestling program while continuing his competitive career. Monday won the 74-kilogram freestyle title at the Senior National Championships in mid-December, qualifying him for the Olympic Trials taking place from April 18-19 at Penn State University. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

For the first time in Quincy Monday’s life, his dad was not rooting for him.

Monday, a two-time top-three NCAA Wrestling Championships finisher in 2022 and 2023 for Princeton University, is now an assistant coach for the Tigers, who hosted Morgan State coached by his father, Kenny Monday, a 1988 Olympic gold medalist wrestler and 1984 NCAA champion, last Saturday.

“It was amazing to have them be able to come to Princeton and wrestle against us after I wrestled at Princeton for so many years and my parents have supported me there,” said the younger Monday, a 2023 Princeton grad. “It was a full circle where he’s gone on to lead this next generation of wrestlers at Morgan State. It was really great to have them in and have both of us be honored.” more

NO TURNING BACK: Princeton University men’s hockey player Noah de la Durantaye controls the puck in action last winter. Last Saturday, junior defenseman de la Durantaye tallied a goal as Princeton fell 3-1 to No. 5 Quinnipiac. The Tigers, now 6-9-2 overall and 5-5-1 ECAC Hockey, play at Cornell on January 19 and at Colgate on January 20. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing at No. 5 Quinnipiac last Friday evening, the Princeton University men’s hockey team dug an early hole, falling behind 6-1 in the first period on the way to a disappointing 9-2 defeat to the Bobcats.

With Princeton hosting Quinnipiac a night later in the home-and-home set, Noah de la Durantaye and his Tiger teammates were primed to bounce back.

“Listen, I think it is no secret that we were all a little embarrassed by our performance last night but you know what, it is a new day, that is the mentality,” said junior defenseman de la Durantaye, a 6’1, 205-pound native of Montreal, Quebec. “It is chalk it up to experience, move on. I think the guys did a really good job of compartmentalizing that and just pushing forward.” more

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee heads to the hoop in recent action. Last Saturday, sophomore Lee poured in a career-high 33 points as Princeton routed visiting Harvard 89-58 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. Lee was later named the Ivy Player of the Week for the second time this season. The Tigers, now 13-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy, host Dartmouth on January 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

As the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Harvard last Saturday afternoon in the Ivy League opener for both teams, Zach Martini kept the Tigers in the game with some yeoman’s work as they got off to a shaky start.

Senior forward Martini drained a 3-pointer, hit a lay-up, and made a steal that led to a Matt Allocco bucket as Princeton trailed 11-7 in the early going.

“It was fortunate that I made a few shots to start the game because there were a little bit of jitters going into the first Ivy League game,” said Martini. “To see that first one fall really gives me the utmost confidence to start the game off and play the way I want to play on both sides of the floor. They got back to a little bit of a lead, but we got comfortable and started scoring the ball inside, which helps me score.” more

SPECIAL KAI: Princeton University men’s hockey player Kai Daniells fires a shot last Saturday against Harvard. Freshman forward Daniells tallied an assist and the go-ahead goal as Princeton rallied from a 2-0 second period deficit to top Harvard 5-2. The Tigers, now 6-5-2 overall and 5-3-1 ECAC Hockey, play a two-game set at New Hampshire on January 5 and 6. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Kai Daniells is looking to establish himself as a playmaker for the Princeton University men’s hockey team while Nick Carabin is trying to set a good example for the squad’s younger players.

Freshman forward Daniells has been gaining a comfort level as he has adjusted to college hockey.

“The biggest thing is getting used to your linemates and teammates, getting comfortable and confidence,” said Daniells. “That is the biggest thing and just trust yourself to make plays. I think a lot of the growing pains are out of the way for sure. I want to build on that and keep going.” more

GOOD DAY: Princeton University men’s basketball player Dalen Davis dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last Friday, freshman guard Davis scored 10 points to help Princeton defeat Division III Delaware Valley 84-53. The Tigers, now 11-1, play at Delaware on December 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Dalen Davis is a unicorn for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

The first product from the Chicago Public League to play for an Ivy League program, Davis has made an early impact as a trailblazer. Davis played a team-high 31 minutes and scored 10 points as Princeton improved to 11-1 with an 84-53 win over Division III Delaware Valley on Friday, his latest step in adjusting to school and college basketball.

“I’m just learning from older guys, from the starters,” said Davis. “They’ve been there – Sweet 16 run last year – so it’s been a blessing to learn from them and all the upperclassmen, even the sophomores too. Time management is probably the best thing. It’s Princeton, just managing both at the same time. And also health. I’ve been sick a lot and dealing with a lot of health issues. So time management all around.” more

SHOOTING STAR: Princeton University women’s basketball player Madison St. Rose puts up a shot in a game last season. Last Wednesday, sophomore guard St. Rose tallied 17 points as Princeton defeated Rutgers 66-55. The Tigers, now 8-3, are next in action when they play at Vermont on December 29. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After struggling early on last winter to get up to speed in her freshman season with the Princeton University women’s basketball team, Madison St. Rose has developed a self-assurance based on that experience and some grinding in the offseason.

“I am more confident and comfortable with the whole Princeton system and just how everything works,” said sophomore guard St. Rose. “I feel like last year, I was adjusting. I had a really hard time adjusting just because of the fast pace and constantly lifting. It took a toll on my body. I felt like my working over the summer and just trying to get myself ahead definitely made me a better player.”

Last Wednesday against visiting Rutgers, St. Rose didn’t waste any time displaying the dividends of that work, pouring in 10 points to help the Tigers jump out to an 18-5 lead over the Scarlet Knights. more

ACTION JACKSON: Princeton University men’s basketball player Jackson Hicke dribbles upcourt last Wednesday as Princeton hosted Division III foe Bryn Athyn. Freshman guard Hicke posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds to help the Tigers roll to a 92-40 win over the Lions. Princeton, now 10-1, hosts Delaware Valley on December 22. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Jackson Hicke scored six points with four rebounds in 59 minutes off the bench over his first nine appearances this season in his freshman campaign for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

Last Wednesday as Princeton hosted Division III foe Bryn Athyn, guard Hicke got some extended playing time and made the most of the opportunity, tallying 12 points with 15 rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes as Princeton rolled to a 92-40 win over the Lions.

“It was great, I had a couple of long stretches for sure,” said Hicke, a 6’5, 200-pound native of Radnor, Pa., who made 3 of 4 shots, including 2 of 2 from 3-point range and 4 of 4 from the foul line. “The starters came out and played so well and gave us the opportunity to play some minutes.” more

TOP OF THE HILL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Parker Hill looks to unload the ball in recent action. Last Wednesday, junior forward Hill scored a career-high 14 points to help Princeton defeat Quinnipiac 79-70. The Tigers, who edged Villanova 61-58 last Monday to improve to 7-3, host Rutgers on December 13. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Over her first two seasons with the Princeton University women’s basketball team, Parker Hill toiled in a reserve role, appearing in 39 games with no starts and just 210 minutes of action.

After riding the bench for the first seven games this winter, junior forward Hill broke into the starting lineup on December 3 against Rhode Island in a 60-58 loss. Last Wednesday night as Princeton hosted Quinnipiac, Hill got her second start and first at Jadwin Gym.

While excited to finally be a starter, Hill is not changing her approach to the game. more

JACKED UP: Princeton University men’s hockey player Jack Cronin battles a foe in action last winter. Last Saturday, junior forward Cronin scored the game-tying goal in the third period as the Tigers skated to a 2-2 draw with Sacred Heart at Hobey Baker Rink. The Tigers, who moved to 5-5-2 with the tie, are on exam break for the next two weeks and will return to action when they host Harvard on December 30. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In the first six weeks of this season, the Princeton University men’s hockey team has displayed a propensity for battling back from early deficits.

Four times in its first 10 games, Princeton overcame early deficits to pull out three victories and a shootout win.

Last Saturday, the Tigers produced another comeback, trailing Sacred Heart 1-0 and 2-1 before tying the game at 2-2 in the third period and forcing overtime. The foes remained tied through overtime. The teams did end the evening with an exhibition shootout, which saw the Pioneers outscore Princeton 2-1. more

SEMI-TOUGH: Princeton University men’s water polo player George Caras races up the pool in recent action. Junior Caras starred as fourth-seeded Princeton topped UC Irvine 12-7 in the NCAA quarterfinals last Friday before falling 17-13 to top-seeded UCLA in the semis a day later at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The Tigers finished the season with a 28-6 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Mason Killion’s goal brought the Princeton University men’s water polo team even with top-seeded UCLA in the fourth quarter of the NCAA semifinals Saturday.

The fourth-seeded Tigers stood seven minutes away from reaching the championship game where they could play for the national title goal they had been aiming for all season.

UCLA, though, responded with the next three goals to put the Tigers in a deficit that they couldn’t claw back from in a 17-13 loss in a game played at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Princeton drew as close as 14-12 with 2:52 before UCLA scored twice in the next 24 seconds to end the Tigers year at 28-6 overall after securing their third straight Northeast Water Polo Conference Championship to earn another trip to the NCAAs. more

GOING TO THE MATT: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco heads to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior guard Allocco drained a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give Princeton a dramatic come-from-behind 70-69 win over Furman. The Tigers, who moved to 8-0 with the victory, were slated to host Drexel on December 5 before playing at Saint Joseph’s on December 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

The cheers started early Saturday afternoon as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Furman.

In a pregame ceremony, Princeton’s magical run to the NCAA Sweet 16 this past March was celebrated and a banner memorializing the achievement was unfurled from the rafters at Jadwin Gym to the applause of the 2,142 on hand for the contest.

About two hours later, the Jadwin crowd erupted in a frenzy with a full-throated roar after the Tigers, displaying the mettle that exemplified their March Madness success, rallied from a 61-50 deficit late in the second half to stun the Paladins 70-69 on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by senior star Matt Allocco. more

X-FACTOR: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee drives past a Northeastern defender last Saturday as Princeton hosted the Huskies in its home opener. Sophomore guard Lee poured in a career-high 30 points to help the Tigers prevail 80-66. Lee was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. Princeton, now 6-0, plays at Bucknell on November 29 before hosting Furman on December 2 and Drexel on December 5. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University men’s basketball team having played its first five games away from Jadwin Gym this season, Xaivian Lee was happy to be back home as the Tigers hosted Northeastern last Saturday afternoon.

“We had a great crowd, it is always good play in front of someone rooting for you,” said Princeton sophomore guard Lee. “Every game has been on the road, so it was nice to be home for sure. Coach (Mitch Henderson) always says the cuts are a little faster. I find our shots go in a little more. It is definitely good to play here.” more