November 29, 2023

Sparked by 30-Point Outburst from Sophomore Star Lee, Princeton Men’s Hoops Tops Northeastern, Improves to 6-0

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

Feasting Over Thanksgiving at Big-Time Florida Event, Princeton Women’s Hoops Goes 1-1, Moves into Top 25

ROSY OUTLOOK: Princeton University women’s basketball player Madison St. Rose dribbles upcourt in recent action. Last Thursday, sophomore guard St. Rose scored 24 points to help Princeton defeat No. 20 Oklahoma 77-63 in the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off. Two days later, St. Rose chipped in 11 points in a losing cause as the Tigers fell 72-63 to No. 19 Indiana to wrap up play in the Fort Myers event. The Tigers, now 4-2, made it into the Associated Press Top 25 poll this week, getting ranked at No. 25. In upcoming action, Princeton hosts Seton Hall on November 29 and plays at Rhode Island on December 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

A Top-20 win for the Princeton University women’s basketball team made the team’s Thanksgiving feast taste all the better.

The Tigers enjoyed a holiday meal together last Thursday in Florida after defeating No. 20 Oklahoma, 77-63, earlier in the day in the first game of the Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers (Fla.) Tip-Off.

“It was great,” said Princeton head coach Carla Berube. “It was fun playing early in the afternoon and then we had a big Thanksgiving feast with the whole team and the families that were there. It was really nice. It was fun to all be together for the holiday and getting a big W on top of it.”

Princeton dropped the second game of the tournament, 72-63, to No. 19 Indiana on Saturday to move to 4-2 overall. The Tigers will be home for the first time since their season opener when they host Seton Hall at Jadwin Gym on Wednesday. more

Coming Up Short in a Season of Nail-Biters, PU Football Turning Focus to Making Corrections

TENSE CAMPAIGN: Princeton University football head coach Bob Surace surveys the action in a game this fall. It was a season of nail-biters for the Tigers as they went 5-5 overall and 4-3 Ivy League with their two non-conference losses coming by three points each and their Ivy defeats coming in two overtime contests and a two-point setback. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

If this fall had been governed by the rules used in 1995, the Princeton University football team would have earned a share of the Ivy League title.

In its seven Ivy contests, Princeton went 4-1 in games decided in regulation and tied the two others. In 1995, that would have left the Tigers at 4-1-2 and in a tie for the title. But with college football adopting overtime in 1996, there are no longer ties and Princeton saw its ties turn into losses. more

November 22, 2023

PU Men’s Water Polo Edges Harvard in NWPC Final, Now Heading to NCAAs Aiming to Win National Title

CRIMSON TIDE: Princeton University men’s water polo player Yurian Quinones pressures a Harvard player in regular season action. Last Sunday, senior Quinines scored a goal and helped key a stifling defensive effort as Princeton defeated Harvard 8-5 in the final of the Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) tournament at Cambridge, Mass. The triumph gave the Tigers their third straight NWPC title, a program first. Princeton, which improved to 27-5 with the win over the Crimson, will now compete in the NCAA tournament where they are seeded fourth and will face UC Irvine in a first round contest on December 1 at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

The Princeton University men’s water polo team came into the season with the goal of returning to the NCAA Championship field to win it all.

It is an enormous goal that came with the assumption that the Tigers would win another Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) Championship to earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAAs. The Tigers had manhandled conference rival Harvard in their first meeting of the season, 17-11, even without one of their top players.

The NWPC title became a little less certain when Princeton lost 14-13 to Harvard in double overtime in their regular-season meeting on October 29 three weeks before the NWPC tournament.

When both Princeton and Harvard won their NWPC semifinals Saturday, it set up a rubber match that meant a lot more than just who would win the season series.

Princeton went into the final treating the game as a qualifying game for NCAAs.

 more

With Freshman Goalie Smith Coming Up Big, Tiger Men’s Hockey Edges Cornell 2-1 in OT

Princeton Men’s hockey hosts Cornell on November 18, 2023.

KING ARTHUR: Princeton University men’s hockey goalie Arthur Smith guards the crease in recent action. Last Saturday night, freshman Smith made 36 saves to help Princeton defeat Cornell 2-1 in overtime. The Tigers, now 3-2-1 overall and 3-2-1 ECAC Hockey, play a two-game set at Ohio State on November 24 and 25. (Photo provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Arthur Smith has fit in quickly with the Princeton University men’s hockey team as he has joined the program this winter as a freshman goalie.

“The older guys do a really good job of doing the right things all of the time,” said Smith.

“It doesn’t really feel like I am a freshman, it feels like I am just a new person in the culture. They do a good job of making sure that we are all held to the same standard, it doesn’t matter if you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior.”

Last Friday, Princeton didn’t live up to its standard as it fell behind 5-1 to visiting Colgate midway through the second period. Smith came on in relief at that point and calmed things down, making eight saves as the Tigers fought back before falling 6-3.
 more

Opportunistic Princeton Football Forces 7 Turnovers To Defeat Penn 31-24 in Season Finale, End Fall at 5-5

WIZARD OF OZ: Princeton University linebacker Ozzie Nicholas celebrates after a big play in a game earlier this fall. Last Saturday, senior star Nicholas ended his Princeton career on a high note, making eight tackles and recovering a fumble to help the Tigers defeat Penn 31-24 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia in the season finale. Princeton ended the season at 5-5 overall and 4-3 Ivy League. Nicholas, for his part, led the Tigers and the league with 104 tackles. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After the Princeton University football team suffered a heartbreaking 36-28 double overtime loss to Yale in its home finale on November 11 to get eliminated from the Ivy League title race, it could have gone through the motions as it ended the fall at Penn last Saturday.

But in the wake of the defeat to Yale, Princeton senior quarterback Blake Stenstrom vowed that the Tigers would go out in 2023 with a bang, not a whimper, as they faced the Quakers at venerable Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

“If this team is the team I believe it to be we are going to come out and we are going to attack practice regardless of what awaits us,” said Stenstrom. “Guys are going to fight and go out on a high note. There were a lot of tough ones this season and at the end of last season, and guys have never quit.”

 more

With New Coach Dubuque Bringing Energy, PU Wrestling Finishes 3rd at Navy Classic

STOUT DEFENSE: Princeton University wrestler Luke Stout, right, battles a foe in a bout last winter. Last Saturday, junior Stout placed first in the 197-pound weight class at the Navy Classic in Owings Mills, Md. Stout’s heroics helped Princeton finish third in the team standings at the event, which was won by Nebraska. The Tigers, who are being guided by new head coach Joe Dubuque, are next in action when they host Indiana on December 3 at Jadwin Gym in their first dual of the season. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Joe Dubuque was thrust into a whirlwind when he took the helm of the Princeton University wrestling program in mid-September.

With head coach Chris Ayes unexpectedly leaving Princeton to guide the Stanford program, longtime assistant Dubuque was promoted to guide the Tigers.

“The time was a little hectic when I got the job, three days later we had our largest recruiting visit so that was a little stressful,” said Dubuque, speaking recently at the program’s media day. “It was doing some new things that I wasn’t in charge of before while also doing the things I was in charge of prior. The first two weeks were stressful. Now I feel like I have my legs under me.”

 more

November 15, 2023

Hiltunen Gets Lone Tally, Goalie McCamey Posts Shutout As PU Women’s Soccer Tops Michigan in NCAA Opener

TUNED IN: Princeton University women’s soccer player Lexi Hiltunen, right, goes after the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Friday night, senior forward Hiltunen scored the lone goal as Princeton defeated Michigan in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Tigers, now 10-5-3, will play at Texas Tech (16-1-4) on November 17 in a second round contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Lexi Hiltunen and Tyler McCamey could feel the pressure rising at opposite ends of the Roberts Stadium pitch.

The Princeton University women’s soccer team’s NCAA tournament first round game Friday against visiting Michigan remained scoreless through the first half and as the clock ticked toward the final 15 minutes of regulation. The Tigers had chances, twice hitting the cross bar, but hadn’t been able to score. more

Senior QB Stenstrom Undergoes Emotional Roller-Coaster As PU Football Falls to Yale in OT, Ending Ivy Title Hopes

LAST FLING: Princeton University quarterback Blake Stenstrom fires a pass last Saturday as Princeton hosted Yale. Playing in his final home game as a Tiger, senior Stenstrom connected on 20-of-36 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown in a losing cause as Princeton fell 36-28 to the Bulldogs in double overtime to get knocked out of the Ivy League title race. The Tigers, now 4-5 overall and 3-3 Ivy, play at Penn (6-3, 3-3 Ivy) on November 18 in their season finale. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Blake Stenstrom experienced an emotional roller-coaster as the Princeton University football team hosted Yale last Saturday in his last home game as a Tiger.

The day started with the annual Senior Day ceremony as Stenstrom and his classmate were introduced one by one before the game, escorted by their families onto the field.

“It is really special to play at Princeton, it has been a fantastic experience,” said quarterback Stenstrom, who transferred to Princeton from Colorado. “I think the culture of the team is what stands out, and just the guys who are on it. I am super honored to have been part of Princeton football for three year. I am going to miss the guys and the relationships I have built with them. You can’t put into words just how amazing my experience has been. It has been a blessing and I will miss it for sure.” more

With Battle-Tested Veterans Displaying Toughness, Tiger Men’s Basketball Produces Superb 2-0 Start

STRONG START: Princeton University men’s basketball player Caden Pierce dribbles upcourt in a recent practice session. Last Friday, sophomore forward Pierce scored a career-high 26 points and had 15 rebounds to help Princeton defeat Hofstra 74-67. He was later named the Ivy League Player of the Week. The Tigers, now 2-0, play at Duquesne on November 15 and at Monmouth on November 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

While the Princeton University men’s basketball program lost some key players to graduation from the squad that made a run to the NCAA Sweet 16 last March, the 2023-24 team appears to retained one of the chief qualities that led to that success.

Opening the season on November 6 by topping Rutgers 68-61 in the Jersey Jam at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, the Tigers displayed the resilience that made them so hard to beat last season down the stretch last winter. more

November 8, 2023

PU Football Rallies From Early Deficit at Dartmouth, But Loses 23-21 to Big Green, Hurting Ivy Title Hopes

TOUGH GOING: Princeton University running back John Volker gets corralled in a game earlier this season. Last Friday night, junior Volker rushed for two touchdowns in a losing cause as Princeton fell 23-21 at Dartmouth. The Tigers, now 4-4 overall and 3-2 Ivy League, host Yale (5-3 overall, 3-2 Ivy) on November 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing at Dartmouth last Friday night, the Princeton University football team outgained the Big Green 356 yards to 197 and outscored then 21-13 over the last three quarters.

But committing some key miscues in the first quarter and falling behind Dartmouth 10-0, the Tigers fought an uphill battle all night. 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

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

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

Sparked by Quartet with Ties to PU Men’s Lax Program, Archers Broke Through to Finally Win PLL Championship

STICKING TOGETHER: The quartet, from left, of midfielder Ryan Ambler, head coach Chris Bates, assistant coach Brian Kavanagh, and midfielder Tom Schreiber show off the trophy they earned after helping the Archers win the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship in late September. All four have ties to the Princeton University men’s lacrosse program as Ambler ’16, Schreiber ’14, and Kavanagh ’14 played for the Tigers while Bates served as the head coach of the team from 2010-16. (Photo provided courtesy of the PLL)

By Phil Shore

Down by one goal in the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) championship game on September 24 with two seconds remaining, Waterdogs midfielder Jake Carraway unleashed a two-point shot that was deflected by Archers goalie Brett Dobson and went out of bounds with 0.6 seconds remaining. Waterdogs attackman Michael Sowers picked up the ball and tried to throw a desperation pass to the crease, but the horn blew signaling the end of the game and a 15-14 win for the Archers.

A relieved Archers assistant coach Brian Kavanagh turned and hugged head coach Chris Bates, the man who not only first brought him on staff as a 26-year-old but recruited him and coached him for the Princeton University men’s lax team. He then turned and hugged fellow assistant coach Tony Resch — who was Bates’s teammate with the Major Indoor Lacrosse League’s Philadelphia Wings in the early 1990s — when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Archers midfielder and team captain Tom Schreiber, his classmate at Princeton, dumping the cooler of Gatorade over Bates’ head. more

October 11, 2023

Junior Receiver Barber has Career Day in Losing Cause As Princeton Football Gets Edged 12-9 by Lafayette

BREAKING OUT: Princeton University football player AJ Barber races upfield last Saturday as Princeton hosted Lafayette. Junior receiver Barber made seven receptions for a career-high 156 yards against the Leopards but it wasn’t enough as the Tigers fell 12-9. Princeton, now 2-2 overall and 1-0 Ivy League, starts its Ivy stretch drive by playing at Brown (2-2 overall, 0-1 Ivy) on October 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

AJ Barber got an inspirational message from a gridiron legend before he took the field for the Princeton University football against visiting Lafayette last Saturday.

Barber, the son of former NFL All-Pro and New York Giants star running back Tiki Barber, heard from his father as usual.

“Every single game he texts me saying good luck, I love you and I really appreciate that,” said junior receiver Barber. “I know he believes in me.”

Barber justified that belief against Lafayette, producing a career game, making seven receptions for a personal-best 156 yards in a losing cause as the Tigers fell 12-9 to the Leopards before a crowd of 4,059 at Princeton Stadium. more

Senior Star Murphy Making the Most of Every Minute As PU Field Hockey Stays In the Mix for Ivy Tourney

MURPHY’S LAW: Princeton University field hockey player Bridget Murphy battles an opponent for the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior Murphy tallied a goal to force overtime as Princeton hosted Penn but the Tigers ultimately fell 3-2 to the Quakers in the second extra period. Princeton rebounded with a 2-0 win over Brown two days later and then lost 2-0 to No. 12 Syracuse last Sunday. The Tigers, now 5-7 overall and 3-1 Ivy League, host Harvard (9-3 overall, 4-0 Ivy) on October 14 in a critical Ivy contest. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Bridget Murphy’s debut for the Princeton University field hockey team in 2021 lasted only six seconds.

Murphy, then a sophomore, took a blast on the foot on the first play against North Carolina in the season opener, suffering a bruised foot, dislocated fibula, and torn muscle. Showing tenacity, Murphy made it back to the field weeks later.

Rising through the ranks, Murphy was a key reserve for the Tigers last year and has emerged as a star in her senior campaign.

Murphy has enjoyed taking a leading role this fall. more

Sparked by Sophomore Ittycheria’s Finishing Touch, PU Men’s Soccer Tops Columbia 4-0 for Key Ivy Win

MAKING HIS POINT: Princeton University men’s soccer player Danny Ittycheria, right, celebrates after a goal in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, sophomore forward Ittycheria tallied two goals to help Princeton defeat Columbia 4-0. The Tigers, now 4-4-1 overall and 1-1-1 Ivy League, were slated to play at Seton Hall on October 10 before resuming Ivy action with a game at Cornell on October 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Danny Ittycheria has worried less about himself and more about the team in his second season with the Princeton University men’s soccer team.

The result has the sophomore forward making a bigger impact for the Tigers.

Ittycheria scored twice in a game for the second time this season to help Princeton defeat Columbia, 4-0, Saturday in an Ivy League matchup. The win helped Princeton improve to 4-4-1 overall, 1-1-1 in Ivy League play. more

October 4, 2023

With Defense Holding the Fort Against Columbia, PU Football Produces Late Drive to Prevail 10-7

DRIVE TIME: Princeton University quarterback Blake Stenstrom fires a pass in a game last year. Last Friday night, senior Stenstrom engineered a 20-play, 81-yard fourth quarter drive against visiting Columbia that related in the game-winning touchdown as Princeton prevailed 10-7. The Tigers, now 2-1 overall and 1-0 Ivy League, host Lafayette (4-1) on October 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Princeton University quarterback Blake Stenstrom could have hung his head when he threw a screen pass that was picked off and returned for a touchdown by a Columbia defender last Friday night as Princeton found itself trailing 7-3 in the third quarter.

“That was a tough one because it was kind of a weird play in football, it doesn’t happen very often,” said senior star Stenstrom. “It was so sudden, they were up. All of the offensive coaches always talk about next play mentality so that was the thought right away — next play, just move on.” more