February 15, 2023

With Coach Cook Taking the Helm of PU Women’s Lax, Tigers Starting New Era When They Host Virginia in Opener

ON THE ATTACK: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Kate Mulham heads upfield in a game last season. Senior attacker Mulham, who tallied 35 goals and 13 assists in 2022, figures to be a key offensive weapon for the Tigers this spring. Princeton, which will be guided by new head Jenn Cook, the successor to Chris Sailer, who retired last spring after guiding the program for 36 seasons, opens its 2023 season by hosting No. 13 Virginia on February 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

A new era kicks off at noon Saturday for the Princeton University women’s lacrosse program when it hosts Virginia in Class of 1952 Stadium.

It will be the first game at the helm for new head coach Jenn Cook, the successor to Chris Sailer, who retired after her 36th season with the Tigers concluded last spring. Cook brings familiarity to the program as a former assistant to Sailer, but also a different energy and approach in her first head coaching job. She, her staff and her players are ready to prove that Princeton is as good as ever.

“It’s been awesome,” said Cook, who is entering her 11th season with the program, having previously served as an assistant coach and associate head coach. “Our kids are tremendously motivated and hungry. They have come back ready to go.”

The Tigers are focused on who they have, not who they don’t have, after several marquee players moved on from both ends of the field. Kyla Sears, whose 100 points (70 goals, 30 assists) were 42 more points than anyone on the Princeton team a year ago, graduated as the unanimous Ivy League Attacker of the Year. At the defensive end, four-year starting goalie Sam Fish graduated after earning Ivy Goaltender of the Year. So did defensive stalwarts Marge Donovan (the unanimous 2022 Ivy Defender of the Year who is finishing her college eligibility at Maryland), Mary Murphy and Olivia Pugh.

“I think for us it’s about confidence and focusing on us and right now and being where our feet are, and not necessarily what we’re losing but we have,” said Cook. “It’s really about being in the moment — playing our best and really showing how hungry we are and capable of stepping up in big moments.” more

Coming Off of Stirring Run to NCAA Final 4, PU Men’s Lax Hungry for Another Big Spring

COMING THROUGH: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Alex Slusher fights to get past a Cornell defender in action last season. Star attacker Slusher scored 46 goals in 2022 in his junior season to help the Tigers advance to the NCAA Final 4 for the first time since 2004. Princeton opens its 2023 season by hosting Monmouth on February 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After advancing to the NCAA Final 4 last spring for the first time since 2004, the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team is hoping that the stirring postseason run will be a harbinger of things to come.

“Hopefully, it will pay dividends in experience if we are fortunate enough to earn that opportunity again,” said Princeton head coach Matt Madalon, who guided the Tigers to an 11-5 overall record in 2022. “I think the more you get back there, the more comfortable you feel in those settings.”

The squad developed a deeper comfort level after going on a fall trip to Spain and Andorra.

“It absolutely helped, any time you can get your team away from the normal routine of Princeton, academically and athletically, is good,” said Madalon. “To be able to get them out of the country and eat all of your meals together and see the coaches in a different light, it is all very wonderful.”

Princeton didn’t have much time to get up and running for the 2023 campaign as it had a whirlwind preseason.

“Preseason was 10 practices, two scrimmages, and two days off,” said Madalon, whose team is ranked fourth in this week’s Inside Lacrosse Media Poll and hosts Monmouth on February 18 in its 2023 season opener. “It was good, I think we stayed relatively healthy. We are still just trying to build off of last year and teach the new guys some things.”

Madalon is expecting great things from his top attack group of senior Alex Slusher (46 goals, 10 assists in 2022), sophomore Coulter Mackesy (28 goals, 15 assists), and sophomore Braedon Saris (1 assist).

“Alex has gotten better every year, he is a leader down there,” said Madalon, who will also be using sophomore Jack Ringhofer, senior Jack Crockett, and freshman Chad Palumbo on attack. “He is showing the poise and dealing with the pressure that gets put on that unit so he is wonderful. Coulter stepped up big time last year, we have got really high hopes for that young guy. Playing to their right will be Braedon, he is a Canadian guy, he is skilled with a high IQ. He is very complementary to the other guys.” more

Keeping Up Her Hot Play in Final Weekend at Baker Rink, Senior Star Connors Helps PU Women’s Hockey to Sweep

SENIOR SURGE: Princeton University women’s hockey player Maggie Connors looks for the puck in a game earlier this season. Senior star forward Connors enjoyed a big final regular season weekend at Hobey Baker Rink, tallying two assists in a 3-2 overtime win over Union on Friday to help Princeton clinch a spot in the upcoming ECAC Hockey quarterfinals, and contributing an assist as the Tigers topped Rensselaer 4-3 in overtime a day later. Princeton, which has now posted five straight wins to improve to 14-11-1 overall and 10-10 ECACH, plays at Clarkson on February 17 and at St. Lawrence on February 18 to wrap up regular season play. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Maggie Connors, taking the ice last weekend for her final regular season action at Hobey Baker Rink with the Princeton University women’s hockey team was a long time coming.

“I took a gap year, I feel like it was never going to arrive,” said Princeton senior forward Connors, a 5’6 native of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada.

“The fact that I came here in 2018, it feels like I have been here forever. That doesn’t make me want to leave in any way. It definitely feels like I have gone through it for a while.”

As Princeton started the Senior Weekend by hosting Union Friday evening, it looked like the Tigers were never going to score as they trailed 1-0 after two periods despite outshooting the Dutchwomen 29-7.

“Credit to their goalie [Sophie Matsoukas], she played well and we peppered her,” said Connors who generated eight shots on goal in the first two periods and pounded her stick against her helmet in frustration at one point when one of her shots was turned away. “I think we could have had some better quality chances. We talked about getting in front of her more, they were getting all of the rebounds.”

Early in the third period, Connors helped Princeton cash in on a chance, picking up an assist on a power play goal by fellow senior Kayla Fillier.

“On that power play, I shot for the far pad on a one timer,” said Connors. “I thought Annie [Kuehl] was going to put it in and then Kayla was able to do it.”

Minutes later, Connors picked up a second assist on a 2-on-1 rush as she slotted the puck to Fillier, who banged it home for her second goal of the contest. more

One-Two Punch of Chen, Morton Sparks 3rd Quarter Run, Helping Tiger Women’s Hoops Pull Away from Dartmouth

RISING UP: Princeton University women’s basketball player Kaitlyn Chen heads to the hoop in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, junior guard Chen tallied a game-high 16 points with four assists and three rebounds to help Princeton defeat Dartmouth 64-47. The Tigers, now 17-5 overall and 8-2 Ivy League, play at Brown on February 17 and at Yale on February 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton University women’s basketball team clinging to a 31-25 lead against visiting Dartmouth early in the third quarter last Saturday, the Tigers rode a unconventional one-two punch to break the game open.

With starting point guard Kaitlyn Chen scoring eight points and reserve forward Paige Morton contributing four points, Princeton produced a 21-8 surge and never looked back on the way to a 64-47 victory, improving to 17-5 overall and 8-2 Ivy League.

Chen, for her part, attributed the third quarter run to some intense defense.

“It was just to do what we always do, lock it down on defense,” said Chen “Our defense translates to our offense.”

Junior star Chen translated those stops into several end-to-end drives as she sliced through Dartmouth players on the way to the hoop.

“Coach (Carla Berube) just mentioned slowing myself down,” said Chen, who tallied a game-high 16 points with four assists and three rebounds in the win. “I felt like once I slowed myself down I was able to see things open up more.”

Sophomore forward Morton enjoyed a second strong effort against the Big Green as she tallied 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting in a 79-59 win over Dartmouth on January 21. more

February 8, 2023

Austin Helps PU Men’s Basketball Overcome Cornell, Giving Henderson 200th Win on Historic Night for Tigers

GETTING IN RHYTHM: Princeton University men’s basketball player Deven Austin dribbles upcourt last Saturday against Columbia. Freshman guard Austin scored 10 points to help Princeton defeat the Lions 88-66. A night earlier, Austin scored 13 points and had eight rebounds as Princeton rallied to edge Cornell 89-82 and give head coach Mitch Henderson his 200th career victory. Princeton, now 16-6 overall and 7-2 Ivy League, plays at Dartmouth on February 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

History was both celebrated and made as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Cornell last Friday night.

Before the contest, which matched teams tied atop the Ivy League standings, Princeton held a ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of the storied 1996-1998 Tiger teams that posted a 73-13 overall record and a 40-2 league mark.

A large contingent of players and coaches from those squads was on hand and introduced to the cheers of the Jadwin Gym crowd. The last two players recognized were the head coaches facing off in the Ivy showdown, Princeton’s Mitch Henderson ’98 and Cornell’s Brian Earl ’99.

“We were so lucky to be influenced by such great mentors and such great coaches,” said Henderson, noting that former coaches Bill Carmody, John Thomson III, and Howard Levy were all present for the event.

“It is a really rare thing. What you want as a head coach for your team is to experience what we got to experience, which is a really special group of guys with great players and  great people. When you come here, you want to make your mark because there have been so many teams before you that have done so. It was just amazing to see so many people — 25 years is a long time ago.”

That experience has greatly impacted Henderson’s coaching approach.

“There are pieces of Brian, Sydney [Johnson], Steve Goodrich, Bill, Joe [Scott], John and Howie in what I do; almost everything I say is regurgitated from somebody else,” said Henderson, noting that Tiger coach Pete Carril, who passed away this past August, was also a huge influence on his coaching.

“Everything should be cited, and then you have put your own stamp on it. It has never been lost on me, how lucky you get to come here. I felt that today. It was very emotional after those teams walked off the floor. It really hit me hard.”

The clash against Cornell turned into an emotional contest as Princeton found itself trailing 45-35 at halftime before rallying for a hard-earned 89-82 win before a crown of 2,241.  more

Plagued by Inconsistency in Frustrating Campaign, Princeton Wrestling Determined to Produce Big Finish

HEAVY LIFTING: Princeton University wrestler Travis Stefanik, top, controls a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, senior Stefanik, ranked No. 33 at 285 pounds, earned a 5-3 sudden victory win over No. 18 Cory Day of Binghamton as the Tigers won the dual 28-10 over the Bearcats. Princeton, now 3-9 overall, has a dual at Penn on February 10 and then hosts Lehigh on February 11. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Chris Ayres went through slumps during his college wrestling career at Lehigh, and he’s expecting that his Princeton University team will come out of its slump soon.

The Tigers as individuals and as a team have shown their potential, it just hasn’t been as consistently displayed as they would like. Last weekend was more of the same as Princeton split its matches, losing 32-7 to No. 5 Cornell before topping Binghamton, 28-10.

“This year we’ve been in a little bit of a slump and I think it’s been reflected among some guys too,” said Princeton head coach Ayres. “For whatever reason, we are not finding the consistency we’ve had in the past.”

The Tigers have been steadily trending upwards as a program over the last 17 years with Ayres. Whether it’s been individuals making breakthroughs at the national level or the team competing better in the Ivy League or the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) tournament, Princeton has found something to build on each year. This year, the highlights may have to come at the end of the season when the tournaments are biggest. more

February 1, 2023

With Nweke Emerging as a Force Off the Bench, PU Women’s Hoops Routs Yale for 6th Straight Win

BENCH STRENGTH: Princeton University women’s basketball player Chet Nweke puts up a shot in a game earlier this year. Last Saturday against visiting Yale, junior forward Nweke tallied 10 points and had five rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench to help Princeton rout the Bulldogs 79-30. The Tigers, now 14-5 overall and 5-2 Ivy League, play at Cornell on February 3 and at Columbia on February 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Chet Nweke has had to adjust to become a strong contributor for the Princeton University women’s basketball team.

After the Ivy League did not have a season in her first collegiate year 2020-21, Nweke played in every game of her sophomore season. She picked up the importance of being fully engaged defensively for Princeton head coach Carla Berube and the nuances of the offensive end in college. She did that while moving from starting the season at guard to playing a forward role. And for the first time that she could remember in her entire playing career, she came off the bench.

“I never did that before Princeton,” said the 6’0 Nweke, who was a four-year starter at Stone Ridge School in Bethesda, Md. “I knew coming in, when you go to a school that’s the No. 1 team in the Ivy League, everybody is coming from the best. You’re playing college basketball and everyone was the best player on their respective teams. You’re not going to college and playing with people that weren’t really that good in high school. That’s just the way college basketball is.”

Nweke returned for her junior season this year, and is again coming off the bench. But she’s having a greater impact for the Tigers, playing more minutes, and her statistics are up across the board.

“Chet brings a lot of great energy,” said Berube. “She’s very athletic. She’s got great bounce to her. She also works really, really hard. She’s tough to box out so she’s a great offensive rebounder, a great defensive rebounder, she runs the floor really well. She has great balance inside. She’s able to jump and grab a pass but then get herself set to be able to finish inside and she did that (Saturday) really, really well. She’s long and athletic, the type of player that excels in our defense. She’s been a great lift off the bench for us.” more

January 25, 2023

PU Men’s Hoops Rallies to Top Dartmouth in OT Thriller as Pierce, Kellman Make Clutch Plays in Key Moments

PIERCE COMPETITOR: Princeton University men’s basketball player Caden Pierce, right, looks to get around Dartmouth’s Dusan Nescovic last Saturday afternoon at Jadwin Gym. Freshman forward Pierce posted a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds in the contest to help Princeton rally for a 93-90 overtime win against the Big Green. The Tigers, now 14-5 overall and 5-1 Ivy League, moved into first place in the league standings with the victory and will look to stay ahead of the pack as they play at Yale on January 28. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Hosting Dartmouth last Saturday afternoon, the Princeton University men’s basketball team found itself in a desperate situation, trailing the Big Green 76-72 with 1:10 left in regulation.

But with Jadwin Gym in an uproar, Princeton freshman forward Caden Pierce’s thoughts turned to a message hammered home by Tiger head coach Mitch Henderson.

“Coach always says, no matter what the score is, we are always winning the game so I felt like that is what we needed to do,” said Pierce.

Taking those words to heart, Pierce made a steal, flung the ball to Tosan Evbuomwan who set up a three-pointer by Matt Allocco.

“I needed to step up and make a play down the stretch to help the team win,” said Pierce.

Pierce’s clutch play set the tone as Princeton knotted the game at 76-76 to force overtime and then pulled out a 93-90 win as it improved to 14-5 overall and 5-1 Ivy League. more

Producing Historic Career for Tiger Men’s Swimming, Khosla Primed to Go Out with a Bang in Ivies, NCAAs

RAU TALENT: Princeton University men’s swimmer Raunak Khosla displays his breaststroke form. Senior star Khosla has produced a historic career at Princeton as a two-time Ivy League Championships High Point Swimmer of the Meet (2020, 2022); an Honorable Mention All-American in the 200 butterfly, 200 individual medley, and 400 IM in 2022, holding the school record in those three events; and the seventh-place finisher in the 200 IM at the Phillips 66 National Championships last summer. In upcoming action, Khosla and the Tigers will be wrapping up regular season action by facing Harvard and Yale on January 27-28 at Blodgett Pool in Cambridge, Mass. (Photo provided by Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

For Raunak Khosla, getting injured as a grade schooler resulted in him taking the plunge into swimming.

“I ended up breaking my arm when I was in third grade and the only sport I could do was swimming,” said Khosla, a native of Roswell, Ga., noting that he was fitted with a waterproof cast which allowed him to swim with the injury. “I got into that for a while and eventually I chose to swim year-round, and the rest is history.”

Coming north to attend Princeton University in 2018 and joining its men’s swimming and diving team, Khosla has made a lot of history for the Tigers.

Among his many achievements, Khosla is a two-time Ivy League Championships High Point Swimmer of the Meet (2020, 2022); an Honorable Mention All-American in the 200 butterfly, 200 individual medley, and 400 IM in 2022, holding the school record in those three events; and the seventh-place finisher in the 200 IM at the Phillips 66 National Championships last summer.

While Khosla had other athletic interests, the idea that being dedicated to swimming would yield success drew him to the sport. 

“I wouldn’t say I was as successful in swimming as I was in different sports,” said Khosla, who also played football and lacrosse. “I really liked the aspect that you get what you put into it in terms of as hard as you work, you are going to see some results. Especially at a young age, it was easy to see that if I worked really hard I would get good results, and that was something that got me into it.” more

Princeton Men’s Hockey Has Roller Coaster Week, But in a Good Place as it Heads Into Homestretch

ON THE RIGHT TRACK: Princeton University men’s hockey player Pito Walton heads up the ice in recent action. Last Saturday, senior star defenseman and captain Walton scored a goal in a losing cause as Princeton fell 3-2 at No. 16 Cornell. The Tigers, now 10-11 overall and 6-9 ECAC Hockey, host LIU on January 28 in their last non-conference game of the regular season. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

It was a roller coaster week for the Princeton University men’s hockey team as it faced a trio of formidable foes.

Starting the week on a high note, Princeton edged No. 12 Providence 3-2 in overtime on January 17. Three days later, the Tigers stumbled in a 5-0 loss at Colgate. Displaying resilience, Princeton showed some fire a night later at No. 16 Cornell, battling back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits before falling 3-2.

Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty, whose team is now 10-11 overall and 6-9 ECAC Hockey, is proud of the progress his team had made after struggling into early stages of the campaign.

“We started 2-6 and we are just a game below .500 now,” said Fogarty. “Our goal is to have a winning season and that is attainable. Now we have faced every team on our schedule once and we know what to expect. We just have to play at our standard.”

The Tigers have raised their standard through daily diligence. “It is just the individual development, there is a lot of repetition at practice with our drills,” said Fogarty, reflecting on his team’s improvement. “Staying with the same core of drills at practice, you see that skillset and they are bringing it to the game.” more

January 18, 2023

St. Rose Emerging as Star for PU Women’s Hoops, Coming Up Big as Tigers Top Penn in Ivy Showdown

COMING UP ROSES: Princeton University women’s basketball player Madison St. Rose puts up a shot in recent action. Last Monday, freshman guard St. Rose scored a team-high 15 points to help Princeton defeat Penn 55-40. She was later named the Ivy League Rookie of the Week. The Tigers, now 12-5 overall and 3-2 Ivy, play at Dartmouth on January 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Madison St. Rose struggled to find a rhythm this winter in her freshman campaign for the Princeton University women’s basketball team, shooting just 26.5 percent from the floor (27-of-102) in the first 13 games of her career.

But while St. Rose could have gotten discouraged as she misfired, her teammates wouldn’t let her.

“They are always telling me to keep shooting because they know all of the potential I have as a player,” said St. Rose, a 5’10 native of Old Bridge who starred for St. John Vianney and was a three-time NJ.com Player of the Year.

St. Rose started to display that potential as she scored 15 points in a 70-48 win over Cornell on January 7 and then tallied 19 points as Princeton topped Hartford 84-37. Utilizing a short-term memory has helped St. Rose get into groove.

“I always try to forget about the first shot that I miss and just keep playing,” said St. Rose. “I know I am capable of making many shots if I am just locked into the game instead of my missed shot.”

Last Monday, St. Rose was locked in as Princeton hosted Penn at Jadwin Gym in an Ivy League showdown.

“As I saw by the fans and the crowd and the energy, it was a really, really intense feeling just being on the court,” said St. Rose, who was making the ninth start of her career. “Penn was undefeated in the Ivy League. We were the underdogs (with a 2-2 Ivy mark) and it was really fun to play with my teammates and try to take them down.” more

Evbuomwan Produces Finest Performance of Season, Helping PU Men’s Hoops Pull Away to Win at Penn

PHILLY SPECIAL: Princeton University men’s basketball player Tosan Evbuomwan drives to the basket in recent action. Last Monday, senior forward Evbuomwan tallied a season-high 26 points along with seven rebounds and three assists as Princeton defeated Penn 72-60 at The Palestra in Philadelphia. The Tigers, now 13-5 overall and 4-1 Ivy League, host Dartmouth on January 21. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Tosan Evbuomwan delivered his finest game of the season to help the Princeton University men’s basketball team remain in first place in the Ivy League.

After a painful 72-70 loss at Brown last Saturday in which the Tigers struggled to make plays down the stretch, senior forward Evbuomwan had a season-high 26 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in a 72-60 win over the University of Pennsylvania at The Palestra on Monday.

“I thought he was awesome,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson, reflecting on Evbuomwan’s effort which helped Princeton improve to 13-5 overall and 4-1 in Ivy League play.

At Brown, Evbuomwan had 10 points on 4-for-11 shooting, eight assists, and four rebounds, and two missed free throws late were costly in the loss. Against Penn, he returned to the dominant form that earned him Ivy League Player of the Year.

“I’ve been appreciative of Tosan on a lot of levels,” said Henderson. “But mostly as a person. I challenged him directly in front of the group on Saturday and he always takes it and always responds. Always. And I’m so thankful to be able to coach somebody like that. That’s the No. 1 thing I’m happy for. This game is always in there — what he did. But mostly I appreciate the fact that he allows himself to be coached so the rest of the team has to fall in line. When he does that, we’re hard to beat.” more

January 11, 2023

Energized by Sellouts for Hobey Baker Rink Celebration, Tiger Men’s Hockey Goes 1-1 as Gorman Comes Up Big

MEMORABLE WEEKEND: Princeton University men’s hockey player Liam Gorman heads up ice in recent action. Senior star forward and team captain Gorman starred as Princeton held its “Hobey 100 Weekend,” celebrating the centennial of the venerable rink by hosting Harvard on Friday and Dartmouth a day later. Gorman scored two goals in a losing cause as Princeton fell 4-3 in overtime to Harvard and then tallied a goal and an assist as the Tigers defeated Dartmouth 4-2 to cap the special weekend. Princeton, now 8-9 overall and 6-7 ECAC Hockey, hosts LIU on January 13 and Providence on January 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Playing at Hobey Baker Rink over the last four years has been a highlight of Liam Gorman’s career with the Princeton University men’s hockey team.

“I think the atmosphere and the legacy that it holds, you walk into the rink and it is unlike any other rink you have stepped into,” said senior star forward and team captain Gorman. “It is really cool. I think all of its niche pieces are awesome but playing on the sheet and seeing the energy is really exciting.”

Last weekend there was a lot of excitement around the storied venue as Princeton held its “Hobey 100 Weekend,” celebrating the centennial of the rink.

“It means a lot to the team, there are a lot of festivities going on and a lot of families coming out for a bunch of the guys which is always exciting. It is super special having all three trophies (the Stanley Cup, the Hobey Baker Award, and the Patty Kazmaier Award) in the rink this weekend. All of the guys are really looking forward to it.”

The celebration had a special meaning for the Gorman family with the senior standout’s father, Sean ’91, having been a star and captain for the Tigers while his younger brother, Brendan, is a promising freshman forward on the Tigers. more

PU Women’s Hockey Wins to Start “Hobey 100 Weekend” As Senior Forward Fillier Tallies Goal To Remember

SPECIAL K: Princeton University women’s hockey player Kayla Fillier brings the puck up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, senior forward Fillier scored a goal to help Princeton defeat Dartmouth 5-2 and start the “Hobey 100 Weekend” celebration of the rink’s centennial with a bang. The Tigers, who defeated Harvard 3-0 a day later to improve to 9-6-1 overall and 5-5 ECAC Hockey, play at Cornell on January 13 and at Colgate on January 14. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kayla Fillier felt a special vibe around Hobey Baker Rink as the Princeton University women’s hockey team took the ice Friday afternoon to start the “Hobey 100 Weekend” celebration of the rink’s centennial.

“I don’t think it has really hit the team how big this is with the 100 years,” said Princeton senior forward Fillier. “Cara (Princeton head coach Cara Morey) said to us before the game, it is not just the building being here 100 years, it is all of the people who have been part of it. Being able to see all of the alumni come back and all of the support that we have, it is going to be really huge.”

For Fillier, getting to play at Hobey Baker Rink on a daily basis has been special. “When I first came to Princeton, the one thing that really stood out was the rink and just all of the history behind it and all of the great players and all of the good people in the program as well,” said Fillier. “Just being able to practice on this rink and looking up and seeing the stone wall and all of the people pictured in the stands, you are seeing all of those people who have made the program what it is today and is just a great experience every day.”

One of the greatest players in Princeton history is Fillier’s twin sister Sarah, a two-time All American who took a hiatus from Princeton to play for the Canadian women’s national team and helped it win two world championships and the gold medal at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

On Friday as Princeton hosted Dartmouth, the twins started the game playing in the same line.

“It is pretty special, we haven’t really played on a line here,” said Fillier, whose sister is in her junior season. “Obviously she is a great player. It is great to be able to watch her out there, it is a great experience.” more

General Milley Enjoyed Princeton Homecoming, Returning for Hobey Baker Rink Centennial Fete

SALUTING HOBEY: General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and a Princeton University alum, salutes as the national anthem was played before the Princeton University men’s hockey team took on Dartmouth last Saturday night. Milley ’80, a former Tiger hockey player, was on hand to take part in the “Hobey 100 Weekend,” celebrating the 100th year of the Hobey Baker Rink. Standing to Milley’s left is Princeton Director of Athletics John Mack. (Photo by Shelley Szwast, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Bill Alden

Mark Milley learned some valuable lessons from playing for the Princeton University men’s hockey team in the late 1970s.

“Personally I think sports are a very valuable thing to develop leadership skills,” said Milley, who played defenseman for the Tigers. “Team sports teach you a lot of lessons about teamwork. If you look at the Princeton hockey team, you are going to see kids who are coming from Canada, you are going to see kids from every province in Canada and then you are going to see kids from the United States. You are bringing together people of diverse backgrounds, diverse skills, diverse attributes, and you are forming a cohesive whole to a singular purpose. That is what team sports is all about.”

Utilizing that experience, Milley, a 1980 Princeton grad who also participated in the school’s ROTC program, rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army to become a four-star general and is currently serving as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Last weekend, General Milley, 64, returned to his old stomping grounds, taking part in the “Hobey 100 Weekend,” celebrating the 100th year of the Hobey Baker Rink.

“It is a unique experience coming to Princeton, it is unique in a lot of ways and hockey is a big part of it and a big part of my life,” said Milley, talking Saturday night at Hobey Baker Rink as the Princeton men’s team battled Dartmouth, wearing a throwback No. 6 Tiger jersey, the number he wore during his college career like his hero Teddy Green of the Boston Bruins. more

Cunningham Shows Senior Leadership, Skill Set As PU Women’s Hoops Tops Cornell, Ends Ivy Slide

BACK ON TRACK: Princeton University women’s basketball player Julia Cunningham goes up for a shot in recent action. Last Saturday, senior star Cunningham scored 13 points and passed for a season-high six assists as Princeton defeated Cornell 70-48, snapping a two-game losing streak in Ivy League play. The Tigers, now 9-5 overall and 1-2 Ivy, host Hartford on January 12, Brown on January 14, and Penn on January 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Julia Cunningham found herself in an unusual situation when the Princeton University women’s basketball team hosted Cornell last Saturday evening.

After having starred as Princeton went on a 42-game Ivy League winning streak starting in 2019, senior guard Cunningham hit the court against the visiting Big Red looking to help the Tigers snap a two-game losing skid in league play in the wake of the squad falling to Columbia 58-55 in overtime last Friday on the heels of a 67-59 loss to Harvard a week earlier.

“Starting 0-2 in the Ivy League is not ideal for us; it was like changing our mindset and coming back really hungry with a little bit of chip on our shoulder,” said Cunningham. “I think that is kind of how we like to play. We were feeling that pit in our stomach a little bit and looking to bounce back from the Friday night game.”

Cunningham and her teammates realized that they couldn’t rest on the laurels of having won four straight Ivy League titles. more

January 4, 2023

Tiger Men’s Hoops Edges Harvard in Ivy Opener As Langborg, Peters Come Up Big in Crunch Time

STEPPING UP: Princeton University men’s basketball player Blake Peters looks to pass the ball in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, sophomore guard Peters tallied a team-high 13 points to help Princeton edge Harvard 69-66 in the Ivy League opener for both teams. The Tigers, now 10-4 overall and 1-0 Ivy, play at Columbia on January 6 and at Cornell on January 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Ryan Langborg and Blake Peters fill different roles for the Princeton University basketball team. Langborg is a sharp-shooting senior starter while Peters is a sophomore reserve looking to provide a spark off the bench.

Last Saturday, the pair outperformed their normal duties as Princeton edged visiting Harvard 69-66 in the Ivy League opener for both teams, improving to 10-4 overall and 1-0 Ivy. Langborg posted the first double-double of his career with 12 points and a career-high 11 rebounds with Peters scoring a team-high 13 points in 20 minutes, including three key free throws in the last 16 seconds of the tense contest.

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PU Women’s Hoops Sees Ivy Win Streak Snapped, Will Lean on Mitchell’s Rebounding to Bounce Back

SEEING DOUBLE: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, right, fakes out two defenders in recent action. Last Saturday, junior forward Mitchell scored eight points and had a game-high 14 rebounds in a losing cause as Princeton fell 67-59 at Harvard. The defeat snapped a 42-game conference winning streak as the Tigers’ last Ivy loss came on February 8, 2019 when they fell 96-86 to Yale. Princeton, now 8-4 overall and 0-1 Ivy, will look to get back on the winning track as it hosts Columbia on January 6 and Cornell on January 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Justin Feil

Ellie Mitchell is used to rebounding.

The Princeton University women’s basketball team is not.

Mitchell, the third-leading rebounder in the country, and the Tigers are looking to bounce back after suffering a 67-59 defeat at Harvard on Saturday. Their last Ivy loss came on February 8, 2019 when they fell 96-86 to Yale. The loss snapped their 42-game conference winning streak, and they will look to rebound with back-to-back home games against Columbia (12-2 overall, 1-0 Ivy) on January 6 and Cornell (8-6 overall, 1-0 Ivy) on January 7.

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With Sophomore Goalie Pearson Emerging as a Star, PU Men’s Hockey Primed for Hobey 100 Celebration

CREASE CONTROL: Princeton University men’s hockey goalie Ethan Pearson guards the crease in a game earlier this season. Sophomore goalie Pearson has emerged as a star for Princeton this season, going 7-5 and posting a goals against average of 2.28 and a save percentage of .914. Last Saturday, Pearson made 26 saves as the Tigers edged Colorado College 2-1 in overtime and improved to 7-8 overall. Pearson and Princeton are starting 2023 with a bang as the Tigers host Harvard on January 6 and Dartmouth on January 7 for the Hobey 100 Weekend celebrating the centennial of Hobey Baker Rink. (Photo by Shelley Szwast, provided courtesy of Princeton Athletics)

By Justin Feil

Ethan Pearson has enjoyed early success this season for the Princeton University men’s ice hockey team after a challenging first year.

The sophomore goalie could not have started his second college season much better. He became the first Princeton goalie since Jeremie Forget in March 2019 to be named the ECAC Goalie of the Week when he earned the honor for the week ending November 13. Pearson received the accolade after he posted back-to-back shutout wins over Yale (3-0 on November 11) and Brown (1-0 on November 12) after allowing just two goals in an opening-season loss to Cornell (3-1 on November 4).

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December 28, 2022

Enjoying a Sense of Normalcy with COVID Issues Abating, PU, High School Athletes Produced Historic Efforts in 2022

ABBY ROAD: Princeton University women’s basketball star Abby Meyers puts up a shot in action last winter. Meyers enjoyed a superb final campaign for the Tigers, averaging 17.9 points a game, getting named as the Ivy League Player of the Year and selected as an honorable mention All-American. Meyers’ heroics helped Princeton go undefeated in league play and win the league postseason tournament. The Tigers went on to upset Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA tournament and ended up with a 25-5 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With COVID-19 concerns abating and the Ivy League resuming winter and spring competition and high schools playing a full regular season and tournament slate, there was an air of normalcy around the local sports scene in 2022.

Thrilled to be back in action, Princeton winter athletes produced some memorable performances. Abby Meyers enjoyed a superb final campaign for women’s basketball, getting named as the Ivy League Player of the Year and selected as an honorable mention All-American. Meyers’ heroics helped Princeton go undefeated in league play and win the league postseason tournament. The Tigers went on to upset Kentucky in the first round of the NCAA tournament, their second NCAA tournament win ever, and ended up with a 25-5 record.

On the wrestling mat, Patrick Glory and Quincy Monday made history. Glory advanced to the NCAA final at 125 pounds while Monday made the final at 157, becoming the first Princeton wrestlers to make the NCAA final since Greg Parker in 2002. Freshman Maia Weintraub made a memorable debut for the fencing team, winning the NCAA women’s foil title to become Princeton’s first champion in the event since 2000. Sondre Guttormsen produced a historic performance for men’s track as he placed first in the pole vault at the NCAA Indoor Championships. In so doing, he became the first individual NCAA indoor champion for the Tigers since 2002 when Tora Harris won the high jump. more

Enjoying Special Senior Night for PHS Boys’ Hockey, Garlock Scores Winning Goal as Tigers Edge Brick 6-5

LOCKED IN: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Ethan Garlock, left, goes after the puck in recent action. Senior forward and assistant captain Garlock tallied two goals, including the game-winner, and added an assist as PHS defeated Brick 6-5 on December 20 at Hobey Baker Rink as it held its annual Senior Night celebration. The Tigers, now 3-1, are next in action when they face Ocean Township on January 2 at the Mercer County Skating Center. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

With the Princeton High boys’ hockey team hosting Brick at Hobey Baker Rink last week for its annual Senior Night celebration, Ethan Garlock brought some extra fire to the ice.

“It was a lot of fun, when your family shows out, you have a lot more to play for, a lot more to fight for,” said PHS senior forward and assistant captain Garlock, who was joined by his parents, grandparents, older sister Genna, older brother Max, a former Tiger hockey standout, and younger brother Ryan, a current freshman forward for the Tigers, as members of the Class of 2023 and their families were honored on the ice after the second period of the December 20 contest.

“It made it a lot easier for me and the other seniors to work our hardest and eventually put the puck in the net,” continued Garlock. “It makes it feel a lot nicer especially to be on Baker Rink. It makes it feel really special, we know we only get a couple of ice slots on this rink so we really have to make it count.”

The Tigers had quite a fight with Brick, trailing 1-0, 2-3 and 3-2 before taking a 4-3 lead late in the second period. The contest was then knotted at 4-4 and 5-5 in the third before Garlock scored the winning goal with a minute left in regulation to give PHS a hard-earned 6-5 triumph. more

December 21, 2022

After Late Rally Against Delaware Falls Short, Tiger Men’s Hoops Doing Some Soul Searching

BLACK AND BLUE: Princeton University men’s basketball player Matt Allocco, center, gets sandwiched by a pair of defenders in recent action. Last Saturday against Delaware, junior star Allocco scored 11 points, including a pair of three-pointers down the stretch, but it wasn’t enough as a late Princeton rally fell short in a 76-69 loss to the Blue Hens. The Tigers, now 8-4, host Division III Kean University on December 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Coming off a tough 70-64 defeat to Iona earlier in the week, the Princeton University men’s basketball team was looking to get back on the winning track as it hosted Delaware on Saturday.

Instead, Princeton dug an early hole, trailing the Blue Hens 37-25 at halftime. Things got worse for the Tigers as they found themselves behind 58-43 with 9:46 left in regulation.

“I thought they dictated every single part of the game, we were on our heels throughout the entire game,” said Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson.

Mounting a furious rally, the Tigers had Delaware on its heels, going on a 25-11 run to narrow the gap to 69-68 with 53 seconds remaining in the game as the Jadwin Gym crowd was roaring.

“It just meant more, we get down, that is our panic time,” said Tiger junior guard and co-captain Matt Allocco, reflecting on the Princeton comeback.

Allocco hit a fall away three-pointer from the corner that got the Tigers to within one. more

December 14, 2022

With Freshman Guard Lee Making Big Impact, PU Men’s Hoops Routs Monmouth, Moves to 8-2

LEANING IN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Xaivian Lee curls around a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, freshman guard Lee tallied a career-high 12 points with four rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 25 minutes off the bench to help Princeton rout Monmouth 91-54. The Tigers, who improved to 8-2 with the win as they posted their eight straight win, were slated to face Iona on December 13 and then host Delaware on December 16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Xaivian Lee may weigh around 160 pounds soaking wet, but he is starting to make a big impact for the Princeton University men’s basketball team.

Last Saturday night, wiry 6’3 freshman guard Lee tallied a career-high 12 points with four rebounds, two steals, and an assist in 25 minutes off the bench to help Princeton rout Monmouth 91-54 before 1,372 at Jadwin Gym as it improved to 8-2 and posted its eighth straight victory.

“I feel like in the past couple of practices, I have really been focused on trying to take care of the ball and not turn it over,” said Lee, a native of Toronto, Canada, who had no turnovers against the Hawks. “I have been trying to still make plays and play fearless while still taking care of that. I feel that has been good, getting to the rim and finding my teammates. I feel like building my confidence, I did really good tonight with that, especially in the second half.”

Lee’s play has benefited from coaching he has been getting at the college level.

“I feel like being here and being coached everyday has forced me to get a lot better, especially defensively,” said Lee. “I have been trying to make the biggest improvements like locking into the scouts. Compared to high school, every game has a different scout, different personnel, and it is locking into that. I feel that has been my biggest improvement.” more

Sparked by Mitchell’s All-Around Performance, Princeton Women’s Basketball Defeats Delaware

STANDING TALL: Princeton University women’s basketball player Ellie Mitchell, right, pressures a foe in recent action. Last Sunday, junior forward Mitchell tallied 10 points with nine rebounds and five assists to help Princeton defeat Delaware 62-47. The Tigers, now 6-3, play at Rutgers on December 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Last Thursday night, Ellie Mitchell helped the Princeton University women’s basketball team put a scare into perennial national power Connecticut.

Playing at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion before a crowd of 8,731, Princeton forced 27 turnovers and went on a late 21-8 run to cut the Huskies’ lead to 66-64 before succumbing 69-64.

“That was super cool; we gave them a great game, obviously it didn’t end up the way we wanted but we had it down the wire,” said junior forward Mitchell, who had three points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two assists in the defeat. “I think they were nervous, we came up with some great plays. We played a great game. We didn’t shoot super well but we fought the entire time. It was an incredible atmosphere. Obviously we wanted to win, but we are proud of the effort. We almost had them.”

Back at home in Jadwin Gym three days later to host Delaware, Princeton had it going as it topped the Blue Hens 62-47, improving to 6-3.

“We wanted to redeem ourselves, losing always stinks, no matter who you are playing,” said Mitchell, a 6’1 native of Chevy Chase, Md.  more

Posting Weekend Sweep Heading into Break, PU Men’s Hockey Seeing Hard Work Pay Off

ON A ROLL: Princeton University men’s hockey player Pito Walton goes after the puck in recent action. Last Saturday, senior defenseman and team captain Walton picked up three assists to help Princeton edge RPI 6-5. Walton was later named as the ECAC Hockey Defender of the Week for his performance over the weekend which also included a strong effort on Friday as the Tigers blanked Union 2-0. Princeton, now 6-7 overall and 5-6 ECACH, is on break until it plays a two-game set at Colorado College on December 30 and 31. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

In losing six of its eight first games this season, the Princeton University men’s hockey team played its foes tight but had trouble getting over the hump in close games.

While the defeats stung, Princeton head coach Ron Fogarty wasn’t discouraged by the early stumbles.

“I was happy with where our team was moving towards in our style of play,” said Fogarty. “The loss against Colgate in overtime (3-2 on November 5) was tough but we were playing well. We just didn’t get the results.”

But starting with a 5-1 win over No. 20 RIT on November 26, Princeton has been getting the results since Thanksgiving. Putting together its best weekend of the season, Princeton defeated Union 2-0 last Friday and then edged RPI 6-5 a night later.

“It is very difficult to sweep in our conference, no matter who you are,” said Fogarty. more