March 22, 2017

Using Hustle, Heart to Overcome Lack of Height, PDS Girls’ Basketball Made Progress This Winter

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT: Princeton Day School girls’ basketball player Ryan Robinson heads up the floor in a game this winter. Star forward Robinson produced a big junior campaign for PDS, leading the team in rebounds, blocked shots, and steals in addition to being the second top scorer. The Panthers finished the winter with an 8-17 record. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As the Princeton Day School girls’ basketball team entered the season, Kamau Bailey realized that scrappiness and heart needed to be the squad’s calling cards. more

Jumping to 10 Wins After 1-22 Season in 2015-16, Hun Girls’ Hoops Displayed Upgraded Talent, Spirit

TURNING THE CORNER: Hun School girls’ basketball player Julie Fassl dribbles around a foe in a game this winter. Senior guard Fassl’s scrappy play helped Hun finish with a final record of 10-14, a marked improvement on the 1-22 mark posted in 2015-16. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Although the Hun School girls’ basketball team wasn’t in the running for a title at the end of the season, it culminated the winter with a memorable triumph. more

March 8, 2017

PU Men’s Hoops Produces Historic Weekend, Wraps Up 1st Perfect Ivy Season Since 1997-98

WISE MAN: Princeton University men’s basketball player Spencer Weisz dribbles upcourt in a game earlier this season. Last Saturday, senior guard Weisz celebrated the program’s annual Senior Night in style, scoring 13 points as Princeton defeated Dartmouth 85-48. The win was the 17th straight for the Tigers as they improved to 21-6 overall and 14-0 Ivy League. It was the program’s first perfect Ivy campaign since 1997-98. The Tigers will now compete in the Ivy League Tournament at the Palestra in Philadelphia where they are seeded first and will play fourth-seeded Penn in a semifinal contest on March 11 with the victor advancing to the title game the next day. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

History was in the air as the Princeton University men’s basketball team hosted Harvard last Friday evening.

The legendary Bill Bradley ’65, the program’s all-time leading scorer, was a towering presence courtside, sitting with Princeton athletics director Molly Marcoux Samaan and other luminaries in front row seats as a throng of 3,799 packed Jadwin Gym. more

With PU Men’s Hockey Facing Elimination, Robinson’s Last Second Tally Saved Season

BUZZER BEATER: Princeton University men’s hockey player Eric Robinson controls the puck last Friday as the Tigers fell 3-2 in overtime to Colgate in opening game of the ECAC Hockey playoffs. A day later, junior forward Robinson scored a goal with one second left in regulation to force overtime and keep Princeton’s season alive. The Tigers went on to prevail 4-3 in overtime and then defeated the Raiders 2-1 on Sunday to win the series. Seventh-seeded Princeton, now 15-14-3, plays at second-seeded and sixth-ranked Union (23-8-3) in the best-of-three ECACH quarterfinal series starting on March 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

It was a leap of faith that saved the season for the Princeton University men’s hockey team. more

Senior Goalie Phinney Stars in Baker Rink Finale As Tiger Men’s Hockey Makes ECACH Quarters

COMING UP BIG: Princeton University men’s hockey goalie Colton Phinney makes a save on Friday night as Princeton hosted Colgate in an ECAC Hockey first round best-of-three playoff series. Senior goalie Phinney came up big in the decisive third game of the series, making 35 saves to help Princeton post a 2-1 win over the Raiders. The seventh-seeded Tigers, now 15-14-3 overall, play at second-seeded and No. 6 Union (23-8-3) in a best-of-three ECACH quarterfinal series, starting on March 10. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Colton Phinney faltered badly in his Hobey Baker Rink debut as goalie for the Princeton University men’s hockey team in November 2013, yielding five goals over two periods in a 5-0 loss to Yale. more

Running Out of Gas in ECACH Semifinals, PU Women’s Hockey Loses 4-0 to Clarkson

TRIPPED UP: Princeton University women’s hockey player Kelsey Koelzer, left, gets stymied by a foe in recent action. Last Saturday, senior defenseman and team captain Koelzer and the Tigers fell 4-0 to eventual champion Clarkson in the ECAC Hockey semifinals. The defeat left ninth-ranked Princeton with a final record of 20-10-3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

It took loads of energy and heart for the Princeton University women’s hockey team to outlast Quinnipiac in the ECAC Hockey quarterfinals as the Tigers overcame a triple overtime loss in the opener to pull out two nailbiters in winning the best-of-three series.

Surviving that ordeal took a toll on the fourth-seeded and ninth-ranked Tigers as they prepared to play at top-seeded and second-ranked Clarkson in an ECAC Hockey semifinal contest last Saturday. more

With Freshman Star D’Orsi Making Sudden Impact, No. 10 PU Women’s Lax Tops Brown, Moves to 4-0

It didn’t take long for highly-touted freshman Tess D’Orsi to make an impact for the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team.

In a season-opening 19-3 win over Temple on February 18, D’Orsi scored two goals in the first 12 minutes of the contest.

D’Orsi, a member of the US Under-19 Women’s Lacrosse Team  and a three-time US Lacrosse All-America in high school at St. Mark’s (Mass.), hasn’t slowed down since her debut. Through Princeton’s first three games, she had nine goals, the second most on the team.

“My teammates don’t treat me like a freshman,” said the 5’4 D’Orsi, a native of Sudbury, Mass., reflecting on her hot start. more

PHS Boys’ Hockey Falls in Public A State Semis, But Historic Run Will Leave Indelible Memories

PARTING SHOT: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Tooker Callaway fires the puck in a game this season. Last Thursday, senior defenseman and assistant captain Callaway scored a goal in a losing cause as ninth-seeded PHS fell 6-3 to 13th-seeded Watchung Hills in the state Public A semis. It was program’s first-ever appearance in the state semis. PHS finished the winter at 19-4-4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

As the Princeton High boys’ hockey team started play in the Public A state tournament, it didn’t view being seeded ninth as an impediment to making a deep run in the competition. more

Displaying Work Ethic, Unbreakable Spirit, PHS Girls’ Hockey Enjoyed Positive Season

GETTING DEFENSIVE: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Alexa Zammit controls the puck in a game this season. Junior defenseman Zammit anchored PHS along the blue line this season as the Little Tigers went 3-10. Zammit earned All-WIHLMA (Women’s Interscholastic Hockey League of the Mid-Atlantic) Miran Division honors for her play this winter. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Christian Herzog was losing some sleep over the prospects for his Princeton High girls’ hockey team as the winter approached. more

March 1, 2017

Beating Yale 4-1 in Memorable Senior Night, PU Men’s Hockey Earns Home Ice for Playoff

NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Princeton University men’s hockey player Ryan Siiro heads up the ice in recent action. Last Saturday, senior captain and forward Siiro enjoyed a special Senior Night, helping Princeton defeat Yale 4-1 in the regular season finale as the Tigers clinched home ice for the opening round of the ECAC Hockey playoffs. Princeton, now 13-13-3 overall, will host Colgate (8-20-6 overall) in a best-of-three series, starting on March 3. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

For Ryan Siiro and his fellow seniors on the Princeton University men’s hockey team, there weren’t a lot of happy evenings at Baker Rink over their first three years. more

PU Women’s Hockey Shows Heart and Soul, Overcoming Quinnipiac in ECACH Quarters

JUMPING FOR JOY: Princeton University women’s hockey player Carly Bullock celebrates after scoring a goal for Princeton last Friday against Quinnipiac in Game 1 of the ECAC Hockey quarterfinals. After falling 3-2 in triple overtime on Friday, Princeton bounced back to win 2-0 on Saturday and 2-1 on Sunday to prevail in the best-of-three series. The eighth-ranked Tigers, now 20-9-3, head to the ECACH Final Four where they will host and play third-ranked Clarkson (27-4-5) in the semis on March 4. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Even though the Princeton University women’s hockey team had split the first two games against Quinnipiac in the best-of-three ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series last weekend, Molly Contini was brimming with confidence heading into the decisive third game on Sunday. more

Koelzer Hit 100-Point Career Milestone Along the Way As Tiger Women’s Hockey Prevailed in ECACH Series

After the Princeton University women’s hockey team fell 3-2 to Quinnipiac in a triple overtime marathon last Friday in the opening game of a best-of-three ECAC Hockey quarterfinal series, Kelsey Koelzer was sore but not discouraged as she hit the ice at Baker Rink a day later.

“There are obviously bumps and bruises with six periods, there were a lot of blocked shots but that is something we pride ourselves on,” said Princeton senior star defenseman and captain Koelzer, a 5’9 native of Horsham, Pa.

“I think overall we know all the work we put in throughout the year, all the skating we do and all the conditioning and all the extra stuff that we do. It is for that type of moment. It didn’t go our way yesterday. We know we are in good shape and we would be able to take it to them today.” more

Senior Hardej Scores 2 Goals to Trigger Rally But PU Men’s Lacrosse Falls 10-8 to Hofstra

After piling up a total of 32 goals in starting 2-0, the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team ran into a roadblock against Hofstra last Saturday.

With its high-powered attack getting stifled by the Pride, Princeton found itself trailing 4-1 at halftime.

Princeton senior midfielder Adam Hardej acknowledged that a gritty Hofstra defense was a thorn in the side for the Tigers in the early stages of the contest.

“Whenever you are playing a new team I think it takes a little getting used to, with their slide packages and where they are coming from,” said Hardej. more

PHS Boys’ Hockey Builds on OT Win at Southern, Stunning Top-Seeded Morris Knolls in State Quarters

UPSET SPECIAL: Princeton High boys’ hockey player Aidan Trainor goes after the puck in a game this season. Last Monday, freshman star Trainor scored four goals as ninth-seeded PHS stunned top-seeded Morris Knolls 5-2 in the Public A state tournament  quarterfinals. The Little Tigers, now 19-3-4, will face 13th-seeded Watchung Hills in the Public A semis on March 2 at the Codey Arena in South Orange with the winner advancing to the title game on March 6. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Playing at eighth-seeded Southern in the second round of the state Public A tournament last Thursday, the ninth-seeded Princeton High boys’ hockey team realized it faced a big test. more

After Enduring Tough Playoff Setbacks, PDS Boys’ Hoops Ends Winter on High Note

DIGGING DEEP: Princeton Day School boys’ basketball player David “Diggy” Coit dribbles up the court in recent action. Sophomore guard Coit enjoyed a superb campaign, averaging a team-high 21.7 points a game as PDS went 18-9. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

In the last few weeks of the season, the Princeton Day School boys’ basketball team suffered some disappointing playoff defeats. more

Ending PDS Girls’ Hockey Career With a Bang, David Scores in Finale as Panthers Top Mater Dei

FINISHING STRONG: Princeton Day School girls’ hockey player Julie David heads up the ice in recent action. Last Thursday, senior forward David ended her career on a high note, scoring a third period goal as PDS defeated Mater Dei 5-2 in its season finale. The win lifted the Panthers to a final record of 15-11-1. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After playing her first two years of high school hockey at the Pomfret School (Conn.) as a boarding student, Julie David returned to New Jersey in the fall of 2015 and joined the Princeton Day School girls’ program. more

After Helping PU Football Win 2 Ivy Titles, Perry Heading Home to Take Helm of Bryant

HEADING HOME: James Perry, center, enjoys the moment with Bryant University Director of Athletics Bill Smith and Bryant President Ronald K. Machtley after he was named as the head coach of the school’s football program this January. Perry served as the offensive coordinator for the Princeton University football team for the last seven seasons. Employing a no-huddle, up-tempo style under Perry’s guidance, Princeton won Ivy League titles in 2013 and 2016. For Perry, a record-breaking quarterback at Brown University, taking the helm at Bryant amounts to a homecoming as the school is located about 10 miles from his alma mater. (Photo Courtesy of Bryant Athletic Communications)

As the offensive coordinator for the Princeton University football team over the last seven seasons, James Perry favored a fast and physical approach. more

Senior Co-Captain Smith Proud of Team’s Progress As PU Women’s Hoops Earns Spot in Ivy Tourney

LAST STAND: Princeton University women’s basketball player Vanessa Smith looks to pass the ball in a game earlier this season. Senior star Smith played well last weekend in her final games at Jadwin Gym, scoring 15 points as Princeton defeated Columbia 78-45 on Friday to clinch a spot in the upcoming Ivy League tournament and then chipping in 10 a night later as the Tigers fell 55-44 to Cornell. Princeton, now 14-10 overall and 8-3 Ivy, plays at Harvard on March 3, at Dartmouth on March 4, and at Penn on March 7. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After losing its first two Ivy League games this winter, the Princeton University women’s basketball team did some soul searching. more

February 15, 2017

Star Defenseman Teves Excels in the Clutch As PU Men’s Hockey Posts Weekend Sweep

TURNING THE CORNER: Princeton University men’s hockey player Josh Teves races up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Friday, sophomore defenseman Teves tallied a goal and an assist to help Princeton defeat No. 18 St. Lawrence 3-1. A day later, Teves contributed a goal and an assist as the Tigers overcame a 2-0 third period deficit to defeat Clarkson 3-2 in overtime and extend their unbeaten streak to six. Princeton, now 11-11-3 overall and 6-9-3 ECAC Hockey, plays at Rensselaer on February 17 and at Union on February 18.

Even though the Princeton University men’s hockey team found itself trailing No. 18 St. Lawrence 1-0 midway through the first period last Friday at Baker Rink, Josh Teves wasn’t fazed. more

Sparked by Battle-Tested Group of Seniors, PU Women’s Lacrosse Primed for Big Spring

GOAL-ORIENTED: Princeton University women’s lacrosse player Olivia Hompe heads to goal in a game last season. Senior star attacker and tri-captain Hompe figures to be Princeton’s top offensive threat again this season after scoring 59 points on 47 goals and 12 assists as a junior. The Tigers open their 2017 campaign by hosting Temple on February 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

The six seniors on the Princeton University women’s lacrosse team have already accomplished a lot in their careers. more

Tiger Men’s Lacrosse Beginning Madalon Era, Looking to Employ New Systems Against NJIT

MAC ATTACK: Princeton University men’s lacrosse player Gavin McBride heads upfield in action last year. Senior attackman and co-captain McBride is the team’s leading returning scorer, having tallied 34 points on 26 goals and eight assists last season. Princeton, which is being guided by new head coach Matt Madalon, opens its 2017 campaign by hosting NJIT on February 18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

For the Princeton University men’s lacrosse team, getting the chance to go on an overseas trip to Portugal last fall could not have come at a better time. more

Turning the Tables on Nemesis Morristown-Beard, PDS Boys’ Hockey Edges Crimson to Win Prep Title 

TITLE SHOT: Princeton Day School boys’ hockey player Tyler Coffey controls the puck in recent action. Last Wednesday, junior star Coffey scored a first period goal to help second-seeded PDS defeat top-seeded Morristown-Beard 2-1 in the state Prep title game. The Panthers, now 13-10-2 will be taking part in the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League (MAHL) playoffs this week, where they are seeded fourth and are playing at top-seeded LaSalle College High (Pa.) in the semis on February 15. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Last February, the Princeton Day School boys’ hockey team couldn’t catch a break as it fell 3-0 to Morristown-Beard in the state Prep title game. more

Getting a Lift from Intartaglia’s Play in Reserve Role, PHS Girls’ Hoops Excited for Postseason Action

IN STRIDE: Princeton High girls’ basketball player Olivia Intartaglia, left, dribbles past a foe in recent action. Last Wednesday against WW/P-South, sophomore guard Intartaglia scored eight points off the bench but it wasn’t enough as PHS fell 32-24. The Little Tigers, who moved to 5-16 with a 40-27 loss to Steinert last Monday, are next in action when they compete in the Mercer County Tournament, where they are seeded 14th and play at third-seeded Allentown in a first round contest on February 17. Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Coming off the bench this season for the Princeton High girls basketball team, Olivia Intartaglia is determined to provide a spark. more

Showing Resilience in Fighting Through Adversity, PHS Wrestlers Primed to Make Impact at Districts

FINAL PUSH: Princeton High wrestler Ethan Guerra, right, controls a foe in recent action. Senior star Guerra has been a stalwart at 195 pounds for the Little Tigers, taking second in the Mercer County Tournament in late January. Guerra and his teammates will be competing in the District 19 tournament at Old Bridge from February 17-18. 17-18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Murphy’s law has reigned this winter for the Princeton High wrestling team. more

With Defenseman Preston Serving as Catalyst, Hun Boys’ Hockey Advances to MCT Semis

ON A MISSION: Hun School boys’ hockey player Tanner Preston fires the puck up the ice in a game earlier this season. Last Wednesday, senior defenseman and co-captain Preston tallied a goal and two assists to help seventh-seeded Hun defeat second-seeded Lawrence 7-0 in the Mercer County Tournament quarterfinals and improve to 6-15. The Raiders, who are going after their fourth straight MCT crown, were slated to play third-seeded Notre Dame in the semis on February 14 with the winner advancing to the title game on February 17. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Facing second-seeded Lawrence High in the quarterfinals of the Mercer County Tournament last Wednesday, the three-time defending champion Hun School boys’ hockey team had a chip on its shoulder. more