Last year the women's lacrosse team lost its record holder for points and goals scored in a season.
This year she's back.
After taking a one-year leave of absence, junior midfielder Cristi Samaras has returned to Princeton with plans to help lead the Tigers to where they didn't go last year – the NCAA Final Four.
"I feel strongly we're going to win the national championship," Samaras said. "We have the capabilities. If there's any group that can do it, this is the group."
No weapons
Without Samaras's offensive firepower, Princeton struggled last year and fell just short of a tournament berth. You can speculate about a lot of "what if"s last year, but Samaras's absence certainly hurt the Tigers.
"We were without a goto player on offense," head coach Chris Sailer said. "We didn't have that great shooter, great driver. Cristi gives us that. There were definitely some games that she could have helped us. A player of her caliber draws defense and frees up the rest of the attack."
"I'm happy she thinks I could make that much difference as an individual," Samaras said. "I think about the season we could have had."
Daydreaming
But last year Samaras had other things on her mind as well. She had a busy year, spending a semester each at Maryland and Villanova and also doing some medical research work.
"I took a year off because academically I didn't know what I wanted to do," she said. "I wasn't interested in any major. But I got a much better sense of Princeton after (attending) both schools. I now know what I want out of college and out of lacrosse."
Being away from Princeton also gave Samaras more time to concentrate on trying out for the World Cup team, which she just missed making.
"I was one of the youngest players trying out," Samaras said, "and I got cut in the last round. It was a great experience though, I learned more about lacrosse than I ever have in a semester."
Samaras will put her newly honed skills to work within a reorganized Tiger offense. She has moved to midfield from her previous attack position as rule and personnel changes have forced Sailer to adjust her lineup. This year only seven offensive players will be allowed within 30 yards of the net.
"It opens up opportunities for seven players to work together," Samaras said. "If anything, it's made the game prettier and easier to score. It gives a team like us with a lot of natural athletes a better chance."
Although not a captain this year, Samaras will be a key leader on and off the field. However, after missing last year Samaras remains cautious about her role.
"I want to say everything because I've had all these great lacrosse experiences, but I'm hesitant," she said. "But they've been encouraging me to lead."
"She brings a great attitude," Sailer said. "She really helps the younger players."
Samaras's leadership and scoring will be critical in any success the Tigers have this year. But perhaps her enthusiasm for this team will be just as important. Samaras is just bubbling with excitement about this season.
"This team is just awesome," she said. "I'd rather be with this team than the U.S. team."
Sisters
Cristi was not the only Samaras missing from last year's team. Her sister, senior defender Cori also took a year off to maintain her eligibility after tearing her anteror cruciate ligament before the season.
And with both sisters back in the starting lineup, Princeton is better poised for its difficult early-season schedule, where the Tigers struggled the most last year. This year's team, however, is running right on schedule.
"We're exactly where we want to be on our time line," Samaras said. "The attack is working out the kinks and the defense is solid."
Samaras' return is just one element necessary for the Tigers to win a national championship, but if Princeton is going to make a tournament run, it will be Samaras' scoring that the team will count on.
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