So far this year, the women's basketball team has been the surprise of Princeton sports. Coming off a 2-25 season, the Tigers have already compiled a 4-3 record.
Many people have attributed this turnaround to new head coach Richard Barron, but he gives credit to the players.
"We are trying to empower the players, trying to get the players to believe in their abilities. [The winning] is not me, it's everybody — the assistant coaches, the players, everybody."
After last year's debacle of a season, Princeton knew something had to be changed. The school hired Richard Barron, but the players also changed something.
"There was some embarrassment over last season," Barron said. "The players worked hard to change that into pride this season. Now they are starting to play up to their potential."
With senior forward/center Lauren Rigney, sophomore forward Kellie Schaeffer, junior guard Allison Cahill, sophomore guard Mary Cate Opila, and freshman guard Karen Bolster all setting new single-game personal scoring records, the Tigers are pouring on the points. But why is there such a difference from last season to this season without a greatly significant roster change?
"It's not the offense," Barron said. "We just let players make plays. Scoring comes from the attitude within any offense. Last year, they were focused on turning the plays and not on just scoring points. Aggressiveness and intensity are what really matters."
The Tigers have changed to a much more up-tempo style of game this year, not only on offense, but also with their trapping defense.
"We are not doing this to exploit athleticism," Barron said, "but with the athletes we have, we get a better chance of creating shots before the defense sets up. We're not great one-on-one, but if we get to use a whole side of the floor [before the defense sets up], we have much better chances [of getting an easy basket]."
The players must be in excellent condition to be able to sustain that kind of attack throughout a game. To this end, Barron has increased conditioning during practice and off-season training.
"We're not good yet, but we are much better. We've got to continue to work. This team can be capable of scoring 90 points any given night."
With this new formula, the Tigers have put together a season very few would have predicted. A major blow has been dealt to this formula, though, as Rigney aggravated a chronic back injury against Army last Saturday.
"It will keep her out at least the next couple of weeks and possibly the rest of the season," Barron said.
The effect on the team is yet to be seen.
"She is one of our best players when healthy," Barron said. "It's not a matter of playing through pain, because she's done that already. This affects her jumping, her posture — it really renders her helpless."
As the only senior on the team, Rigney's loss could prove to be devastating with 20 games left on the schedule. However, this injury does have a silver lining in that it gives younger players who will be back next season an opportunity to sharpen their skills. And, if anyone shows the ability to fill in capably for Rigney in the post during her absence, Rigney would potentially be able to move to her more natural forward position upon her return.
"Everyone has had a chance to prove herself in the post, but people haven't come through," Barron said. "We have seen flashes of potential from [freshman forward] Ashley Rook, [sophomore forward] Maureen McCracken, and [sophomore forward] Eileen Powers, but none of them have shown themselves to be productive in a consistent way."
A post presence was sorely lacking in the Army game, when the Tigers made 12 three-pointers on 25 attempts, but only 11 of 38 two-pointers.
"We were something like 5-28 in the paint," Barron said. "Now people get more of a chance."
Read More
What’s an offseason? Jackson Green and Jay Mentink on being multi-sport athletes at Princeton
Doug SchwartzPrinceton sophomores Jackson Green and Jay Mentink embrace the challenge of playing two Division I sports while tackling Ivy League academics head-on.
Princeton sophomores Jackson Green and Jay Mentink embrace the challenge of playing two Division I sports while tackling Ivy League academics head-on.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse routs No. 14 Towson 22–12, Mackesy breaks career goals record
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, the Tigers advance to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in 2022. Princeton will take on No. 5 Syracuse in Hempstead, N.Y., next weekend for a spot in the final four.
With the win, the Tigers advance to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in 2022. Princeton will take on No. 5 Syracuse in Hempstead, N.Y., next weekend for a spot in the final four.
Senior Coulter Mackesy, Pace Billings ’24, and Sam English ’23 drafted to Premier Lacrosse League
Hayk YengibaryanThe PLL, founded in 2018 by brothers Mike and Paul Rabil, is North America’s professional lacrosse league. The league currently features eight teams that compete in a tour-based format, traveling to different cities each weekend throughout the summer season.
The PLL, founded in 2018 by brothers Mike and Paul Rabil, is North America’s professional lacrosse league. The league currently features eight teams that compete in a tour-based format, traveling to different cities each weekend throughout the summer season.