Field hockey bounces back after Ohio loss

Why Princeton field hockey lost Friday in its first game of the season 3-2 to Ohio is somewhat of a mystery. How did a 2002 Final Four contender team, which graduated no seniors, drop its season opener to a team that should have been dwarfed by the Tigers' abilities?

A crucial factor was undoubtedly the absence of three of the team's key players — seniors attacker Ilvy Friebe, attacker Rachael Becker, and defender Emily Townsend.

Without these three senior leaders, Princeton had trouble advancing the ball effectively. It made numerous sloppy plays which led to many corners and a penalty stroke.

While it was not clear why the three co-captains did not suit up for the game, injury was not the cause, and the three seniors rejoined the team to play Yale Sunday in New Haven, Conn.

Whatever the reason, Princeton lost its first game of the season and was not happy about it. The Tigers knew they were a much better team than that — and showed it in their second game against Yale.

Was the team more focused going into Sunday's game? Was Princeton playing more emotionally, having started a season with so much promise with a defeat?

"We go into every game the same way regardless of how we played the day before," Friebe said. "Every game is important, especially against the Ivy League teams, because those we have to win."

The Tigers came out with lots of energy and aggression against Yale and played like they were expected to, crushing the Elis 7-0.

Friebe — last year's Ivy League player of the year and by far the best offensive weapon the Tigers have — picked up where she left off last year with two early goals and two assists in the game for a total of six points.

Senior goalie Kelly Baril, always an intimidating presence in net, made seven saves and recorded her first shutout of the season.

Junior midfielder Corey Picketts also played well, scoring two goals and assisting on another for five points.

Princeton's rout of Yale answered any questions that may have been raised by the loss to Ohio. The Tigers were able to control play early against the Elis. They moved the ball around quickly and were very aggressive.

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From the minute the game got under way it was clear that Princeton was not about to start the season 0-2. Friebe scored two quick goals within the first 10 minutes of the game.

The Tigers continued to dominate throughout the contest, looking like a completely different team than that which came to play against Ohio in the season opener.

One positive that came out of the game was the play of freshman midfielder Hillary Schmidt and freshman attack Ali Shames-Dawson. When it appeared that the Tigers were down and out, trailing by a score of 2-0, these two freshmen stepped it up and brought Princeton back into the game. They each recorded their first goals as Princeton Tigers and tied the game at two.

"The freshmen are doing well. A couple of them scored this past weekend," Friebe said. "I'm sure it's tough to come onto a good team like ours, but they're already playing well."

In the end, however, the lack of key senior players cost Princeton the game as Ohio won on a penalty stroke.

With Friebe, Becker, and Townsend back in action on Sunday, the Tigers convincingly defeated Yale and showed what their team was made of with everyone available. They appear ready to make a run at the NCAA title this year.

"Right now we are just taking it one step at a time," said Friebe. "We obviously expect great things this year, but for now we are just focusing on the next game against Columbia."

Princeton will play Columbia tonight in New York City.