Mix of strong recruiting, experience key to field hockey's hopes: Tigers look for experience from season-ending loss to Michigan

Last season was wildly successful for Princeton field hockey. The team finished third in the country and had a 2-1 second half lead over eventual champion Michigan in the national semi-final game. They had a 17-3 record while playing the second hardest schedule in the country.

Not only did the Tigers produce an outstanding season in 2001, Princeton returns its entire team for 2002, making it one of the favorites to win the national title.

"This year our schedule is even harder," head coach Beth Bozman said. "We have added North Carolina and Michigan State, plus we have two games against Old Dominion."

Princeton plays four out of the top eight teams in the first poll released on Tuesday. The team will host top ranked Maryland and No. 8 Michigan State and play at No. 6 North Carolina.

The Tigers wil play No. 2 Old Dominion both home and away. Princeton begins the season ranked No. 13.

"In order to prepare for the [NCAA] tournament, we have to play the best and beat the best," Bozman said.

While there may be outside pressure on the Tigers to do better than last year's third place finish, the players on the team have refused to set those expectations.

"We made a decision not to talk about a certain goal," Bozman said. "We just want to improve every game and if we are our best, we'll be the best."

Certainly Bozman has the personnel to make that statement stick. Princeton is talented and deep at every position, especially since the team lost no seniors. Offensively, defensively, and in net, there are no holes in this team.

"We are looking for leadership from all our returning players," Bozman said. "Everyone is counted on to instill in new players our team values and ethics."

The Tigers are led on offensive by explosive senior attack Ilvy Friebe. Friebe was named Eastern Coast Athletic Conference player of the year last year after leading the nation in total points (72), points per game (3.6), and total goals (30).

The Tigers' defense is the equal of its potent offense, and this unit is anchored by senior netminder Kelly Baril. She was a first team All-America last season, and is also a member of the under-23 US National Team.

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However, in order for the Tigers to improve upon last year, they will need production from other sources, and some very talented freshmen are there to provide that boost.

Maren Ford '06 has played very well in her short time on the team, and should be starting on attack when Princeton opens its season tomorrow against Ohio.

Lauren Ehrlichman and Hillary Schmidt should also see some playing time in their first season with the team.

Bozman is hoping that the experience of making it to the Final Four will serve as a valuable tool in getting the team there again. For the seven seniors on the team, there is a sense of urgency.

The Princeton team opened their season with an exhibition match last Saturday against the US National Team at Class of 1952 Stadium. While the Tigers lost the contest 7-0, Bozman said she was still impressed with the way the team played. Baril was especially strong, making numerous sprawling saves.

Over 2,000 fans turned out for the contest, which was the most spectators to ever attend a college field hockey game.

The exhibition game also gave the Tigers a chance to showcase a new defensive scheme.

"I thought the defense played well," said Bozman. "I was especially pleased with the play of our midfield defense."

Princeton thinks that it has all the pieces in place for a magical season. The Tigers are hoping that after last year's near miss, some talented freshmen and a lot more experience will take them to the promised land and bring a national title to Princeton.