Twice, 28 minutes wasn't enough. Twice, men's water polo left the pool disappointed.
Last weekend, the Tigers traveled to Providence, RI, for the Eastern Championships. Princeton, one of eight teams fighting for a single berth in the NCAA final four, needed three straight wins.
An opening round win propelled the Tigers into the semifinals. Two heartbreaking overtime losses later, however, they came home with a frustrating fourth-place finish.
"We knew we would need a little luck to win," head coach Luis Nicalao said. "Unfortunately, the bounces just went against us."
Princeton started the tournament with a strong showing against Brown Saturday morning. Despite a frenzied home crowd, Princeton easily dispatched the Bears.
The Tigers jumped to a 4-1 halftime lead. They held on for 8-5 win as the teams traded goals in the second half. Senior driver Robert Urquhart led the team with three goals, and senior two-meter Kevin Foster added two more.
Saturday afternoon, with a championship game berth on the line, Princeton faced Queens College for the second time this season. Previously, the Knights won, 10-5, when the Tiger offense stalled.
This time, however, the two teams were evenly matched. The lead wavered back and forth throughout the game, as neither team could pull away. The contest was marked by fierce defensive intensity and a strong showing from both goalies.
"We fought as hard as we could," Nicalao said. "It was a great game."
Princeton tied the game at seven with 18 seconds left in regulation, forcing the two three-minute overtime periods. With the score knotted and 48 seconds left in the second overtime, Queens' John Prokhin scored the winning goal. Seven Tigers tallied in the 9-8 loss.
"Both teams had plenty of chances to win, but we just couldn't put any shots away," Nicalao said. "Goals weren't easy to come by."
With the loss, Princeton's chance at an NCAA berth vanished. Rather than sulk, the Tigers refocused for the third place game, hoping to end their season on a high note.
"I was proud we came out hard Sunday morning and played to win," Nicalao said. "Our season was over, but the seniors wouldn't give up."
The Tigers' battle with St. Francis College featured two unhappy teams. An aggressive game resulted, as both teams vented their frustration. Princeton lost four starters to automatic ejection after the player's third foul while St. Francis also lost several starters.
Despite the physical play, the game was a shootout. Neither team ever led by more than one goal en route to St. Francis' 16-15 win.
Again, the Tigers forced overtime, but their best effort was not enough. With five seconds left in the second overtime period, freshman John Stover tied the game at 15, sending it to a sudden-death period.
Peter Felgevi scored the winning goal for St. Francis, his fourth of the day. Ultimately, the Tigers were unable to contain Felgevi or teammate Bela Rex-Kiss, who tallied eight goals.
"They had six guys who could score from the outside, so it was just impossible to focus on shutting down just one guy," Nicalao said.
For the Tigers, freshman John Stover led the way with five goals and Urquhart netted four before his third period ejection.
Though Princeton fell short of its championship aspirations, all was not lost for the Tigers, who improved on last season's finish.
"No doubt we're disappointed, but our performance was outstanding," Nicalao said. "There wasn't anything more we could have done."
Read More
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Six for six: men’s and women’s track and field both complete triple crown
Luke StocklessMen’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Men’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Nation’s No. 2 miler Mena Scatchard ’25 to transfer to Stanford for graduate year
Luke StocklessThe Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.
The Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.