With five matches in nine days, the volleyball team didn't have much of a fall break.
The Tigers faced Dartmouth, Harvard, Villanova, Columbia, and Cornell this past week in a test of their endurance.
Despite tough losses to Har-vard and Villa-nova, Princeton (13-5 overall, 6-3 Ivy League) steadily improved its play over the course of the week. The tight schedule provided the team with a chance to prove itself, and the Tigers began to shine by the end of the week.
Fall break began on a positive note as the Tigers dominated Dartmouth (5-17 overall, 1-9 Ivy League) for a 3-1 victory on Oct. 25. Princeton's offense came together under the leadership of freshman setter Jenny Senske, who had 60 assists in the match. Four Tigers contributed at least 12 kills for the win.
Princeton wasn't as successful the next day against Harvard (13-8 overall, 9-1 Ivy League). The Tigers were unable to shut down a strong Crimson offense led by a couple of big hitters.
"Things just were not clicking for us," junior outside hitter Kellie Cramm said of the match.
Although the second game went into extra points, Harvard retained control of the match. Princeton fell in three games, 30-18, 34-32, 30-23.
On Wednesday the Tigers suffered another difficult loss, this time to Villanova (14-15 overall). Princeton fought hard to win the first two games, 30-22 and 32-30, but the Wildcats battled back to tie the match at two games apiece. In the fifth and final game, the teams again went into extra points. Villanova came out on top, securing the match with a score of 19-17.
A solid 3-1 victory over Columbia (8-15, 1-9 Ivy League) helped to put Princeton back on the right road in the fight for the Ivy League title. Senior outside hitter Michelle Buffum led the team with 17 kills, and junior setter Kerry Song racked up 24 digs in the match. After falling behind in the first three games, the Lions needed only a side-out to tie the match at two games. The Tigers, however, were determined to come back. And their determination paid off: behind 23-29, Princeton won eight straight points, clinching the match with final scores of 30-21, 24-30, 30-25, and 31-29.
"We left that match feeling like we truly earned the win and finally played up to our potential," senior middle blocker Abby Studer said.
The Tigers closed out the break with a home win over Cornell (13-9, 5-5 Ivy League). The Big Red took Princeton to five games, but senior captains Buffum and Studer led the Tigers to victory once again with 17 kills each. Princeton fought back after dropping the second and third games to Cornell, finishing the game strong.
When the break was done, the Tigers emerged from a tough week 3-1 in league play.
"Overall, I think this week was a step in the right direction," Senske said.
Song agreed, but she pointed out how important the team's next matches will be. "Right now, it's anyone's game," she said. "So every game is crucial."
Since the championship is determined by a team's regular season record, the Tigers will need to come out strong in their five remaining league matches.
Especially crucial will be this Friday's rematch against Harvard. In order to have a good chance at the Ivy League title, Princeton must beat the Crimson, who have only one league loss this season.
"Harvard is tough competition, but for our team, nothing is out of reach yet," Senske said.
The Tigers, who lost the battle for the Ivy League championship to Brown last year, are hungry for the title this year.
"We want the title," Song said. "We focus on one game at a time, but behind it all, we know what our main goal is."
This weekend's games against Harvard and Dartmouth are away in Boston, Mass. and Hanover, N.H. The Tigers will return home the next weekend in three more critical matches against Yale, Brown, and Penn.
"Hopefully, we will take the intensity from the last two matches and carry it along to Harvard and Dartmouth," Senske said.
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.