Women's volleyball played four matches over the weekend, each with a final score of 3-0. In an improvement over the last two tournaments, three of those four sweeps were in the Tigers' favor.
Princeton (6-4) traveled to Huntington, Pa., to take on four East Coast teams for the Juniata Tournament.
This weekend, the Tigers faced their biggest challenge of the season against the hosting Eagles. Juniata (16-0) is currently ranked No. 1 in Division III by the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.
After a battle with mononucleosis, senior captain and outside hitter Kellie Cramm continued to improve but still was not back at full strength.
"Her jump's not there and her timing's not right yet," sophomore setter Jenny Senske said. "But she's working hard to get it back."
Cramm contributed well to the team over the weekend, and junior Lauren Loban filled in when her teammate needed a rest.
The Tigers started the weekend off with a bang Friday against Franklin & Marshall. The Diplomats (8-7) came out flat. Princeton walked all over its opponents in the opening game, holding Franklin & Marshall to single digits — nearly unheard of in rally-scoring games.
The next two games were much less one-sided, but the Tigers refused to give up much ground against the Diplomats, who did not win a single match all weekend. Princeton walked off the court victorious.
That 30-8, 30-20, 30-17 win was just a warm-up, however, compared to what waited for the Tigers.
Home court advantage
Friday's second match was much more of a challenge for Princeton. The Tigers faced Juniata on the Eagles' home turf.
It's more than easy to be intimidated by a competitor's ranking and reputation. Yet a young Princeton team held its own against undefeated Juniata.
The Tigers pushed hard through the first game, at one point going up 21-19. The Eagles pushed back even harder, though, and regained control of the game for a 30-26 win.
The second game nearly saw a huge comeback on Princeton's part. Down 26-21, the Tigers battled back to within one point of Juniata, 29-28. One timeout and an Eagle kill later, however, Princeton was staring up at its rival from a 2-0 hole.
In the third game, the Juniata defense snuffed out any chance of a Tiger victory. The Eagles held Princeton to just 16 points for a final 3-0 win.
The loss was disappointing for the Tigers, who lamented going downhill after being up in the first game.
"We were tired," Senske said. "We just lost some of our energy and enthusiasm."
If the Princeton was drained the next day, the team hid it well. The Tigers appeared confident on the court Saturday against the Rochester Institute of Technology (10-9).
In a strong defensive effort, Princeton refused to give up more than 21 points in any game, and walked away with a 30-17, 30-21, 30-20 win.
Princeton's final match was no less successful. Seton Hill — not to be confused with Seton Hall — could not gain any ground against the Tigers.
"The Seton Hill match stands out in my mind — the team really came together that match," Senske said. "We ended on a good note."
A solid 3-0 win against the Griffiths put an end to Princeton's best tournament this year. The Tigers left the Juniata gym with a 3-1 weekend record.
Though the Tigers could not pull off an upset against Juniata, they had much to be proud of. Princeton made giant leaps in cleaning up its game as it prepares for the heart of its season.
"We've gotten progressively better. We're really minimizing our errors, and we've started flowing as a team," Senske said. "We're getting the rhythm down."
The tournament was the Tigers' last chance to work out their problem areas before their Ivy opener. Princeton kicks off league play Friday against Penn, the defending Ivy League champions.
"Penn was definitely in the back of our minds all weekend," Senske said.
Read More
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.
Two-way treats: Shenefelt and Kram do it all for Princeton baseball team
Joseph UglialoroThe baseball team features two players who hit and pitch, a rarity at the college level. Nick Shenefelt and Kaden Kram each took unique paths to playing both ways this season.
The baseball team features two players who hit and pitch, a rarity at the college level. Nick Shenefelt and Kaden Kram each took unique paths to playing both ways this season.