The women's soccer team kicks off the Ivy League season this weekend against Yale (4-2) following a successful trip to California. Last Friday, Princeton (5-0-1) outplayed Sacramento, 3-1, while on Sunday, the Tigers tied No. 12 California, 1-1. Based on the weekend's results, Princeton climbed the ranks of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll from 25th to 20th.
"We are pretty happy with the way things have gone the past few games," head coach Julie Shackford commented on the team's success on the West Coast. "We are grateful for the opportunity to go to California and play two competitive games. I think playing Cal gave us a lot of confidence about our level and the type of teams we can compete with."
The success streak continued through midweek play. The Tigers showed Hartford good soccer, winning the match, 3-1. Despite a tiring weekend, Princeton connected well as a team, moved the ball quickly and took advantage of its ability to make quick offensive transitions. In many cases, the Tigers left Hartford trailing.
All in all, the Tigers are playing well.
Last year Princeton defeated Yale, 2-0. The Tigers scored two goals late in the second half to take the win. In 2001, though, Princeton fell to Yale, 1-0, making it the only Ivy League loss of the season. As in all League play, memories are lasting and rivalry is forever.
"The intense rivalries within the league go back very far, and each game has its own unique history associated with it," senior captain Liz Bell commented. "Each time you play an Ivy League opponent, you're not only playing for your current team, but all of the teams that came before you, too."
Currently, the Bulldogs' record on the season is 4-2. Last weekend they fell to the nationally-ranked West Virginia. However, Rudy Meredith, head coach of the Bulldogs, was proud of the team's play. Yale had no midweek play and like Princeton, this is its first League game.
"The Ivy game will always be very competitive," Meredith said. "Because we do not have a conference tournament, one game could be the difference of making the NCAA tournament."
The big game?
It is no secret that every Ivy League game is a "big game." It could make the difference between winning or losing a league championship. To the Tigers, every league game is considered an Ivy League Championship game.
This paticular match-up will be a contest of two great defenses. The Tigers' defense is renowned throughout the Ivy League for its physical play and its ability to create offensive opportunities. Junior defensive backs Janine and Rochelle Willis often carry the ball forward, breaking up the midfield and defense of their opponents. This offensive mindset is unique to teams that have a strong confident back line. Princeton has had this tradition for years.
"Princeton is always well coached and has a great offense," Meredith said. "Our defense is doing well though."
But is this defense good enough to stop junior forward Esmeralda Negron, who has scored in all six games this season?
With help from sophomore midfielder Emily Behncke, senior forward Theresa Sherry, junior Sylvia Morelli, and sophomore midfielder/forward Maura Gallagher, Princeton's offense should be able to break down Yale's defense. Against Hartford the team showed off its ability to keep possession of the ball and make dynamic offensive decisions.
Thus, Princeton enters the weekend confident and strong — the events of the past week have given the Tigers strong national recognition. As they enter the second stage of the season, things are looking up.
Nonetheless, as Julie Shackford often tells her team, it must "take nothing for granted." The mantra is an important theme for the season and especially important to remember this weekend. Anything is possible on a given night, and this is especially true when two Ivy League teams match up. When the stakes are high, emotions are high and anything can happen.
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.