The 2004 women's lacrosse team, already shattering records right and left, can record its first ever undefeated regular season with a win Saturday over Brown.
The No. 1 Tigers (15-0 overall, 6-0 Ivy League) travel to Providence, R.I., with the hopes of earning sole possession of the league title. Princeton already has secured at least a share of the title with last Saturday's win over Dartmouth. The Big Green is the only other team with a potential stake in the title.
The Tigers have proved all season that they can take down teams both big and small. They hope this Saturday's contest will be no different.
As Princeton was celebrating its 8-7 overtime victory over No. 4 Maryland on Wednesday, the Bears (6-7, 2-4) were coming to terms with a disappointing 11-9 loss to Connecticut.
In fact, Brown is riding a three-game losing streak. The Bears' last win was a decisive 15-3 thumping of Holy Cross on April 19, and they have lost to Yale, Penn and Connecticut since then.
Breaking the dry spell will certainly not come easily. Brown's offense will have a difficult time penetrating Princeton's stalwart defensive unit. On Wednesday night the Tiger defense yielded only seven goals to a Terrapin squad that had averaged 14 goals per game coming in. Junior goaltender Sarah Kolodner made 10 key saves on the night in an impressive performance against a team known for its hard-hitting offense.
Still, the Bears have several key weapons Kolodner and company will have to look out for. Brown's sophomore midfielder Kate Staley leads the team with 29 goals on the season, while two of her teammates join her in the 20-goal club. Senior attack Christine Anneberg and senior midfielder Laurel Pierpont have 20 goals apiece.
Though Wednesday's contest did not represent the Princeton offense's best performance, the Tigers should be functioning as a fluid unit this weekend.
"I never felt like we got into a flow at all on the offense," head coach Chris Sailer said after the Maryland game. "We were out of sync; our timing was off, and we looked pretty confused at times."
But if the offense can have a less-than-stellar night and still emerge with a victory over a top-ranked team, then Princeton's chances against unranked Brown look good.
Expect senior attack Theresa Sherry and junior attack Lindsey Biles to put great pressure on the Bears' goalie team. Biles leads the Tigers with 44 goals on the season, and Sherry has contributed 42 of her own. Sophomore Jessica McNell and junior Julia Southard typically split time in goal for Brown, though Southard sees the most playing time.
What is at stake on Saturday? For the Bears, a chance to take down the Goliath of the women's lacrosse world in what would be the team's first win over the Tigers since 1986. For Princeton, there is also a great deal on the line. Besides sole possession of the league title and a perfect regular season, a win against Brown would extend the Tigers' winning streak to 25 games, stretching back to last April.
After Saturday's contest, Princeton will have 11 days to prepare for the NCAA Tournament, which begins May 13.
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.