For the 2004 women's soccer team, expectations — its own and those of outsiders and coaches — are high. Last year's record, (4-2-1 Ivy League, 11-3-3 overall), just won't cut it.
"[The 2003 team] underachieved a bit," head coach Julie Shackford said. "This year, we're looking to win the Ivies and be a serious contender in the later stages of the [NCAA] tournament."
On paper, the Tigers should be a dominant force this year. With this in mind, Princeton has made "drive" its new mantra.
"Number one, we're putting ourselves in the driver's seat. We're driving towards our goals of winning the Ivies and going far in the tournament," senior defender Janine Willis said. "And it's about personal drive and self-responsibility. We're the only ones who can beat us. I think we have shown that we can play with anyone."
With nine returning starters, contending should not be a problem. This year's Tiger team features three first team All-Ivy selections, one of whom, senior forward Esmeralda Negron, was selected as 2003 Ivy League Player of the Year.
"We're expecting big things from Esmeralda," Shackford said. "She's already stepped up her game a level from last year."
Such a comment should strike fear in the hearts of Princeton opponents because Negron is the same player who last year ranked second in the Ivy League in points (30) and goals (13).
Moreover, the Tigers welcome freshman midfielder Diana Matheson, a member of the Canadian national team, to an offense that led the Ivies in goals per game (2.31) last year. Matheson has paid immediate dividends for the Tigers. In the first game of the year, against No. 5 Texas A&M, she scored just four minutes, 43 seconds into the game. Princeton eventually won, 2-1, in what potentially could be its toughest opponent of the year. The Tigers' other goal came courtesy of Negron, the second most prolific goalscorer in team history with 28.
On defense, the outlook is just as bright. The Tigers are returning a plethora of talented players including senior captains Willis and Brea Griffiths, who earned second team all-Ivy honors last season. Joining Janine on defense is twin sister and first team all-Ivy selection Rochelle.
Coming into the year, the duo had missed one game in the last three years. Both were absent in the Tigers' win over Texas A&M — Janine with a deep thigh bruise and Rochelle with an MCL injury. Janine is already back, but Rochelle should be out for about three weeks.
"Obviously [Janine and Rochelle Willis] were a huge loss," Shackford said. "But because of our depth we have people who can step up and fill the void."
Junior Emily Vogelzang will be in goal for the Tigers this year. Against a strong Aggie team, Vogelzang allowed just one goal in the full 90 minutes of play, while recording three saves.
Looking ahead, the road the Tigers hope to "drive" is not an easy one. The Tigers' schedule features six teams that went to the tournament a year ago.
"All of our games are big ones since you only play each team once," Janine Willis said. "Every league game is do or die."
This season, Princeton will be involved in several marquee matches. On Sept. 19, the Tigers travel to North Carolina to take on Wake Forest.
"It should be a good test and tuneup for us," Shackford said.
On Oct. 23, the Tigers host Harvard in a battle of Ivy powerhouses.
But next on the slate is tomorrow's game against Villanova. The Wildcats ended Princeton's season a year ago, in the NCAA tournament's first round.
"We're looking for revenge," Shackford said.
Read More
What’s an offseason? Jackson Green and Jay Mentink on being multi-sport athletes at Princeton
Doug SchwartzPrinceton sophomores Jackson Green and Jay Mentink embrace the challenge of playing two Division I sports while tackling Ivy League academics head-on.
Princeton sophomores Jackson Green and Jay Mentink embrace the challenge of playing two Division I sports while tackling Ivy League academics head-on.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse routs No. 14 Towson 22–12, Mackesy breaks career goals record
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, the Tigers advance to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in 2022. Princeton will take on No. 5 Syracuse in Hempstead, N.Y., next weekend for a spot in the final four.
With the win, the Tigers advance to the NCAA quarterfinals for the first time in 2022. Princeton will take on No. 5 Syracuse in Hempstead, N.Y., next weekend for a spot in the final four.
Senior Coulter Mackesy, Pace Billings ’24, and Sam English ’23 drafted to Premier Lacrosse League
Hayk YengibaryanThe PLL, founded in 2018 by brothers Mike and Paul Rabil, is North America’s professional lacrosse league. The league currently features eight teams that compete in a tour-based format, traveling to different cities each weekend throughout the summer season.
The PLL, founded in 2018 by brothers Mike and Paul Rabil, is North America’s professional lacrosse league. The league currently features eight teams that compete in a tour-based format, traveling to different cities each weekend throughout the summer season.