The women's lacrosse team entered the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, while perennial rival Virginia entered in first. The Tigers (5-2 overall, 1-0 Ivy League) have now lost two games, and the Cavaliers have lost one. Needless to say, Princeton's season has already seen a few surprises, and its remaining Ivy League opponents may present a few more. After defeating Columbia, 13-4, to kick off their league play, the Tigers are now poised to enter the final six games of their Ivy League schedule. With a look around the league, we can see what Princeton might expect.
Cornell
The Tigers' next Ivy contest comes on Saturday against the Big Red (4-2, 1-0). Cornell has already posted impressive victories over then-No. 13 Ohio State. The Big Red kicked off its league season last weekend by defeating Penn, 12-10. Last year, Cornell was the only team able to post double-digit points against the Tigers. Its offensive production does not seem to have waned this season. Led by junior Allison Schindler, the Big Red offense has posted more than 10 goals per game in four of its first five games. It is currently ranked 14th in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association poll.
Yale
Next on Princeton's schedule is Yale (3-3, 0-2), which the Tigers handily defeated in their lone meeting last year. The Bulldogs have had a tough start to their league season, losing one-goal contests both to Penn, 8-7, and Dartmouth, 9-8. Despite these early losses, Yale's experience could pose a threat to any team in the league. All four of their All-Ivy nominations from last year return to the field for the 2005 season and should make significant contributions in the April 9th game.
Penn
Penn (4-3, 1-1), which entered the week ranked No. 14, has already dropped its first league game to Cornell after its win at Yale. Last year, Princeton held no team to fewer points than they did the Quakers, who could only manage three goals at Class of 1952 Stadium. But this year, Princeton has already shown some vulnerability, and the meeting will be at Penn on April 13th. The Quakers have lost their only first-team All-Ivy League selection from last year, but they return midfielder Kate Parker, a second-team selection. Penn's inexperience has been revealed in its inconsistency so far this season, allowing as few as four goals while giving up 13 and putting up 12 on one occasion but only four in another.
Harvard
The Tigers will host Harvard (2-4, 0-0) on April 16th at Class of 1952 Stadium. Princeton had its largest regular-season margin of victory in its win over Harvard last year. This year's result should prove no different. Despite getting off to a 2-0 start at home, the Crimson have gone on to drop its last four games by margins of six, nine, five and three, respectively. Harvard's second-team All-Ivy and honorable mention recipients, Casey Owens and Allison Kaveney, respectively, both return this year. The Crimson opens its Ivy season this Saturday against Yale.
Dartmouth
Princeton will face its arguably most difficult Ivy League opponent when the Tigers travel to Hanover, N.H., to face Dartmouth on April 23th. The Big Green is currently 6-0 and 2-0 in the Ivies, including a 19-3 trouncing of Columbia and a 9-8 win over Yale. Two players, senior Katieanne Christian and junior Devon Wills, are U.S. Developmental team members.
The team, which fell to Princeton by one goal in overtime in the NCAA playoffs last season, has lost both its offensive and defensive MVPs. But Dartmouth has had others step up into the leadership roles. Defender Erin Osborn has already been named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week for her solid efforts in helping Dartmouth claim its first-ever win over Maryland earlier this season.
Brown
The Tigers' final Ivy contest and second-to-last regular season game will be on April 30th when they host Brown (2-5, 0-0). Last year, the Bears almost ruined Princeton's perfect regular season, claiming a 3-2 lead before giving up three straight goals to the Tigers. Midfielder Kate Staley and attack Sarah Passano led the Brown offense with 11 goals each, but offensive explosions are not characteristic of the squad. The Bears have recorded only 44 goals throughout their seven games, compared with the 74 goals Princeton has already scored. Strong play from goalie Julia Southard will be the primary means by which Brown can stay in the game. She has an impressive .649 save percentage this season.
Read More
No. 7 women’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals against No. 1 UNC
Hayk YengibaryanWith the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
With the loss, the career of senior attacker Mackenzie Blake comes to an end. Blake finished her career with a program-best 231 career goals and three first-team All-Ivy selections.
No. 3 men’s lacrosse season ends in NCAA quarterfinals after 19–18 loss to No. 5 Syracuse
Hayk YengibaryanWith the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
With the win, Syracuse advances to the final four for the first time since 2013. For the Tigers, their season ends along with the career of senior standout attacker Coulter Mackesy.
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.