Trombino, Sowanick lead Tigers

With the graduation of attackman Ryan Boyle '04, the men's lacrosse team was left looking for someone to step in and fill the void in the offense. Though virtually no player in collegiate lacrosse would be able to completely fill such large shoes, a pair of sophomore attackmen — Peter Trombino and Scott Sowanick — have done an admirable job for Princeton.

After outstanding rookie seasons, both players have been given increased responsibilities this year in the Tigers' offense. Then again, even as freshmen, heavy expectations were placed on their capable shoulders.

"We were expected to step up last year, and we're expected to step up this year as well," Sowanick said.

Trombino started his Tiger career in record fashion, scoring at least one goal in all 15 games of his freshman season, breaking the record of 10, set by Lorne Smith '99 in 1996. Trombino was the first Princeton freshman to score over 20 goals, posting 24 on the season. He also had 10 assists and led the team with a 0.461 shooting percentage.

Sowanick was not far behind Trombino. Sowanick had at least one point in 11 games and had eight multiple-point games last season. He scored 13 goals and 10 assists, one of eight Tiger freshmen ever to record double digits in both of the categories.

With Boyle gone, the Tigers couldn't afford for either to suffer through a sophomore slump. Luckily for Princeton, both players have proven their freshman year play was not just a flash in the pan. Sowanick leads the team in both goals and assists with 11 and eight, respectively. Trombino is second in both categories with 10 goals and six assists.

Both players have had big moments for the Tigers this season. One of the defining moments that displayed the team's potential came at the start of the second half against Syracuse. Down by one goal, Trombino scored three goals in just over three minutes to put Princeton on top. Though the Tigers were unable to hang on for the win, it gave the team significant confidence and momentum at that juncture in the game.

Sowanick has played consistently the entire season, recording at least one point in every game. In arguably his best performance of the season, he broke out for four goals in the first game of the year against Johns Hopkins. Three of his goals came at the end of the first half to keep Princeton within range, just when the Blue Jays were on the verge of breaking the game open.

Supporting cast

The two attackmen are part of a strong class of sophomores. Second-year midfielders Mike Gaudio and Whitney Hayes have also made substantial contributions to the offense.

"We have a really close group, and it's a lot of fun to be a part of," Trombino said. "Everyone gets along well and respects each other."

Besides scoring goals, this core group of sophomores has also provided guidance for the freshmen.

"We know exactly where they are at this point in the year because we were there last year," Sowanick said. "They ask us questions, and hopefully we can give them answers."

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Lost in the success of Sowanick and Trombino has been the play of senior attackman Jason Doneger, who was viewed as a key player for the Tigers coming into the season. Defenses have keyed on Doneger and tried to take him out of the offense, diminishing his statistical contributions.

"Statistically you wouldn't think that he's been playing amazing," Sowanick said. "But he's been doing great with the way that teams have kind of surrounded their defenses around him."

The focus on Doneger has opened up opportunities for players like Trombino and Sowanick. It also puts them in a position where they must fill a variety of roles in the offense.

Though each may have their own forte — Trombino, for instance, is primarily a shooter — both fill whatever role is needed. One important task for the two is trying to get the ball to Doneger, despite the emphasis that defenses put on shutting him down.

Having three high caliber attackmen but no clear goto player changes the way an offense is run. Rather than waiting for the dominant player — like Boyle was last season — to initiate play, the three attackmen must be more active in creating opportunities and jumpstarting the offense.

Doneger showed the value of experience when he scored a goal in double overtime to lead Princeton to its win against Penn. As their collegiate careers continue, don't be surprised to see the duo of Sowanick and Trombino scoring many game-winning goals themselves.