Princeton's freshman class seemed to dominate the offense as the women's volleyball team kicked off its season with two wins and a loss last weekend. The defending Ivy League co-champions took to the courts with confidence at the annual Colgate Invitational, where they opened with a 3-0 victory over Providence College on Friday. The team followed its opening win with a 1-1 record on Saturday, posting a 3-0 loss to Fordham and a 3-0 win against Colgate.
In the first game of the season, the Tigers took an early lead in the match against the Friars and never let up. Princeton quickly established a 14-9 margin and built from there, dominating the first set 30-19. The Tigers rode their consistent hitting to win the next two sets 30-21, 30-24.
Senior outside hitter Lauren Grumet led the team with 13 kills. Of the freshman class' impressive 27 combined kills, outside hitters Parker Henritze, Kelli Grobe and Jessica Hoffman took charge with 23.
Senior setter Jenny Senske recorded 41 assists, and after a season in which she ranked fifth in the NCAA for digs per game, junior outside hitter Jenny McReynolds led the defense with 19 digs.
The team recorded a stunning overall game attack percentage of .429.
The Rams proved to be a formidable opponent for the Tigers the following morning, however. Fordham (8-2) took control of the next match with a 30-27, 30-24, 30-25 victory. Princeton struggled with a .074 attack percentage as the previous day's consistent hitting was nowhere to be found.
Freshman Henritze led the team with 14 kills, followed by Grumet's nine.
In spite of the tough loss, Princeton regained confidence on Saturday afternoon when it defeated Colgate 30-23, 30-25, 30-21.
The freshman class came out strong again, with freshman Hoffman taking the lead in kills for the match. Hoffman, with an attack percentage of .417, hit 14 kills, while teammate Henritze contributed 13 kills, 11 digs, 4 blocks and a game record of 5 aces.
Grumet also contributed 13 kills, while junior middle blocker Brittany Wood knocked down eight, hitting .636.
Senske recorded 51 assists, while McReynolds led with 31 digs.
Princeton will face off against the Rider Broncs on Friday at 5 p.m. to open the Rider Tournament in Lawrenceville.
Read More
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.
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.