Fresh start for Tigers as Ivy season kicks off

Though the women's soccer team started the season slowly, it has recently come speeding back. The Tigers (2-4-1 overall) are on a two-game winning streak, with neither opponent able to score a single goal on Princeton's stalwart defense. Princeton looks to enter conference play this weekend with game faces on and claws out, ready to battle it out on their climb to the top.

The women open Ivy League play Saturday in Hanover, N.H., against last year's Ivy League runner-up, Dartmouth (2-6-0). The teams have deceptively similar records, though the Big Green has played far less competitive teams. While Princeton scheduled games against five teams recognized in national polls, Dartmouth's only top opponent was fifth-ranked Texas A&M.

As neither team has faced another Ivy foe so far this season, the matchup is an important one for both teams — it's a chance for each to establish its presence among the league leaders. Princeton will come into the game with the emotional advantage, having won its last two games, following an 0-4-1 start.

"Because of these past two wins [against St. Joseph's and Sacred Heart], we've become more confident and are able to finish more," sophomore midfielder Vicki Anagnostopoulos said.

In addition to extra confidence, Princeton will bring more experience onto the field. Dartmouth lost 10 seniors to graduation and replaced them with seven freshman. Six of these rookies have already seen action, and two have contributed significantly on offense, scoring a goal apiece.

While the newcomers to the Big Green may be talented, Princeton will look to take advantage of Dartmouth's nerves and inexperience early. The returning Tigers remember last year's loss to Dartmouth and have extra motivation.

"We lost to Dartmouth last year when we were not playing our best soccer," Anagnostopoulos said. "Everyone is excited to get back out there and show the Big Green what we can do."

Junior midfielder Jen Om and Anagnostopoulos will be looked to as the offensive leaders of the team, with Om having scored her third goal of the season Wednesday night. The two should look to capitalize on the fact that Dartmouth has only one returning starting defender.

In its first few games, the Big Green rotated underclassmen through the remaining three positions in order to find the best combination. While the defense is working out its kinks, the communication among the back four has been shaky. Taking advantage of this lack of defensive comfort could prove to be the key to Princeton's success.

Dartmouth has also struggled with consistency. The team opened the season strongly against Texas A&M, surrendering only two goals, one of which came on a penalty kick. In its second game, however, the Big Green showed its vulnerability, losing the battle for possession to Rice.

In post-game interviews, Dartmouth players and coaches lamented their inability to stay consistent both within and between games. Princeton will try to capitalize on any Big Green defensive lapses.

The Tigers realize that this first game will be both a physical and mental test of their readiness to take on Ivy League opponents as they once again establish themselves as the team to beat.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

"We continue to train at a highly intense level to prepare us for the Ivy League games," Anagnostopoulos said. "This training includes working on our possession, winning 50/50 balls and most of all finishing — which we have been improving on."

The inability to score goals hampered the Tigers much of last year, but so far the team has made great strides, scoring eight goals in their first seven games. With the team awaiting senior captain and midfielder Diana Matheson's return from the Women's World Cup, Princeton can look forward to becoming an even more deadly offense.

If the Tigers keep their composure and come out of the gates strong, they should be able to avenge last year's loss to the Big Green and send a fierce message to the rest of league.