Tigers look to take down No. 5 UConn on Sunday

Last season, the Huskies visited Princeton having won the previous five meetings between the two teams. In dramatic fashion, however, the Tigers overcame a one-goal deficit to upset the then-No. 3 Huskies.

This year, Princeton seems poised to strike yet another giant-killing blow. Having started 3-0 for the first time since 2003, the 2008 Tiger squad appears ready to charge up the rankings.

Standing in its way, however, will be a Connecticut team determined not to allow another upset. The formidable Huskies have already defeated No. 6 Penn State in convincing fashion.

The Tigers, however, are far from intimidated. Last year’s victory will certainly add fuel to the fire.

“[The] upset certainly is inspiring to us,” senior midfielder and tri-captain Candice Arner said. “It gives us that extra confidence to know that we can beat top-10 teams. That being said, we have to realize that UConn is going to come out seeking revenge. We must be prepared for that.”

Princeton is ready for its first major test of the season. Having swept its season-opening Virginia road trip, the Tigers know that defeating the Huskies will send a statement to the rest of the NCAA.

“We will focus more on refining skill and sticking to playing Tiger hockey,” senior defender and tri-captain Holly McGarvie explained. “Over the next few days, it is important to hone in on what helped us win our first few games so that we can carry the momentum into the weekend.”

The Tigers will indeed look to continue to build on their momentum. This fall, Princeton has demonstrated impressive tenacity and has showcased a versatile offense in which any number of goal scorers can come up big.

Veterans Arner, McGarvie and junior attack Tina Bortz are working well with two notable newcomers: freshman attack Kathleen Sharkey and freshman midfielder Katie Reinprecht. Sophomore goaltender Jen King has also gotten off to an strong start, allowing just one score over three games.

The mood of the team is clearly excited, as the Tigers want to test their mettle against the class of the NCAA. In McGarvie’s words, they are “pumped.”