During the first couple weeks of the season, the field hockey team’s offense was firing on all cylinders. This offensive strength enabled the team to win important games against other nationally ranked squads. This weekend, one opponent found an answer to No. 4 Princeton’s (5-1 overall, 1-0 Ivy League) high-octane offense.
On Sunday afternoon, Princeton’s offensive attack was quieted by Providence (3-4), and the Tigers were defeated, 2-1.
On Saturday afternoon, however, the Tigers notched an important victory over Dartmouth (1-3, 0-1), defeating the Big Green by a convincing 6-1 margin. It was the first Ivy League matchup for both squads.
Against the Big Green, Princeton received another strong offensive performance from sophomore striker Kathleen Sharkey, who had a hat trick in the game. Sharkey currently leads the team in scoring with seven goals and five assists.
Senior midfielder Kaitlin Donovan said that it was important for her team to win its first game against an Ancient Eight opponent.
“That [win] was huge for us,” Donovan said. “We were really looking to make a statement. As defending Ivy League champions, we really wanted to come out and not only win and play the best that we could, but also send a message to the rest of the Ivy League.”
The Tigers succeeded, completely dominating Dartmouth on the offensive side of the ball by outshooting the Big Green by an astounding 30-2 margin.
The defense played solidly as well. Junior Jennifer King and senior Cynthia Wray split time in goal and both were effective.
One reason Princeton’s offense has been successful this season is that younger players have stepped up. Against Dartmouth, freshman midfielder Julia Reinprecht contributed two goals to the Tigers’ cause, bringing her season total to four goals.
Princeton scored early and often against the Big Green, and this proved to be the difference-maker in the game. Reinprecht netted both her goals within the first 10 minutes of the matchup, giving the Tigers an early cushion.
But Princeton was not satisfied with its initial lead. Sharkey scored an unassisted goal with 10 minutes, 41 seconds gone in the first half, making the score 3-0. Then, senior back Kaitlyn Perrelle and Sharkey scored for Princeton, and the Tigers entered the locker room with a comfortable 5-0 halftime lead.
Early in the second half, Dartmouth midfielder Rebecca Sobel, the team’s leading scorer, notched a goal, cutting Princeton’s lead to four. Minutes later, though, Sharkey scored an insurance goal, which essentially iced the game for Princeton.
On Sunday afternoon, the Tigers tested their five-game winning streak against Providence. Unfortunately for Princeton, the Friars came ready to play, especially on defense.
Though Princeton outshot Providence by a 22-7 margin, the Tigers only found the back of the net once. Sophomore midfielder Katie Reinprecht led all Princeton players with seven shots on goal.
The Tigers got on the board first in the game. At the 35-minute mark of the first half, freshman striker Michelle Cesan received a pass from Sharkey on a penalty corner and shot the ball past Friar goalkeeper Rachel Chamberlain. The goal was Cesan’s third of the season.
After that point, though, the Tigers were unable to find the back of the net. Providence scored two goals in the second half, snapping Princeton’s impressive five-game winning streak and handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.
First, midfielder Julie Ruggieri recorded an unassisted tally 1:45 into the second half. Then midfielder Nicole Fernandez scored the game-winner on a penalty corner during the 56th minute of play.
Princeton will need to rebound quickly from its tough loss to Providence. On Wednesday evening, the Tigers will face Penn State. Then on Saturday, Princeton will battle Ivy League foe Yale. Both games will be played at Class of 1952 Stadium.
“We will definitely use [the loss to Providence] to make improvements in our game,” Donovan said. “We played well, but we couldn’t finish. We win as a team, and we lose as a team. We will use this [game] to make improvements, to get better and to accomplish our goals. We are an all-around great team.”
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.