Princeton (3-3-1) entered last weekend’s Princeton Tournament without a win since opening day and low on confidence, knowing that any more hiccups would significantly damage its chances for postseason play. Yet after winning the tournament with two dominant victories over Richmond (3-1) and Adelphi (3-0) in which junior striker Antoine Hoppenot grabbed a combined four goals, the team is poised to enter the heart of its season with a renewed optimism.
“We’re starting to tick,” Hoppenot said. “We’ve had a lot of energy these past few games, and we’re improving, so we’ll be ready to go this weekend.”
Indeed, much of last weekend’s success can be attributed to Hoppenot, who has scored five goals — four more than anyone else on the team has managed.
Hoppenot attributed his strong start to good positioning and help from his teammates.
“I think I’ve been in the right spots at the right time,” Hoppenot said. “But [Matt] Sanner has also been out there helping me out, so I attribute my success to him.”
Still, nothing must be taken away from the impressive performances of senior goalkeeper Sean Lynch, who recorded eight saves and one shutout last weekend, and senior midfielder Josh Walburn, who has recovered well from an early-season injury to accumulate one goal and two assists in four games.
Dartmouth (4-2-1) may well prove to be a formidable opponent for the newly confident Tigers on the opening-match day of the Ivy League season.
“The first game of the Ivy League season is always a big one, so we’re looking to get off to a good start,” Hoppenot said.
Over the past three seasons, Princeton has one tie and two losses against the Big Green. Last season, the Tigers conceded three times in the final 15 minutes in what had been a close game to give Dartmouth a 4-2 victory in Hanover, N.H. Sophomore striker Matt Sanner and senior defender Benjamin Burton scored for the Tigers in that match.
Dartmouth has enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning four of its first seven games, including a 2-1 win over San Diego and a 1-0 win over New Mexico.
Hoppenot said that Princeton will have to play particularly well in the midfield if it hopes to get something out of the match.
“It’s all about moving the ball in the middle of the field, staying focused and not letting ourselves lapse in certain sections of the game,” he said.
The Princeton defenders will be closely watching Dartmouth’s Lucky Mkosana, a Zimbabwean forward who has impressed for the Big Green since arriving in Hanover, winning Ivy League Rookie of the Year two years ago and being named first-team All-Ivy League last year. So far this season, Mkosana has scored one goal and provided two assists while taking 33 shots. Another threat to the Tigers will be midfielder Daniel Keat. Keat, who played for New Zealand in the 2007 Under-20 World Cup and was selected to New Zealand’s 2008 Olympic squad, was named third-team All-America and first-team All-Northeast last season.
Following Saturday’s match, Princeton will face Seton Hall at Roberts Stadium on Tuesday night. The Tigers will continue their Ivy League schedule when they host a fearsome Brown team with a sensational defense the following weekend.
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.