Entering the second game of the weekend against St. Lawrence (9-10-2 overall, 4-5-5 ECAC Hockey), junior goalie Rachel Weber had not given up a goal in four games. Before the puck slipped past Weber three minutes, 39 seconds into the third period, she made history with the longest shutout streak in ECAC Hockey history: 289 minutes and 43 seconds. Since a close loss to Yale in the beginning of December, Princeton (10-10-1, 7-6-1) has given up only three goals in four weekends, while its offense has scored 24 times.
In Potsdam, N.Y., the Tigers simply overwhelmed Clarkson (6-12-3, 3-5-1) in the first period, outshooting the Golden Knights 14-2. Princeton earned its first goal of the weekend when senior defenseman Sasha Sherry found the net on a power play. This goal sent Sherry to the top of the Princeton season scoring charts. Strong defense by Weber helped Princeton hold a more aggressive Clarkson offense scoreless in the second period. Less than six minutes into the final period, the Tigers scored an insurance goal as junior forward Heather Landry’s shot slipped by Clarkson’s Erica Howe. The Tigers skated off with a 2-0 victory. Weber finished the game with 18 saves.
The following day, the Tigers dispatched the St. Lawrence Saints in a similar fashion. They struck first when freshman forward Sally Butler scored her eighth goal of the season in the second period. Freshman forward Olivia Mucha added what would be the game-winning goal for Princeton only 18 seconds into the third period.
Minutes later, the Saints answered Mucha’s goal with a shot that Weber stopped but was unable to settle. St. Lawrence’s Karell Emard knocked the puck, still in midair, past the goal line to end Weber’s historic shutout streak. A third Princeton goal ended the game on a good note as Landry converted on a power play to give the Tigers a 3-1 win.
Weber ended with 29 saves, the most of any game during her shutout streak. Mucha’s goal moved her to the top of the team points chart, one point ahead of Butler and Sherry.
Butler attributes much of the team’s recent success to Weber. “Her play has been exceptional ... it gives our team confidence, which translates into better play and better results.”
Reflecting on a weekend that included the game-winner against St. Lawrence, Mucha dismisses the notable contributions she has made while still just a freshman. “Each point a teammate has is due to support on and off the ice from the rest of the team. Sally and I have been lucky to play on a line together with [freshman forward] Denna Laing. The three of us have been able to come together and build trust ... which carries great weight on the ice.”
The Tigers break for the next two weekends as the players take final exams and will return to Baker Rink on Jan. 28 and Jan. 29, where they will face St. Lawrence and Clarkson again.
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.