The Violets (6-3, 0-2) came out firing, while the Tigers seemed sluggish, falling behind 6-12 early in the first set. No Tiger held serve for more than two points, and it looked like it would be a quick set.
But the game turned out to be one of changing momentum when Princeton won eight of the next 10 points to pull even at 14 with long, gritty plays.
The Violets didn’t let up though, pulling away for a five-point lead that they held for the rest of the set.
Princeton played a much more balanced second set, keeping pace with the Violets and trading service on a regular basis. The Tigers finally began to pull away on the strength of sophomore outside hitter Pat Schwagler’s service at 10-10.
Princeton claimed a four-point lead — one that it never fully relinquished during the set. The Violets made a comeback, though, bringing the score to 22-21 before the Tigers managed to finish off the set 25-22.
Junior setter Scott Liljestrom played a central role in the Tigers’ strong second set and buoyed the Tigers in the third set. He was also essential to many of Princeton’s finishing plays.
Momentum swings were pervasive in the third set, with four major lead changes in the first 12 points. The rest of the set was more of the same until the very end, when the Violets captured five of the last six points to take the set.
Their fiery run proved too much to overcome. NYU took an early three-point lead in the fourth set and never looked back. The lead eventually ballooned to nine points, and, although the Tigers managed to chip away, they never got close enough to challenge the Violets, who captured the final set after a brief three-point run by the Tigers.
Senior outside hitter and co-captain Vincent Tuminelli was a dominant force for the Tigers in the third and fourth sets and was involved in the majority of their offensive plays. He and Schwagler were responsible for many of Princeton’s most impressive offensive sequences but were plagued by the same inconsistency as the rest of the team.
The Tigers’ serving was another major hindrance early in the game, as Princeton gave up many service errors at various points in the first set. The team’s service picked up in the second set, eventually settling into an even rhythm.
Princeton’s best play had little to do with serving, though. Play was strongest when every player touched the ball, and the team’s communication was a major factor keeping them in the game on a night when no individual put on a dazzling performance. However, the team’s errors simply proved to be too much to overcome in the face of a strong NYU squad.
The Tigers will begin a string of league matches this weekend against St. Francis and Penn State in Pennsylvania, finishing off with a three-game home stand over the following week.
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.