Princeton women's water polo drops two, wins one to open up conference play

The Princeton women’s water polo squad (14-5 overall, 1-2 Collegiate Water Polo Association) traveled to Ann Arbor, Mich. this weekend to take on some of the nation’s best collegiate water polo squads. Though a smaller team than many of their competitors, the Tigers have proved resourceful and determined all season. Coming into the tournament as the No. 16 team, the Tigers faced tough competition from their three slotted opponents: No. 8 Michigan State University (22-6, 3-0), competing in their home pool; No. 15 Indiana University (17-6, 2-1); and Ivy-League rival, No. 13 Harvard (19-7, 0-3).

Princeton narrowly dropped its first game against Michigan in a 9-8 heartbreaker. The Tigers jumped to a roaring 2-0 lead against the Wolverines with early goals from junior center defender Morgan Hallock and sophomore utility Haley Wan. The Wolverines, however, tied the game by the end of the first quarter and extended it to 7-3 early into the second half. The tenacious Orange and Black play would narrow Michigan’s lead, but ultimately the clock ran out on the Tigers. Senior utility Pippa Temple, freshman utility Lindsey Kelleher and Wan led the team with two goals apiece; Kelleher also managed an impressive three assists. On the defensive end, sophomore goalie Helena van Brande recorded two saves and two steals.

The Tigers had little time to recover from their grueling opener, however, and they immediately jumped into action against No. 15 Indiana. Princeton and Indiana have had significant roles in the history of women’s water polo. Last year, in fact, the Tigers defeated the Hoosiers in the CWPA championships for their first victory over Indiana since 2007. The first half proved to be a furious exchange of goals and blows, with von Brande at one point making three saves in a row, leaving the score tied 3-3 at halftime. In the second half, however, Indiana managed to extend its lead to 6-4; the Tigers began a furious comeback, spearheaded by goals from Wan, Kelleher and freshman attack Eliza Britt, but in the end, time ran out again for the Princeton squad, which took another narrow loss at 8-7.

Princeton, however, refused to be cowed. In their final Sunday match against Harvard, the Tigers emerged with a 9-7 triumph. Though Harvard opened up the game with the first goal, Wan, Hallock, Britt and Kelleher all netted goals in the first quarter to give Princeton a narrow 4-3 lead by the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Princeton offense exploded: Hallock, Kelleher and sophomore Sydney Cheong all scored goals in rapid succession to give the Tigers a commanding 7-4 lead. Now Harvard would be forced to play catch-up; they mounted a tenacious comeback, but goals from Britt and Wan maintained the Princeton lead, and the Tigers walked away with their first CWPA win. Just as critical as Princeton’s five scorers were the impressive efforts of Van Brande, who had seven saves in the game.

Wan proudly defended her team’s performance this weekend, stating, “Going up against the No. 1- and No. 2-ranked in the CWPA in one day was tough, but I think our team fought really well, and we showed that we are fit and mentally prepared for our Eastern Championship weekend.”

Princeton hopes to improve on its performance this weekend, win the CWPA championships and return to the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row — the Tigers placed sixth last year. To do that, Wan said, “Looking forward, I think everyone's role on the team is crucial and will be significant in reaching our goals for the postseason.” With their determination and skill, there is no doubt that the Tigers stand an excellent chance in achieving their ultimate goals.