Every Tuesday, Sports and Data writers analyze recent athletic competitions to provide analysis and insight on the happenings of Princeton athletics and individual players across the 38 intercollegiate teams at Princeton. Whether they are record-breaking or day-to-day, statistics deliver information in concise ways and help inform fans who might have missed the action. Read past By the Numbers coverage here.
Princeton Tigers: September 24–30
Princeton teams played 26 games and matches across 13 sports and nine U.S. states over the past seven days. Of the 11 games where only one team came out on top, the Tigers won 64 percent of matches, a slight increase over last edition’s 62 percent. Multiple-day meets and tournaments are counted individually for each day of the competition. Competitions with more than one event or individual results — such as golf and cross country — were not included in this win percentage analysis.
This week, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games. They were electric on the road, winning seven out of nine. With a rare low number of games at home, two, the Tigers fell winless in Central Jersey.
Alone at the top
Through seven games, men’s soccer stands at No. 1 in the nation in RPI, a statistical ranking derived from wins, losses, and strength of schedule. The Tigers were also rewarded for their recent outstanding play by coaches around the country, landing at No. 13 in the United Soccer Coaches poll. Tonight’s impressive 2–0 win over Army West Point should only continue to push the Tigers up the national rankings.
Oh yes Syd did
Just a week after breaking the 2,000 career assist mark in volleyball, junior setter Sydney Draper erupted for 52 assists in the Tigers’ three-set win over Penn on Friday, the most in the nation this year in a three-set match. Draper accounted for 85 percent of Princeton’s total assists and matched the team total assists of the Quakers.
O(h)le O(h)le O(h)le O(h)le
In men’s water polo’s 18–10 win over Long Island University on Saturday, senior utility JP Ohl dished out a career-high eight assists, tying the program record. Only Matt Payne ’19 has reached that number in a game against MIT in 2016. Ohl is four assists short of setting the all-time Tigers record.
Consistent close calls
Field hockey took down the Maryland Terrapins this Sunday, 2–1, in the 10th consecutive one-score matchup between the two blue-blood programs. The win was the fourth straight win for the Tigers over their regional rivals.
A Benjamin for Bob
Head Coach Bob Surace ’90 earned his 100th career head coaching win in football’s double-digit road win over Lafayette. Surace started his career at Western Connecticut State, winning 18 games, before coming over to Princeton in 2010. The 2018 undefeated season stands as Surace’s crowning accomplishment so far at Old Nassau.
Furious finishing
Across the first two games of the season, football is a perfect eight for eight in the red zone — the opposing 20-yard line and in. Led by the dual senior quarterback attack of Kai Colón and Blaine Hipa, the Tigers’ offense has already combined for 66 points against San Diego and Lafayette.
From dominant road performances to unselfish passers, the Tigers have notched many successes as they dig in for the bulk of Ivy League play. Check back in next week to learn about all things Princeton Athletics — By The Numbers.
Harrison Blank is a head Sports editor at the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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