Princeton Tigers
Overall Rank: # 33
Conference Rank: #1 Ivy League
Princeton Team Page
Princeton made its eighth appearance in the last 14 NCAA Tournaments last season and 10th overall. The first round win over West Virginia was the program's first win in the tournament since 2004 and the first that was not won at home. Prior to its second round loss to Marquette, the Tigers had won 12 straight matches, which tied for the second longest in program history. Included in the win streak was an incredible 7-0 sweep of Ivy League opponents.
2012 Record: 14-4-1, 7-0
2012 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Julie Shackford
Strengths:
Princeton brings back a lot of experience to this year's squad, including 11 players who saw action in 10 or more games. Lauren Lazo, who finished second on the team with 11 goals, returns for her junior campaign. Lynessa McGee, who finished the season with four goals, is second on the returnee list. Jessica Haley only had two goals, but was tied for a team-high seven assists in 2012. Liana Cornacchio had three goals last season and added five assists. Five other players that scored also return for the 2013 season.
Weaknesses:
While the Tigers bring back a good amount of experience, they must replace one of the greatest players in school history, Jen Hoy. Hoy, who was the first Princeton player to be named an NSCAA All-America since 2004, is now playing for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. Unfortunately for the Tigers, her departure also means a lot of goals will need replacing. Hoy scored 18 goals last season, which was seventh in the country, and also had five game-winning goals. Lazo will need to score more, as well as some of the other players already mentioned. Freshmen like Nicole Loncar and Tyler Lussi, who was a four-star recruit, may be asked to provide support early. Hoy's departure isn't the only big one, however. The Tigers lose starting goalie Claire Pinciaro, as well as top backup Kristin Watson. Two goalies that saw action last year, Cecilia Di Caprio and Darcy Hargadon, played in only one and two games in reserve roles, respectively. One will have to distance herself and take over in goal.
Final Projection:
Princeton has the talent to get back to the NCAA Tournament and do well in conference play. Whether it can duplicate last year's record is to be seen, but if it can overcome the loss of Hoy and Pinciaro, it's possible. A year after playing Wake Forest and UCLA, both ranked teams and BCS conference squads, the Tigers loaded its nonconference schedule again this year with opponents like Seton Hall, Richmond and Rutgers, who is a Top 44 College Sports Madness team. LaSalle is also expected to be strong and challenge for the A-10 crown.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
Goals: Lauren Lazo, Junior, M/F, 11
Assists: Jessica Haley, Junior, M, 7
Shots: Lauren Lazo, 31
Saves: Darcy Hargadon, Junior, 3
See All Women's Soccer Top 44 Team Previews
