Princeton University Athletics
Princton A Force To Be Reckoned With
September 13, 1999 | Field Hockey
Before the pessimists start coming out of the woodwork, screaming that head coach Beth Bozman is lucky if her cup is even half full, they might want to take a closer look.
True, the Princeton University field hockey team lost plenty when the Class of 1999 traded its sticks for diplomas. That doesn't mean that everybody who worked so hard in building the Tigers' tradition has left.
In fact, there are plenty of new candidates coming. No, the torch hasn't died. It just bears a new holder.
Bozman, now in her 12th year of coaching the Tigers, has quite an array of talent as she attempts to lead Princeton to a fourth straight Final Four and an unprecedented sixth straight Ivy League title. From a trio of determined captains to a six-deep freshman class that could be considered the best in the nation, Princeton will once again be a force to be reckoned with in 1999.
One of the most important aspects about this year's squad will be its experience. How can that be, the pessimists will ask? Although many of the starters will be different, the fact remains that since 1996 no member of this team has played in a season that didn't include a trip to the Final Four.
There could only be 11 starters, but there were 25 winners. Plus, Princeton's opponents only played against players like Kirsty Hale, Christine Hunsicker, Molly O'Malley and Ann Marie Reich once or twice a season. The Princeton non-starters did that at least five times a week.
Experience? Yes, there will be experience. Talent? Just look at the players who will take the torch and run.
The attack line will be as dangerous as ever. Kate Carroll, one of the tri-captains, played as well as anybody over the last three weeks of the season and has shown the ability to be a top scorer. Hilary Matson scored 12 goals last year, including two in the NCAA semifinal win over Connecticut. Her speed makes her nearly impossible to cover for an entire game, as many of Princeton's toughest opponents learned last season. Tri-captain Kate Fox, Melanie Meerschwam and Kellie Maul will also need to share the offensive load after the departures of first-team All-Americas Hale and O'Malley.
Robin Dwyer carries the most experience at midfield. Her stats alone won't impress many people, but her ability to control the flow of the game makes her a crucial figure in the Tigers' title run. She won't be alone, though, as Bridget Marchesi adds her game experience and Jen Sodaski has progressed well from a knee injury last season. Plus, Bozman has a surprise for everybody… but more on that sensational freshman class later.
The defense took the biggest bite from the graduation bug. Four starters, including a pair of regional All-Americas, will not be back for the Orange and Black next season. Holly O'Neill saw some significant time on the back line, including a few minutes in the national championship game. The rest of the defense will need to overcome a lack of experience with a combination of talent and desire.
Sophomore Joelle Kueng and freshman Kelly Baril will contend for the vacancy in goal left by Meg DeJong. Kueng played only 12 minutes last year, but she was impressive during spring tournaments. Baril was touted as the nation's top high school goalie and could be a valuable asset immediately.
Baril is not the only freshman who will need to contribute if the Tigers plan on making another run in the postseason. Naela El-Hinnawy, Beckie Wood and Emily Townsend could all provide both immediate and long-term relief on the defensive line, while Kristen Skorupski was a goal-scoring machine at Smith Academy in Massachusetts.
And then there is Ilvy Friebe, a German sensation who people believe is as talented a midfielder as any that has donned a Princeton jersey (which is quite a compliment when you look at the accolades that previous players have received). She came to Princeton summer camp one year and sold the staff on her talents. Friebe, along with the rest of the Class of 2003, will certainly continue to build on the already impressive field hockey tradition at Princeton.
Part of that tradition is based on playing the best opponents, and the 1999 season won't be any exception. The Tigers have a road game against 1998 national champion Old Dominion, which held on to a 3-2 win over the Tigers in the NCAA title game. They will also travel to dangerous sites like Maryland, Delaware and Boston University. Final Four representative Connecticut will travel to Class of 1952 Stadium for a Sunday afternoon tilt Sept. 19 while its Big East mate, Syracuse, will make the same trip Oct. 17. Overall, it's considered one of the toughest schedules in the land and unquestionably the toughest in the Ivy League.
Nobody says that this will be easy. Teams in the league will certainly want to see a new name on the Ivy League trophy, and the national opponents are undoubtedly tired of being knocked out by a non-scholarship foe. But Bozman knew that turning a decent Ivy team into a national powerhouse wouldn't be a walk in the park, either.
And back then, there were no pessimists. Any modicum of success was considered a positive. Now that there's a legacy, there is extra pressure. It's much easier to falter than to keep on winning.
Pardon Bozman, though, if she and her players choose the tougher road. It's the one that has brought the most success, the most pride and the most joy.