Princeton University Athletics
Win...and They're In
November 04, 2004 | Field Hockey
Nov. 4, 2004
A few weeks ago, it was complex for the Princeton field hockey team. Now, as the regular-season finale with Penn approaches, it's simple.
Beat the Quakers on Senior Night at Class of 1952 Stadium, and the Tigers have the Ivy League's automatic NCAA berth and at least a share of an 11th straight league title. Fall to the Quakers, and the Tigers have neither of those things.
While history is certainly on Princeton's side, as the Tigers have defeated Penn 10 straight years, it's the Quakers who are on a serious roll as Friday approaches. Penn (12-4, 5-1 Ivy) has won seven straight games, the last six coming via shutout. The Quakers last allowed a goal Oct. 2 in a 3-2 win over Dartmouth.
The Tigers (7-9, 5-1 Ivy) had a season-high four-game winning streak snapped with a loss at Old Dominion Sunday but are still playing their best hockey of the season. A day before the ODU loss, Princeton defeated 13th-ranked William & Mary by a 2-1 score in overtime.
Friday night is also Senior Night for the Tigers, who will honor their large eight-member senior class prior to the game. That class has a 48-25 overall record and a 26-1 Ivy record in their four years. Harvard is also tied with Penn and Princeton at 5-1 in the Ivy League heading into this weekend. The Crimson can earn a share of the league title by beating Columbia Saturday, but can only the NCAA tourney bid if they win and Penn defeats Princeton. Penn can earn the automatic bid it it defeats Princeton and Columbia upsets Harvard.
Win and They're In A Princeton win today gives the Tigers the Ivy league's automatic NCAA tournament berth and at least a share of their 11th straight league championship.
History Lesson No team in any sport has won 11 consecutive Ivy League championships since official Ivy play began in the fall of 1956. The Ivy League currently sponsors 33 sports.
The Other Option A Penn win gives the Quakers at least a share of the Ivy League title for the first time since the 1993 season. Penn would then need Harvard to lose to Columbia Saturday to earn the automatic NCAA bid; otherwise, that bid would go to the Crimson.
Getting Ahead of Ourselves NCAA tournament selections will be announced on Tues., Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., in a selection show televised by CSTV (DirecTV Channel 610). First- and second-round games take place at four campus sites Nov. 13 and Nov. 14.
Eight is Enough Princeton's eight senior players will be honored in a ceremony prior to tonight's game. The eight seniors have helped the Tigers to a 48-25 overall record in four seasons, including a 26-1 Ivy League record, and four of them have been named All-Ivy during their careers.
Helping Out Senior Natalie Martirosian now has 30 career assists, good for fifth all-time at Princeton. Martirosian's 11 assists this season tie her with four other players for the fifth-best single-season assist mark in program history.
I'm Honored Junior Hillary Schmidt was named the Ivy League Player of the Week two weeks ago after scoring the game-winning goal for Princeton in its 2-1 comeback victory against Harvard.
Last Year Princeton defeated Penn at Franklin Field in 2003, 3-1, scoring early in the second half to take the lead and then adding a goal in the final minute after Penn had cut the lead to 2-1. The win was Princeton's 10th straight over the Quakers
Penn Points The 12-4 Quakers have won seven straight games and haven't allowed a goal in their last six games. The last team to score a goal against Penn was Dartmouth in a 3-2 loss to the Quakers Oct. 2.