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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Manhattan
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Davis, Engelke Lead No. 5 Princeton Past Manhattan
March 08, 2009 | Men's Lacrosse
Tommy Davis reached the 100-point mark for his career, a milestone that had been reached by 20 previous Princeton men's lacrosse players.
Princeton again went past 50 in total number of shots, something that doesn't quite have the same historical precedent for the Tigers.
Davis had a career-high five goals and added two assists to become the 21st player in school history to go past 100 points and Rob Engelke and Scott MacKenzie each scored three goals to lead fifth-ranked Princeton to a 15-6 win over Manhattan Sunday afternoon in front of 1,012 fans at the Class of 1952 Stadium. Princeton followed a 6-5 win over UMBC Friday night in Baltimore with the win over the Jaspers in the first meeting betwen the schools and improved to 4-0. Manhattan fell to 1-3.
"We're 4-0, but we're not there yet," said Princeton coach Bill Tierney, who used every healthy player on the roster. "We're still learning, still figuring out how to play through certain situations. We have a long way to go."
Princeton took 57 shots against Manhattan, marking the third time in four games that Princeton had gone over the 50-shot mark. The Tigers have now taken exactly 200 shots in four games, an average of exactly 50 per game. The highest single-season shot average for Princeton in Bill Tierney's first 21 full seasons was 46.3 in 1993.
The Tigers averaged 32 shots per game a year ago; Princeton took 32 shots in the first half against Manhattan. Princeton averaged 9.0 goals per game a year ago with a team .281 shooting percentage; Princeton is averaging 12.25 goals per game this year with a team .245 shooting percentage.
"We used to worry so much about the other team," said Tierney. "What can each guy do? What have they done each week for the last 12 weeks? I've started to learn that it's okay just to let them play a little, to let them shoot without worry that every shot has to hit the net. Our trip to Europe [last June] really helped. We had a lot fun, but we also played some games that were a little looser and learned from that."
Davis came into the game with 95 career points, and he reached the 100-point mark on a third-quarter goal. He finished the game with 102 career points.
"It's a milestone that means a lot to me," said Davis. "I've been fortunate to play with a lot of great players here in my four years. It's as much something that my teammates have helped me achieve as anything."
Princeton led 4-2 at the end of the first quarter and then broke open the game after the stubborn Jaspers had it at 5-4 in the second by scoring the next eight goals. The Tigers might have reached their 19-goal limit had it not been for a spectacular performance from Manhattan goalie John Geagan, who made 16 saves before coming out early in the fourth.
Tierney started freshman Tyler Fiorito in goal and then went to Nikhil Ashra after about eight minutes. Ashra played until late in the fourth, when sophomore Christian Blake saw his first varsity playing time and made his first career save.
Engelke also had a pair of assists for Princeton. Paul Barnes and Peter Smyth each won 7 of 10 face-offs.
Joe Variano and Salvator Spatarella each scored twice for the Jaspers.
"I've been here three years," Engelke said. "This is by far the most confidence we've played with."
Princeton is at Hofstra next Saturday.