Women's Lacrosse Holds Intrasquad Skills Competition To Close Out Spring

Princeton's women's lacrosse team gathered on April 23 for an intrasquad skills competition, putting a competitive cap on the spring semester.

Split into Team Orange and Team Black, the Tigers competed in multiple team skills challenges at Sherrerd Field at Class of 1952 Stadium. In addition to 2v2, 4v3 and 5v5 sequences, the Tigers battled in Hardest Shot, Trash Can Ball Toss and "Steal the Bacon" to test their skills.

"I am so happy that we were able to do this for the team," said head coach Chris Sailer. "It's been a long road and we had so much fun this spring, but to be able to put on something like this and make it feel like a game day was special."

Tara Shecter echoed her coach's thoughts.

"I have missed this experience so much," said the junior attacker. "It was a great feeling to put the uniform on and compete on a gorgeous day. Getting to know the freshmen, we feel so close after going through this year together. We've made the best of this experience and can't wait for next season."

The Tigers had just 17 players this semester, with the group largely made up of first-year players and walk-ons. For 11 of the 17 players involved on April 23, that event was the first time they had ever worn a Princeton uniform.

"One word that keeps coming to mind is gratitude," said first year midfielder Samantha DeVito. "We're lucky to be healthy and able to play lacrosse. We've maybe been closer than we would be in a normal year since we were always together and it's a small group. These girls are my family now."

DeVito's classmate Ellie Mueller had similar feelings on the emotions of the semester and the final event.

"This is not how we expected the year to go, but this is definitely unique and special," said the attacker from Villanova, Pa. "We've had a lot of time to work individually with the coaches and each other and we're really grateful for those opportunities."

With many returners and some freshmen taking a leave of absence, Sailer reached out to Princeton's club team and brought in six players from that program to join the team. Friday's competition was something that group could never have imagined when they decided to attend Princeton.

"It was a crazy idea to think about, walking on to a Division I team in my junior year," said defender Caroline Skinner. "We had a group of us together and that helped. The team pushed us to grow as players and took us in as true teammates."

Caroline Frist was thankful for an unexpected positive opportunity during unprecedented times.

"I don't know what I would have done this semester without this experience," said the Nashville native. "I feel so much more connected to Princeton, it was such a nice outlet to be able to get outside, meet everyone and become part of this team. The coaches took a lot of time to coach me up, that was really special."

Special was a word almost universally mentioned from all involved on Friday. Sailer hopes that special memories made during a unique semester carry over when the full team is back together in the fall.

"This semester was a little bit of everything," she said. "We had very few returners on campus this spring so we had to not only build skills, but build a team. It's been amazing to see the bonds grow and the skills improve over the course of the semester. There was so much love and camaraderie among this group, I know we can use these days together as a great foundation for the 2022 season."

Gallery: (4-26-2021) 2021 Women's Lacrosse Skills Competition

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