Men's Lacrosse: Star seniors lead defense into Ivy showdown

On Saturday evening, the men’s lacrosse team will host Cornell in the biggest game of the Ivy League season. With a win, the Tigers (9-3 overall, 5-0 Ivy League) would earn the right to host the conference tournament and complete a perfect Ivy League season; with a loss, they would share the conference title with Cornell (9-2, 4-1) and travel to Ithaca, N.Y., for the Ivy League playoff.

For Princeton’s seniors, Saturday will mark the final regular-season game of their careers, and possibly their last game ever at 1952 Stadium. Three of those veterans — goalie Tyler Fiorito, defenseman Chad Wiedmaier and longstick midfielder John Cunningham — have led Princeton’s defense to new heights this season. Princeton enters the season finale ranked third nationally, having allowed only 6.67 goals per game. Between them, the trio boasts eight All-Ivy awards and five All-America honors.

“Individually, they’re three of the best players at their position to have played here, and that’s not a small accomplishment. That comment is not offered lightly,” head coach Chris Bates said.

All three stars were drafted by a Major League Lacrosse team and will play professionally after graduation, but for now, their focus is on what lies ahead for the following month: Saturday’s showdown, the Ivy League playoff and possibly a run in the NCAA Tournament.

Editor's note: Click the following links to read profiles of Princeton's star senior defensemen: Chad Wiedmaier, Tyler Fiorito and John Cunningham.