No. 9 women’s lacrosse (7–1 overall, 1–0 Ivy League) will face one of the toughest tests of their season on Saturday against the No. 12 Yale Bulldogs (7–2, 1–1 Ivy League). Princeton is currently on a seven-game win streak after dropping their only loss of the season to Virginia in their opener. Entering Ivy League play, the Tigers have a solid foundation on both ends of the field, boasting several offensive weapons and a defensive front that has limited opponents to single-digit scoring in four of the last five games. For the first time in history, however, six Ivy League teams sit in the top-25 national rankings, meaning that the second half of the Tigers’ season will be the toughest yet.
Princeton 15, Yale 13 – Harrison Blank, Head Sports Editor
Yale showcases similar threats to the Tigers with an offensive powerhouse in first-team midseason All-American Fallon Vaughn and a defensive unit that has not let up double-digit scoring in a single win this season. They took down No. 4 Michigan early in the season but fell to No. 8 Stanford by one goal in mid March.
In the Ivy League’s most anticipated women’s lacrosse matchup of this season, the Tigers will pull ahead in the third quarter and hold on to escape New Haven with a two-point lead. Expect an offensive showcase from the two highly ranked squads.
The Tigers’ offense has been their engine the whole season, producing 15 or more goals in every game during their seven-game win streak. The Bulldogs’ defense has been stingy throughout the year, but will be no match for the Orange and Black.
Princeton junior attacker Haven Dora will orchestrate the offense like a virtuoso conductor, racking up five assists. She’s already had two games of seven assists this season, but she also can send the ball into the back of the net — so expect a goal from her too.
The goalscoring combination of junior attacker Jami MacDonald and senior attacker McKenzie Blake, both on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List along with Dora, will torch the home team, bringing in four goals apiece. When the Tigers fall behind in the third quarter, Blake will step up with three goals in the second half to secure the dub.
The Bulldogs will come into Saturday’s matchup with fire and determination, coming off back-to-back losses. This won’t be enough, however, and Princeton’s win streak will grow to eight and place the Tigers in a tier of their own in the Ivy League.
Princeton 16, Yale 14 – Lily Pampolina, Associate Sports Editor
In this highly anticipated Ivy League matchup, the Tigers will face arguably their biggest threat of the season so far against the Bulldogs, but the game is far from out of their hands. In order to take down the Bulldogs, Princeton will have to break through Yale’s defense with quick ball movement and aggressive takes to the goal.
The Tigers boast midseason All-Americans themselves with senior attacker McKenzie Blake and junior attacker Haven Dora earning second and third team honors, respectively. Blake and Dora, along with Tewaaraton Award Watch List honoree Jami MacDonald, will have to play with patience and discipline against Yale, working to capitalize in transition and convert offensive opportunities while navigating the Bulldog brick wall. Defensively, the Tigers must apply relentless pressure and force turnovers, the only major category in which Princeton trails their opponents.
The Tiger and Bulldog rivalry will be on full display this Saturday, but Princeton will come out on top if they utilize their momentum from the past few weeks and can prevent the Bulldogs from finding a rhythm.
Princeton 16, Yale 12 – Matthew Yi, Assistant Sports Editor
The Tigers, riding a seven-game win streak, will travel to New Haven looking to snap a three-game losing streak against the Bulldogs. With both teams ranked in the top 25, this Ivy League battle will be important in the race for conference supremacy.
For the Tigers, success starts with senior attacker McKenzie Blake. She averages 4.9 goals per game — third-best in the country. If Blake continues her dominance and junior attacker Haven Dora, who is ranked third nationally in assists per game, continues her elite playmaking, Princeton will control possession and fuel their high-powered offense that ranks third in the nation with 16.9 goals per game.
Yale will present a challenge with its disciplined defense. In order to win, the Tigers must capitalize on their fast-break opportunities and avoid a slow start. Princeton’s defensive unit will need to step up against Yale’s balanced attack, particularly limiting open shooting lanes and forcing contested shots.
With a dynamic offensive core featuring Blake, Dora, and junior attacker Jami MacDonald — who tied a program record with 10 points in a game earlier this season — Princeton has the firepower to outlast Yale. If the Tigers can keep up their aggressive play and ride the momentum of their seven-game win streak, expect them to leave New Haven with a statement victory.
Harrison Blank is a head Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Lily Pampolina is an associate Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Matthew Yi is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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