SU field hockey falls to Princeton in NCAA Tournament

Syracuse’s historic season came to a heartbreaking end Friday with a 4-0 loss to Princeton, bringing the Orange’s NCAA Tournament run to a close and ending a season marked by program milestones and postseason success.

The No. 10 Orange struggled to find their footing against the No. 5 Tigers, unable to generate enough offensive pressure to overcome the Tigers’ defensive effort. Despite their overwhelming amount of penalty corners Syracuse was unable to make anything happen on offense. 

The first quarter started with the Orange’s defence, anchored by first-year defender Jess Lindell, taking control with smooth passes. Both teams started cautiously, testing each other’s defensive lines while looking for opportunities to create an early scoring chance.

The first break away came from the graduate student forward Grace Anne McCooey maintaining ball possession down the sideline, but was pushed out by the Tigers midfield. 

But Princeton quickly regained possession, stripping Syracuse of the ball and driving into the circle before firing a shot that fourth-year goalkeeper Jessie Eiselin turned away. 

Syracuse’s defensive pressure came at a cost, as one of the Orange’s defenders received a green card, forcing the team to play temporarily shorthanded.

Continuing the offensive pressure the Tigers maintained possession in the circle firing off a shot that was deflected out of bounds by the side of the cage.

Gaining possession, second-year midfielder Taylor Bigbie sends the ball to third-year forward Catalina Pravda heading towards center field. Princeton quickly shut down her advance and returned to the attack, sending another shot toward Eiselin. With little defensive support she stood her ground and made the save.

In the last two minutes of the first quarter second-year forward Aubrey Turner drew the first penalty corner of the game for the Orange. 

Syracuse got the shot off and immediately got another corner right after. The Orange looked to connect with fourth-year forward Hattie Madden but the ball just went wide of her.

Princeton opened the second quarter on the attack, earning their first penalty corner just 30 seconds. However, the Tigers sent their attempt wide of the goal, allowing Syracuse to regain possession.

Second-year midfielder Sammie Goin passes the ball to fourth-year midfielder Bo Madden who was quickly pressured by the Tigers and ended up having to pass back to Lindell. 

Princeton’s pressure continued and they were able to get their next penalty corner. The Tigers capitalized on the rebound, after the initial shot sent the ball in and found the back of the net.

After opening the scoring, the Tigers continued to apply pressure, intercepting a Syracuse pass back to continue momentum and keep the Orange on the defensive.

Princeton broke through Syracuse’s defense and carried the ball into the circle, where the Tigers converted the opportunity for their second goal of the quarter.

The Orange not giving up keeps trying to make any offensive play happen. 

In the final minutes of play, Hattie Madden intercepted the ball and fired a shot from the edge of the circle, but Princeton’s goalkeeper made a narrow save to keep the Orange off the board.

Princeton carried its offensive momentum into the second half, continuing to pressure Syracuse and control the pace of play.

Immediately breaking for the circle the Tigers were shut down by Bo Madden who took the ball out of their circle. 

Princeton continued to pressure Syracuse’s defense, generating multiple shots on goal before finally finding the back of the net with a tip in at the post to extend its lead to 3-0.

Trying to keep the energy up, the Orange continue to fight. First-year midfielder Ava Brewer brought the ball into the Tiger’s circle passing up to fellow first-year midfielder Belle Van de Pas but the pass just missed her.

In the final three minutes of the quarter, Syracuse earned its third penalty corner of the game after the ball hit a Princeton defender’s foot. The initial attempt sailed wide, but the Orange earned another corner. 

Bigbie followed with a direct shot that the Tigers blocked, resulting in yet another corner for Syracuse. The next play tried to connect with Turner at the post, but Princeton’s goalkeeper stopped the tip attempt. 

After four straight corners from Syracuse the quarter ended.   

The final quarter of the game started with Syracuse refusing to roll over despite the continued pressure from Princeton. 

Brewer passed to second-year midfielder Elisa Carvajal but the ball was taken away. The continued efforts led to the Orange to get yet another green card giving the Tigers a numbers up advantage. 

Looking to build one final attack, Carvajal sent a pass down the sideline to Bo Madden, but Princeton quickly shut down the play.

Shortly after, Syracuse received its third green card of the game, leaving the Orange shorthanded. Despite the penalty, Syracuse managed to maintain possession and continue its offensive push.

With just two minutes remaining, Princeton capitalized on another opportunity, scoring its fourth and final goal of the game.

While the loss brought their postseason run to a close, the Orange left behind a historic season that showcased the program’s growth and secured its place among the nation’s top teams.