2023 Men's Top 30: How Princeton Fared vs. Projections

Before USA Lacrosse Magazine looks ahead to what’s to come in 2024, our team of staff and contributors decided it was worth taking one last look at 2023.

After all, you have to look at the most recent results before making projections for what’s to come. To do that, we’re taking a journey through the top 30 teams in men’s and women’s lacrosse — what went right, what went wrong and what we should all think of that team’s season.

Was it a success? A failure? A mixture of both? You’ll find out our thoughts over the next month or so.

PRINCETON MEN’S LACROSSE

Nike/USA Lacrosse Preseason/Final Top 20 Ranking: 5/12
2023 record: 8-7 (4-2 Ivy League)

WHAT WENT RIGHT

Coulter Mackesy (55 G, 23 A) had the sort of breakout season the Tigers hoped for, emerging as one of the nation’s top attackmen. Michael Gianforcaro (.577) eventually secured the goalie job and thrived as a first-year starter. And the Tigers figured things out in May for the second year in a row; a season after the program’s first NCAA semifinal appearance since 2004, Princeton edged Penn and drubbed Yale to win the Ivy League tournament.

WHAT WENT WRONG

The offense was largely lost during an early four-game skid against Maryland, Georgetown, Rutgers and Penn, leaving the Tigers playing catchup all season. Sam English’s ruptured spleen on April 8 cost Princeton one of its best offensive players over its last six games. The Tigers undoubtedly regret not putting Penn State away after building a six-goal lead in the second quarter; the Nittany Lions rallied for a 13-12 victory in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

The Ivy League tournament run, and particularly the first half of the title game. Princeton ambushed Yale, bolting to a 7-1 lead just a little more than 11 minutes into the contest and a 13-2 advantage after 25 minutes to remove any drama from what turned out to be a 19-10 triumph.

VERDICT

It wasn’t what Princeton had in mind after its final four run and a huge senior class coming back, but the Ivy tournament title ensured the season will be remembered fondly. Earning a second consecutive NCAA berth was a fine step toward re-establishing the program as a regular postseason contender.