2024 NCAA Lacrosse Preview: No. 19 Princeton (Women)
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© 2024 USA Lacrosse. All Rights Reserved.
© 2024 USA Lacrosse. All Rights Reserved.
2023 Record: 7-9 (4-3 Ivy League)
Final Ranking (2023): Unranked
Head Coach: Jenn Cook
Assistants: Kerrin Maurer, Molly Dougherty, Kayla Wood, Ken Caldwell, Patty Kennedy
Last season was one of transition for Princeton. For the first time in 36 years, someone not named Chris Sailer was the Tigers’ head coach — Jenn Cook, who was an assistant for a decade.
But it was about more than just Sailer.
The Tigers were without maybe their greatest offensive player in history in Kyla Sears, Ivy League Defender of the Year Marge Donovan and Ivy League Goalkeeper of the Year Sam Fish.
They say change takes time. It took at least a season in Princeton, where the Tigers didn’t claim at least a share of the Ivy League crown for the first time since 2013. But Cook sees nothing but silver linings as the squad turns the page.
“It was a growth year for our program,” Cook said. “In terms of the win-loss column, it wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was incredibly valuable in terms of our players really knowing what they needed to do and going after what we want.”
The story is different this time around. Five of the six players to score at least 20 goals last year are back. Each knows how to play without leaning on Sears to take over a game. The defense, anchored by Amelia Hughes in net, also brings back veteran talent.
Part of what Princeton wants is its conference crown back, which it’ll have to take from longtime rival Penn. Can the newfound experience be the X-factor?
Kari Buonanno, M, Sr. (29G, 19A)
Amelia Hughes, G, So. (.444 SV%)
Sammy Flippi, D, Sr. (14CT, 18GB)
Having four of their top five scorers back from 2023 — headlined by Buonanno — is critical for the Tigers. But Cook sees the defense as a critical part of the offense. The group’s athleticism, speed and vision will help the unit push the pace in transition, and Hughes’ ability to get the ball out early and deep is another big part of it. Ditto for her stopping abilities.
“Amelia Hughes is lights out and unbelievable,” Cook said. “She makes saves that are circus saves.”
Meg Morrisroe, A/M, Fr. (151G, 70A, 367DC at St. Dominic, N.Y.)
Colette Quinn, M, Fr. (2022 USA Lacrosse NTDP U18 Combine invitee out of Darien, Conn.)
Merrill Watson, M, Fr. (2021 USA Lacrosse NTDP U16 Combine invitee out of Bryn Mawr School, Md.)
The significant number of returners will make it challenging to crack the Tigers’ lineup this year. However, the Tigers are building for the long-term future. This season’s roster includes three talented freshmen from blue-blood schools, starting with Morrisroe. A crafty offensive player with a high IQ and strong abilities to finish, Morrisroe stood out on a crowded Long Island lacrosse field. She was named first-team All-Long Island during the final year of her record-setting career at St. Dominic. Colette Quinn helped Darien to an undefeated, state-championship winning-season in 2023. Meanwhile, a knee injury affected Merrill Watson’s high school stat line, but Cook says the athletic midfielder has a bright future in the Garden State.
Graduations: Kate Mulham, A; Shannon Berry, D; Shea Smith, D
Transfers: Maria Pasini, D (Florida)
Grace Tauckus, A, Jr. (29G, 6A)
Taukus was one of the nation’s top freshmen in 2022, tallying 58 points on 47 goals and 11 assists. Last year was nothing to shake a stick at, but turf toe limited her effectiveness — not that she wanted to scale back.
“She’s a warrior in every sense of the word,” Cook said.
Tauckus enters 2024 healthy, and Cook calls her a glue player who can slot in anywhere. Low, inside ... you name it.
“She can do a lot of different things, and it’s whatever is needed in the offense,” Cook said. “She is what makes it all come together.”
Last year was a growth year, and 2024 figures to be a bounceback one. How far will the Tigers bounce? On paper, it looks promising. In addition to a healthy Tauckus and Buonanno, the Tigers return McKenzie Blake (39G, 18A), who Cook says has a vision that can’t be taught.
“She understands the game at an incredibly high level,” Cook said. “She knows the right options in the offense. She knows the balance between taking it herself and distributing it.”
Jami MacDonald (24G, 18A) and Nina Montes (20G, 5A) round out the leading offensive returners. Cook says Montes has “the most explosive first step in the country.” Ellie Mueller, who sat out six games with a knee injury, is now healthy, and Cook says she hasn’t missed a beat on offense or the draw.
Speaking of which, Sophie Whiteway, who corralled a team-high 51 draws in 2023, is another returner.
Defensively, it’s something of a “Sam Show.” Cook reports Sam Whiting (17GB) has grown her understanding of the game, and Sam Filippi remains as Long Island as can be (scrappy, tough and always on the move). Defensive-minded midfielder Samantha DeVito (23DC, 15GB) brings cohesion, both in name and in experience.
Though her name may not be Sam, Caroline Burnett, who made 10 starts in 2023, has shown to be a vocal leader and constant communicator this fall.
“Princeton is always extremely well-coached and well-disciplined. It’s one of those teams that is a battle every time you play them. They can compete with everyone.”
“Princeton is always strong.”
The attack got most of the glory, but the midfield for the Cavaliers produced a very interesting split in 2023. When the midfield had two or more assists, the Hoos were 7-1. If the midfield didn’t reach two assists, they were 2-6. The attack produced the most goals, but this offense worked best when the midfield played the facilitator role. Will that carry over into 2024, or will a new staff and new personnel reshape how the offense works?
Beth Ann Mayer is a Long Island-based writer. She joined USA Lacrosse in 2022 after freelancing for Inside Lacrosse for five years. She first began covering the game as a student at Syracuse. When she's not writing, you can find her wrangling her husband, two children and surplus of pets.
