This past Saturday in Burlington, No. 5 men’s lacrosse (8–2 overall, 2–1 Ivy League) cruised to a decisive 19–5 victory over the Vermont Catamounts (4–5 overall, 2–1 America East Conference).
The Tigers came into the game with an intensity and excitement to play. With a perfect first half, the Orange and Black used the opportunity to get some newer players on the field. Four players earned the first goals of their careers.
“The game today was awesome, we came out absolutely flying with energy and focus,” first-year attacker Will Fuller told The Daily Princetonian.
The Tigers earned an early, convincing lead in the first quarter. Junior attacker Nate Kabiri tallied three successive goals for the Tigers within the first three and a half minutes. With goals from junior midfielder Tucker Wade, senior midfielder Chad Palumbo, and sophomore attacker Aidan McDonald, the first quarter ended 8–0.
The second quarter also showed clear Tiger domination, with two goals from sophomore midfielder Jake Vana. Starting sophomore defender Finn Fox had his first ever goal as a Tiger, as well as first-year attacker Will Fuller.
“This trip to Vermont was a business trip,” Fuller told the ‘Prince.’ “Our furthest away game and a mental challenge and we dominated as a complete unit. Stepping on the field today was a privilege and a super special and unforgettable moment getting my first career goal.”
Going into halftime, Princeton led 13–0.
The third quarter included two Vermont goals, but the Tigers were in full control of every minute of the game. With two goals from Kabiri, one on a man-up play, as well as a laser shot from Palumbo, the Tigers ended the third quarter 16–2.
“Some young guys got some great experience today,” Head Coach Matt Madalon told the ‘Prince.’ “I am happy with the amount of players that got in. Obviously we want to play as deep into our benches as possible. We were able to open it up a little bit come half time.”
Junior attacker Jacob Todd scored his first Princeton goal to start the fourth period. After two Vermont goals, the Orange and Black took back the momentum. Sophomore midfielder Isaac Cruz also earned his first Tiger goal, and Fuller tallied on his second goal to end the game at 19–5.
“The main goal today was to uphold our team standard to “EAT” (Energy, Attitude, Toughness),” Fuller said. The Tigers delivered on this promise, showing an excitement and communal love for the game through their playing. “The most important aspect of our team is to be the most connected unit as possible. That extends from the plays and chemistry we have on the field to how we treat each other off the field,” Fuller continued. “It’s so cool to be part of such a strong culture knowing you have 51 guys who have your back and really want to see you succeed.”
“Those guys do it week in and week out,” Madalon said of the backup players able to get minutes in Saturday’s game. “We had four guys with their first goals. Those are awesome, to be able to come off the bench and make plays.”
With 23 turnovers, 54 shots, and 23 ground balls, today’s game exemplified the best of Princeton lacrosse.
“All in all, good day for the Tigers,” Madalon concluded.
The Tigers are looking ahead to only conference play, playing the University of Pennsylvania next Saturday at Sherrerd Field, followed by Harvard and Dartmouth to end the regular season.
Cadigan Perriello is an assistant Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
