Princeton Boys Lacrosse Counting on Defense

Having graduated several talented offensive players from a team that went to the Group II title game last year, the Princeton High School boys lacrosse squad faces many changes this year.

"This year, goals aren't as easy to come by," Princeton Coach Pete Stanton said. "When that happens, you have to find a way to get the most out of the players you have. We're in the business of training kids, trying to help them learn. We always play to the strength of the team."

According to Stanton, Princeton "is pretty good defensively."

Princeton showed that in a 10-0 win over Allentown on Apr. 21.

"Shutouts are uncommon in lacrosse," Stanton said. "We played well."

Griffin Peck with three saves and Elliot Wilson with one save combined for the shutout.

Matt Purdy, Will Hare, Kirby Peck (two assists) and Mike Hellstern (one assist) scored two goals each for Princeton. Mike Irving and Alex Rifkin added one goal each.

While all that offense was nice, the defense of Robbie Bowers, Dean BiTosto, Irving, Jack Miller and Tom Sacchetti made sure it was not all necessary.

"It's so difficult to stop the other team from scoring in lacrosse," Stanton said. "It relies on communication and the understanding of team concepts."

Princeton has had several outstanding defensive efforts, including in the opener. Princeton posted its first win on April 1, defeating West Windsor North, 6-1.

Griffin Peck had 12 saves in goal for Princeton. Kirby Peck scored three goals. Coleman Preziosi had a goal and two assists. Irving had a goal and three assists. Pat Lynch added a goal.

Princeton also defeated West Windsor South, 10-7, on Apr. 14.

Kirby Peck had three goals and an assist. Mike Hellstern and Lynch added two goals and two assist. Zach Halliday and Irving (assist) also scored goals.

Princeton defeated Northern Burlington, 8-3, on April 15.

Griffin Peck had 14 saves in goal. Irving had three goals an an assist. Will Kister and Purdy both had a goal and assist. Kirby Peck added a goal.

On April 12, Princeton and Robbinsville tied, 8-8.

Irving scored three goals and Kirby Peck added two in the tie.

"That's the first time I have ever been associated with a tie in lacrosse," Stanton noted. "It was just very unusual circumstances. We went into overtime and the lightning started."

Eight goals is the second most allowed by Princeton in a game. A powerful Lawrenceville squad defeated Princeton, 16-8, on Apr. 9.

Princeton also allowed seven goals in losses to Notre Dame (7-2) on April 7 and Hopewell (7-6) on April 5.

"I think we're a team that's going to get better as the year goes along," Stanton said of his 4-3-1 team. "We'll be competitive in every game. We just have to learn to make good decisions. I believe in high school sports, if you work hard and explore your options, there will always be a way to be competitive."