It seems with every game the Princeton women’s lacrosse team is growing and gaining confidence. The No. 9 Tigers (7-1, 1-0 Ivy), who have won seven straight, will have a tough road test this Saturday when they travel to New Haven for an Ivy League battle with No. 12 Yale (7-2, 1-1 Ivy). The first draw control is set for noon. While the Tigers have been on quite a nice run, the Bulldogs have lost the last two to No. 8 Stanford (11-10) and No. 25 Brown (14-11). But if you’re a history buff, the Eli have won the last three meetings with the Tigers. This is a different group in the orange and black, though, as they are playing together, trusting each other and working hard. “I’m really proud of the way the team has embraced the challenge this year,’’ said coach Jenn Cook. “We had a run of six games in 18 days and that is challenging for any level, but the focus and commitment that the team has shown has been great. The team has worked hard to grow from each game we’ve played, and they have done a really good job of that. We have taken the approach of one game at a time.’’ Princeton has been led by Mckenzie Blake with 33 goals, four assists, 20 draw controls and 15 ground balls. Blake, a USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason All-America player, is on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List. “Mckenzie has always been a special player, and we continue to be proud of her achievements,’’ declared Cook. “Her ability to see and read the game is incredible, and despite being the player that opposing defenses are heavily focused on, she still manages to deliver across the field, whether she is scoring, getting draw controls, assisting or even just drawing attention to allow her teammates to score. It is great to see her getting the national recognition that she deserves.’’ Haven Dora, who is also on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, has eight goals and 29 assists. Jami MacDonald adds 20 goals and 15 helpers. Yale is led by Jenna Collignon with 31 goals and 41 DC, Fallon Vaughn has 20 goals and 11 assists, and Sky Carrasquillo 23 goals. The Tigers are 3-0 on the road and know they are going to be in a battle with Yale. “We expect them to show up with intensity and a desire to prove themselves,’’ said Cook. “Our goal will be to show up and execute our own game plan and focus on our own play.’’ Another area that has been playing well is the defense led by goalie Amelia Hughes with a 9.22 goals against average. “The defense has been working extremely hard every day to push each other and our offense to a new level,’’ Cook stated. “Amelia has been fantastic so far this season, I think the top-level play from both her and the defense combined has been such a key factor in the success we have had so far. They have confidence in each other, which generates success and belief for the whole group.’’ It’ll be a tough test, but the Tigers seem to be getting stronger each time out. ...read more read less