It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Maclean House in Princeton, NJ gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Princeton, NJ is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding!”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind,”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college,”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides.”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and”
“We hired a caregiver from Always Best Care to help my father when he was declining from Parkinson’s and his continuum of care facility said he could no longer live alone in his apartment without help.. My father was very challenging to work with as he was slipping mentally and could not seem to grasp why the caregiver was there. The manager, Carli, and the caregiver, Stephen, could not have been more skilled and compassionate given his issues. The billing practices and necessary documentation for reimbursement from his Long Teem Care company also went very well. Ultimately my Dad needed placement in skilled nursing. However, this was no fault of the caregiving company, who went out of their way to communicate with me about what was going on every day so I stayed filled in. If my Dad needs an aide in the future for an outing I will definitely contact them.”
“I have been a client of Always Best Care (ABC) for over 5 years. I could not have taken care of my elderly mother with out them. They always provided excellent people who I could trust in my home and with my mother who was 102 1/2 when she passed away recently. The caregivers from ABC were always on time, polite, professional, and, above all else, caring. The office team was amazing, too! They always went above and beyond (Thanks, Carli & Samantha!). Most recently when my mom had a fall and came home from the hospital on hospice, they had a game plan for her care before I did. They anticipated what our needs would be. They had people skilled in hospice care to my house within 24 hours. I could not have gotten through her passing without their support. A very special thanks to Manite & Patience. I would highly recommend ABC.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“For the past 6 months Always Best has provided compassionate care to my dear aunt. Our primary caregiver was outstanding.....experienced, organized, warm and kind.....she became more than a caregiver, a friend that we depended on. All the caregivers that supported us on this journey were dedicated, professional, friendly and dependable. The administrative staff at Always Best Princeton were always available to assist and support. I offer my highest recommendation of Always Best Caregivers in Princeton.”
“Always Best Care has provided us with the best caregivers. We are blessed with an outstanding caregiver, Maria, who is exceptional in every way. Our recent substitute caregiver, Elizabeth, also provided my husband with excellent care. We so appreciate the high level of expertise, skill and overall care afforded to us by these wonderful ladies.”
“We are so appreciative of the care and service of your team. Mariama was a lovely caregiver, and I especially appreciated Carli's guidance throughout the process.”
“As we wind down our trip to New Jersey both Megan and I wish to thank you personally and Always Best Care for taking care of our needs! Your professionalism and support made our experience pleasant. After having experienced three different service providers in Maryland I can say your services are above par! And Ernesta is truly supportive of Megan’s needs. She is calm, compassionate and respectful. Also your on call service is very quick to react to our changing needs!”
“A special shoutout to our primary caregivers: Marie C. and Florette P.. They were outstanding! And extra thanks to Carli, who always came through when we needed backup. Many thanks to the ABC team for all the care you gave to my husband Al H. through 3 years of Parkinson's suffering, and the support you gave me through a hard time.”
“Terrific company. Management is tops. Very caring staff. I highly recommend them. The staff and management are extremely professional and caring, resulting in a very comfortable experience.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services in Princeton Junction exceeded our expectations. Their team was kind, attentive, and provided excellent care tailored to our family’s needs. Communication was clear and supportive throughout. We’re so grateful for their compassion and professionalism. Highly recommend them for anyone seeking trusted senior home care in the area!”
“Could not have asked for a more caring group of professionals. From care giver to support staff, they are exceptional”
“ABC COULD NOT HAVE DONE BETTER IN A CHANGING SITUATION WITH TWO TERMINALLY PATIENTS HAVING ALZ AND STAGE IV PANCREATIC CANCER. QUALITY OF CARE TAKER WAS SUPERB AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGING NEEDS PERFECT.”
“Always best care took care of my father for about 10 years..Though my father was very lucid and managed his own care with the agency, I was at his house alot and participated in his care with the aids. They were all very caring and he kindly spoke of the owners being very attentive and offered very personalized care. They even visited him. I am very fond of many of the home health aids..they were loving and concerned. They took their job to another level. I even formed friendships with some of them. The golden years are a very delicate part of our lives. Always best care not only offered good physical care to my father, but unbounded love and compassion !!!! Thank you and he is looking down at us. I'm sure.”
“ABC and their amazing care givers enabled our Aunt to get her last wish was to die in her home. I can’t say enough about how ABC was able to give her a quality of life that she valued as well as provide comfort to her family knowing that she was in good hands with ABC's Caregivers. From the caregivers that always went the extra mile to the fast response we got 24x7 from folks like Carli…you were there for us!”
“Mom developed an infection in the afternoon that left her too weak and disoriented to care for herself for that night. I called Always Best Care Senior Services (ABC) at the very end of the business day, asking if they could find someone for one night of 12-hour private duty care on pretty much an emergency basis. The ABC team went to work and secured a caregiver for mom within a matter of hours for an 8pm-to-8am care shift at mom's senior living community. We had worked with ABC in the past on a scheduled basis, but this experience was above and beyond the call of regular duty and it truly helped us get through a difficult and stressful episode. We would recommend ABC for any and all of your senior care needs.”
“Faithful, Love, and Family.”
“Very professional organization and sent the right aide, Sam, to help me with my father in day to day activities. Sam helps him with gait training and understands dementia care and how to handle care, the way the client needs it. I would not hesitate using this agency and Sam is excellent.”
“I had a great experience with the agency, Always Best Care! I am attending college, and they always provided me an aide that is helpful, considerate, and hardworking. Thank you for always providing me with an aide like Ms. Colleta!!”
“Roberto took care of my husband like he was a member of his family. He was God sent; thank God for him”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“The aide's were respectful, reliable and friendly and staff responds timely to calls and needs”
“Everyone was great. I’ve come a long way due to the help of your aides. Thank you again!”
“You have a GEM in Mrs. Terry. She is worth so much more than she is paid! I miss her. Her help was timely, professional, and invaluable”
“Very very helpful, I was desperate when I called and that same day I had professional help. Tremendous your service”
“We had an exceptionally good experience with Always Best Care during my mother's illness. The management met with us and assigned caregivers almost immediately. As our needs evolved and increased, they were responsive and flexible. The caregivers were well-trained, kind, hard-working, and truly fine people whom we enjoyed having in the house.”
“Thank you Jahima, Esther, Satta, Myra, Kelly & Susan. Carmen should be pleased. Keep up the good work, and be safe!”
“Words cannot express how grateful my family and I am for the kindness, care, and concern that was shown for my husband by the Always Best Care staff. Thank you for the exceptional attention to his comfort, as well as the wonderful insights, strength, knowledge, and emotional support you showed our entire family. Watching someone you love make the transition out of this life is a really difficult thing, and your wisdom and comfort helped us navigate this challenging time. I will always be thankful for the service you provided for him. I would also like to acknowledge the excellent care provided to my husband by Ms. Marie Louisjean. We thank Ms. Louisjean for her incredible patience, tenderness, and attention to his needs. We thank her for being such a dedicated caregiver. God has given her a very special talent and He has blessed her with a compassionate heart. I could not have asked for a more passionate group of people. May God continue to bless the Always Best Care staff as you continue to care for people in need.”
“Gimbert & Carmen were very accommodating and knowledgeable with the needs of my father. They came out to his house and offered suggestions so that he would be able to get around with his walker easily. Their person took great care of my Dad. It is such a relief to my sister and I that we had someone stay with my Dad that was so reliable. I highly recommend them.”
“You have been outstanding in caregiving and concern for us both. We cannot thank you enough. Thanks for always being there for us in every way.”
“Gimbert and Carmen Fernandez are very knowledgeable in the area of elder care services and how best to provide workable care solutions for aging relatives. They are well informed on current issues and available options. I speak from my own experience here and strongly recommend then and their company to anyone in need of assistance in this area. They are compassionate and caring people which is critical in their business!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Community Park North in Princeton, NJ with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Elements or visit Princeton Battlefield State Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Princeton, NJ, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Princeton, NJ understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Princeton, NJ 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Saturday's game between No. 12 USC and Rutgers will be a homecoming for Trojans' EDGE Luke Wafle, a key piece of Southern Cal's present and future. Wafle and USC will travel roughly 2,000 miles across the country to play Rutgers, just down the road from Wafle's hometown of Princeton, New Jersey.A five-star recruit and the No. 7 overall player in the 2026 signing class, Wafle is a centerpiece of the Trojans' heavy investment in high school recruiting, an effort to zig when other teams zag toward the transfer portal.Through two g...
Saturday's game between No. 12 USC and Rutgers will be a homecoming for Trojans' EDGE Luke Wafle, a key piece of Southern Cal's present and future. Wafle and USC will travel roughly 2,000 miles across the country to play Rutgers, just down the road from Wafle's hometown of Princeton, New Jersey.
A five-star recruit and the No. 7 overall player in the 2026 signing class, Wafle is a centerpiece of the Trojans' heavy investment in high school recruiting, an effort to zig when other teams zag toward the transfer portal.
Through two games, Wafle has lived up to his billing as one of the best prospects in the country, albeit against San Jose State and Fresno State. This weekend will be his first chance to prove himself against Big Ten competition before the schedule really becomes a gauntlet.
Those who tune in to CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday will notice Wafle doesn't look anything like a freshman at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds. Given how UMass and Boston College have fared against the Rutgers offense, Wafle could be in for a busy day.
Wafle's journey to becoming a force field trail was no accident. It took serious commitment on his part, just as it took serious commitment on the part of USC to convince a kid from New Jersey to play college football on the other end of the country.
Wafle began his high school career at Middletown before transferring to the Hun School of Princeton after his sophomore year. Wafle then reclassified to the Class of 2026, which gave him an extra year of development, and that proved to be valuable. At a private boarding school with greater resources, Wafle could take his training to a new level.
In his first season at Hun, in 2023, Wafle showed flashes of elite potential. However, it wasn't until the following season that Wafle established himself as an elite prospect.
"The explosion really took place after his 2023 season," 247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn said. "By the time his senior year rolled around, he was like a grown man out there. You couldn't block him one-on-one."
As a junior in 2024, Wafle racked up 53 tackles with 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks. In the months immediately following that season, Wafle racked up scholarship offers from big-time programs like Penn State, Oklahoma, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas and Georgia.
Before Wafle's senior season, Hun upgraded its schedule to include tougher competition like IMG Academy, and he reaped the benefits. Wafle boasted jaw-dropping numbers in 2025 -- 99 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 23 sacks. Between his physical development and finally getting to play all four quarters, Wafle's star rose even more.
"When you look at his stats, one of the reasons was ... Hun was beating teams so badly his first two years there that he wouldn't be playing in the second half," Dohn said.
Dohn emphasized that Wafle's rise didn't happen overnight. Every step was deliberate, and he grew into his role year after year. Once Wafle had matured, both physically and fundamentally, there was no denying his status as a top prospect in the 2026 class.
"His ascension wasn't meteoric," Dohn said. "It was very regimented, and you could see how he became a bigger part of the defense in 2024. And then by 2025, you just knew that he was a dude."
When scholarship offers started rolling into Wafle's inbox in January 2024, USC was notably absent. It wasn't until spring of 2025 that the Trojans "really started to become heavily involved," according to Dohn.
That timing coincides with USC's decision to go all-in on its 2026 signing class, which finished atop the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. According to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer and John Talty, the total price tag of the Trojans' freshman class placed them among college football's biggest spenders this season.
"Their 2026 class cost as much as our entire roster," a Power Four GM told CBS Sports.
Wafle is a big part of that financial equation. With USC joining the party later than other major programs, it had some ground to close, and money talks.
"When you start talking seven figures, it's easy to get involved quickly," Dohn said of USC's investment in Wafle.
That's not to say Wafle's interest in the Trojans was only about dollar signs. Dohn noted that the USC brand still has a "good reputation" with parents on the East Coast. Lincoln Riley and his staff pushed hard for Wafle, and there was a lot of mutual interest once the ball got rolling.
"USC was always there," Dohn said. "They were always of interest, and it brings some, you know, certain level of mystique."
Despite USC's strong push to sign Wafle, it had serious competition. Few, if any, programs around the country churn out NFL talent at EDGE quite like Ohio State, and the Buckeyes had the inside track with Wafle until the last moment. It took a last-minute Hail Mary from USC to seal the deal.
"He was locked into Ohio State the day before he committed to USC," Dohn said. "Then USC came with a bigger offer that the family felt like they couldn't really turn down, and Ohio State wasn't going to match it. Ohio State was the team to beat for a while."
In a world where NIL payments drive so many recruiting decisions, USC had an advantage in that it understood its roster construction and where Wafle would fit into it as a freshman. Few teams are willing to shell out big money to a young player only for him to ride the bench, but the Trojans had a need at EDGE, and Wafle could fill it immediately.
"USC in that sense was ahead of the curve and willing to do stuff that others weren't because they were able to evaluate where he fit on the roster," Dohn said.
The Trojans may have paid a high price to land Wafle, but it may one day look like a bargain if the young EDGE can reach his full potential.
As the No. 7 overall player in the 2026 signing class, Wafle was rated and ranked with the idea that he could become a first-round NFL Draft pick. As Dohn pointed out, there's still a long way to go before that becomes a reality for Wafle, despite his raw talent.
"A lot has to go right," Dohn said. "You have to stay healthy. You have to produce. You have to have that value to NFL teams, and he's at a premium position."
That said, Wafle has played well in two games against inferior competition, which provides some hope that he could become a game-wrecker one day. Beyond that, Wafle has joined a program that can maximize his talent at this stage of his development, just like Hun did at the high school level.
"He's not going to get slower playing at USC than he is now," Dohn said. "He's not going to get weaker. His technique isn't going to get worse."
Discussions about his five-star rating and lucrative NIL deals can overshadow a key element of Wafle's makeup as a player and person.
"He freaking loves football," Dohn said.
Wafle also enjoys the grind of trying to improve in every aspect -- whether it's in the film room or weight room. In fact, on a visit to see Wafle, Dohn found the young pass rusher watching film an hour before a scrimmage began.
"You're talking about a kid who drove to school every day an hour each way, and Hun is not like some strip mall diploma mill," Dohn said. "It's a big-time academic school where you go to the Ivies or Stanford or some of the really high-end places for college. That's the sacrifice that he put in and his love for getting better."
If Wafle brings that same mentality to USC, big things could be in store for him and the Trojans.
PRINCETON, N.J. - Former Princeton baseball standout Scott Bandura '24 is set to make his Major League Baseball debut Sunday, Sept. 13, as he is in the starting lineup for the San Francisco Giants against the San Diego Padres.Bandura becomes the latest Princeton baseball alum to reach the Major Leagues and the first Tiger to make an MLB appearance since Matt Bowman, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025.Bandura was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the seventh round of the 2023 Major Le...
PRINCETON, N.J. - Former Princeton baseball standout Scott Bandura '24 is set to make his Major League Baseball debut Sunday, Sept. 13, as he is in the starting lineup for the San Francisco Giants against the San Diego Padres.
Bandura becomes the latest Princeton baseball alum to reach the Major Leagues and the first Tiger to make an MLB appearance since Matt Bowman, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025.
Bandura was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the seventh round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft with the 210th overall pick. He became the first Princeton player selected in the MLB Draft since Ben Gross was selected by the Houston Astros in 2018. Gross did not sign with Houston and was later selected by the Minnesota Twins in 2019 following a graduate season at Duke.
The selection made Bandura the 50th Princeton Tiger selected in the MLB Draft and the highest Princeton selection since Will Venable was taken by the San Diego Padres in the seventh round with the 218th overall pick in 2005. Only eight players in Princeton history had been selected higher than Bandura.
Bandura's selection followed an historic junior season with the Tigers in 2023. He posted a .363/.454/.665 slash line in 47 games, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 45 runs. He led Princeton in runs (46), triples (three), slugging percentage, stolen bases (15), total bases (121) and on-base percentage.
His 121 total bases set a Princeton program record, while his 46 runs are tied for the second-most in program history. His 28 extra-base hits rank second all-time, while his .665 slugging percentage ranks third and his 45 RBI rank seventh in Princeton history.
Since beginning his professional career, Bandura has continued to make his mark in the Giants organization. With the Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate, Bandura put together one of the strongest stretches of his professional career.
Bandura reached base safely in 31 consecutive games from June 16 through August 2, the longest on-base streak by a River Cat since David Villar's 34-game streak from May 31 through August 18, 2024.
He also recorded a 13-game hitting streak from July 17-31, tied for the second-longest hitting streak by a River Cat this season. During the streak, Bandura hit .434 (23-for-53) with three doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, 10 walks and four stolen bases, posting a .516 on-base percentage and a 1.176 OPS.
Bandura also homered in consecutive games on July 30-31, marking the first time in his professional career that he hit a home run in back to back games.
As of August 18, Bandura led the River Cats with 14 multi-RBI games and ranked second on the team with 23 multi-hit games.
Bandura's MLB debut adds another chapter to a Princeton career that established him among the program's all-time offensive performers and continues a long tradition of Tigers reaching the highest level of professional baseball.
Saturday's game between No. 12 USC and Rutgers will be a homecoming for Trojans' EDGE Luke Wafle, a key piece of Southern Cal's present and future. Wafle and USC will travel roughly 2,000 miles across the country to play Rutgers, just down the road from Wafle's hometown of Princeton, New Jersey.A five-star recruit and the No. 7 overall player in the 2026 signing class, Wafle is a centerpiece of the Trojans' heavy investment in high school recruiting, an effort to zig when other teams zag toward the transfer portal.Through two g...
Saturday's game between No. 12 USC and Rutgers will be a homecoming for Trojans' EDGE Luke Wafle, a key piece of Southern Cal's present and future. Wafle and USC will travel roughly 2,000 miles across the country to play Rutgers, just down the road from Wafle's hometown of Princeton, New Jersey.
A five-star recruit and the No. 7 overall player in the 2026 signing class, Wafle is a centerpiece of the Trojans' heavy investment in high school recruiting, an effort to zig when other teams zag toward the transfer portal.
Through two games, Wafle has lived up to his billing as one of the best prospects in the country, albeit against San Jose State and Fresno State. This weekend will be his first chance to prove himself against Big Ten competition before the schedule really becomes a gauntlet.
Those who tune in to CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday will notice Wafle doesn't look anything like a freshman at 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds. Given how UMass and Boston College have fared against the Rutgers offense, Wafle could be in for a busy day.
Wafle's journey to becoming a force field trail was no accident. It took serious commitment on his part, just as it took serious commitment on the part of USC to convince a kid from New Jersey to play college football on the other end of the country.
Wafle began his high school career at Middletown before transferring to the Hun School of Princeton after his sophomore year. Wafle then reclassified to the Class of 2026, which gave him an extra year of development, and that proved to be valuable. At a private boarding school with greater resources, Wafle could take his training to a new level.
In his first season at Hun, in 2023, Wafle showed flashes of elite potential. However, it wasn't until the following season that Wafle established himself as an elite prospect.
"The explosion really took place after his 2023 season," 247Sports national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn said. "By the time his senior year rolled around, he was like a grown man out there. You couldn't block him one-on-one."
As a junior in 2024, Wafle racked up 53 tackles with 18 tackles for loss and eight sacks. In the months immediately following that season, Wafle racked up scholarship offers from big-time programs like Penn State, Oklahoma, Michigan, Tennessee, Texas and Georgia.
Before Wafle's senior season, Hun upgraded its schedule to include tougher competition like IMG Academy, and he reaped the benefits. Wafle boasted jaw-dropping numbers in 2025 -- 99 tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 23 sacks. Between his physical development and finally getting to play all four quarters, Wafle's star rose even more.
"When you look at his stats, one of the reasons was ... Hun was beating teams so badly his first two years there that he wouldn't be playing in the second half," Dohn said.
Dohn emphasized that Wafle's rise didn't happen overnight. Every step was deliberate, and he grew into his role year after year. Once Wafle had matured, both physically and fundamentally, there was no denying his status as a top prospect in the 2026 class.
"His ascension wasn't meteoric," Dohn said. "It was very regimented, and you could see how he became a bigger part of the defense in 2024. And then by 2025, you just knew that he was a dude."
When scholarship offers started rolling into Wafle's inbox in January 2024, USC was notably absent. It wasn't until spring of 2025 that the Trojans "really started to become heavily involved," according to Dohn.
That timing coincides with USC's decision to go all-in on its 2026 signing class, which finished atop the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. According to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer and John Talty, the total price tag of the Trojans' freshman class placed them among college football's biggest spenders this season.
"Their 2026 class cost as much as our entire roster," a Power Four GM told CBS Sports.
Wafle is a big part of that financial equation. With USC joining the party later than other major programs, it had some ground to close, and money talks.
"When you start talking seven figures, it's easy to get involved quickly," Dohn said of USC's investment in Wafle.
That's not to say Wafle's interest in the Trojans was only about dollar signs. Dohn noted that the USC brand still has a "good reputation" with parents on the East Coast. Lincoln Riley and his staff pushed hard for Wafle, and there was a lot of mutual interest once the ball got rolling.
"USC was always there," Dohn said. "They were always of interest, and it brings some, you know, certain level of mystique."
Despite USC's strong push to sign Wafle, it had serious competition. Few, if any, programs around the country churn out NFL talent at EDGE quite like Ohio State, and the Buckeyes had the inside track with Wafle until the last moment. It took a last-minute Hail Mary from USC to seal the deal.
"He was locked into Ohio State the day before he committed to USC," Dohn said. "Then USC came with a bigger offer that the family felt like they couldn't really turn down, and Ohio State wasn't going to match it. Ohio State was the team to beat for a while."
In a world where NIL payments drive so many recruiting decisions, USC had an advantage in that it understood its roster construction and where Wafle would fit into it as a freshman. Few teams are willing to shell out big money to a young player only for him to ride the bench, but the Trojans had a need at EDGE, and Wafle could fill it immediately.
"USC in that sense was ahead of the curve and willing to do stuff that others weren't because they were able to evaluate where he fit on the roster," Dohn said.
The Trojans may have paid a high price to land Wafle, but it may one day look like a bargain if the young EDGE can reach his full potential.
As the No. 7 overall player in the 2026 signing class, Wafle was rated and ranked with the idea that he could become a first-round NFL Draft pick. As Dohn pointed out, there's still a long way to go before that becomes a reality for Wafle, despite his raw talent.
"A lot has to go right," Dohn said. "You have to stay healthy. You have to produce. You have to have that value to NFL teams, and he's at a premium position."
That said, Wafle has played well in two games against inferior competition, which provides some hope that he could become a game-wrecker one day. Beyond that, Wafle has joined a program that can maximize his talent at this stage of his development, just like Hun did at the high school level.
"He's not going to get slower playing at USC than he is now," Dohn said. "He's not going to get weaker. His technique isn't going to get worse."
Discussions about his five-star rating and lucrative NIL deals can overshadow a key element of Wafle's makeup as a player and person.
"He freaking loves football," Dohn said.
Wafle also enjoys the grind of trying to improve in every aspect -- whether it's in the film room or weight room. In fact, on a visit to see Wafle, Dohn found the young pass rusher watching film an hour before a scrimmage began.
"You're talking about a kid who drove to school every day an hour each way, and Hun is not like some strip mall diploma mill," Dohn said. "It's a big-time academic school where you go to the Ivies or Stanford or some of the really high-end places for college. That's the sacrifice that he put in and his love for getting better."
If Wafle brings that same mentality to USC, big things could be in store for him and the Trojans.
PRINCETON, N.J. – In a stunning repetition of its last record-setting win, the Princeton women's rugby team defeated West Chester, 91-0, on Saturday at Rickerson Field.The win is Princeton's second-consecutive 91-0 win after achieving the same scoreline over LIU last weekend at home. The result matches last week's program records for both points scored and largest margin of victory.With 15 total tries and eight conversions, the Tigers dominated. Malinka Kwemo led the offense with three tries, while a quar...
PRINCETON, N.J. – In a stunning repetition of its last record-setting win, the Princeton women's rugby team defeated West Chester, 91-0, on Saturday at Rickerson Field.
The win is Princeton's second-consecutive 91-0 win after achieving the same scoreline over LIU last weekend at home. The result matches last week's program records for both points scored and largest margin of victory.
With 15 total tries and eight conversions, the Tigers dominated. Malinka Kwemo led the offense with three tries, while a quartet of Tigers added two apiece in Myah Natorp, Annie Huettel, Maizy Miller, and Hazel Pron. Lehua Harris, Charlie Wolfe, Sara Zavieh and Ana Alfaro each added one as well.
Kwemo and Miller each had four conversions apiece, adding 16 points altogether to the Tiger tally.
With the win, undefeated Princeton improves its record to 3-0 on the season, while West Chester falls to 0-2.
How It Happened Despite West Chester possessing early, the Tigers struck first in the fourth minute as Natorp tallied her sixth try of the season after a penalty restart. Minutes later, Miller doubled it with her first try of the season, making it 10-0 Tigers through the first 10 minutes of action.
Going back the other way, West Chester had a breakaway run towards the Tigers' zone, but Ava Gregory was there to make the tackle and keep the Golden Rams shut out.
In the 18th minute, Harris extended the Tiger lead, grinding out a try as she pushed the ball over the line. Kwemo's first conversion of the afternoon made it 17-0 Tigers. Keeping up the attack, Wolfe added another in the 26th as she picked up the ball from the ruck and ran it into the zone. Kwemo, making her second conversion as she battled the wind, made it 24-0.
The Rams responded with two good chances, possessing the ball and sending it down the right wing, but the Tigers defended and regained possession.
Before going to the break, Natorp added another, persisting through a tackle to get the ball over the line for her second of the day. With Kwemo's conversion, Princeton took the 31-0 advantage into the break.
Coming out of the half, the Tigers picked up right where they left as Kwemo tallied her first try of the day off a pass from Natorp. The pair connected again minutes later, this time sending the ball from Natorp, to Kwemo, over to Pron who made the finish for her first of the day.
The momentum going all the Tigers' way, Kwemo was next up as she made a run, finished the try and then converted her own kick to make it 52-0.
In the 60th minute, Lindsey Mulligan ran the ball in towards the zone and Miller pushed it over the line, converting as well to bring it to 59-0 Tigers.
Minutes later, Huettel added a pair of tries off back-to-back runs up the wing, finishing both herself.
Going into the final 10 minutes, Zavieh added her first try of the day, with Pron adding another minutes later to make it 81-0 with three minutes to go. At the 79 minute-mark, Kwemo scored yet another try to make it 86-0.
With the game continuing past 80 on the clock as it awaited the referee's whistle, the Tigers refused to let up. In the last play of the match, Ana Alfaro broke through on the left wing and made it into the zone to score her first career try and make the final score Princeton, 91, West Chester, 0.
Up Next Princeton will hit the road next weekend to face Frostburg State. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. next Saturday in Frostburg, Md.
PRINCETON, N.J. - Former Princeton baseball standout Scott Bandura '24 is set to make his Major League Baseball debut Sunday, Sept. 13, as he is in the starting lineup for the San Francisco Giants against the San Diego Padres.Bandura becomes the latest Princeton baseball alum to reach the Major Leagues and the first Tiger to make an MLB appearance since Matt Bowman, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025.Bandura was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the seventh round of the 2023 Major Le...
PRINCETON, N.J. - Former Princeton baseball standout Scott Bandura '24 is set to make his Major League Baseball debut Sunday, Sept. 13, as he is in the starting lineup for the San Francisco Giants against the San Diego Padres.
Bandura becomes the latest Princeton baseball alum to reach the Major Leagues and the first Tiger to make an MLB appearance since Matt Bowman, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025.
Bandura was originally selected by the San Francisco Giants in the seventh round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft with the 210th overall pick. He became the first Princeton player selected in the MLB Draft since Ben Gross was selected by the Houston Astros in 2018. Gross did not sign with Houston and was later selected by the Minnesota Twins in 2019 following a graduate season at Duke.
The selection made Bandura the 50th Princeton Tiger selected in the MLB Draft and the highest Princeton selection since Will Venable was taken by the San Diego Padres in the seventh round with the 218th overall pick in 2005. Only eight players in Princeton history had been selected higher than Bandura.
Bandura's selection followed an historic junior season with the Tigers in 2023. He posted a .363/.454/.665 slash line in 47 games, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 45 runs. He led Princeton in runs (46), triples (three), slugging percentage, stolen bases (15), total bases (121) and on-base percentage.
His 121 total bases set a Princeton program record, while his 46 runs are tied for the second-most in program history. His 28 extra-base hits rank second all-time, while his .665 slugging percentage ranks third and his 45 RBI rank seventh in Princeton history.
Since beginning his professional career, Bandura has continued to make his mark in the Giants organization. With the Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate, Bandura put together one of the strongest stretches of his professional career.
Bandura reached base safely in 31 consecutive games from June 16 through August 2, the longest on-base streak by a River Cat since David Villar's 34-game streak from May 31 through August 18, 2024.
He also recorded a 13-game hitting streak from July 17-31, tied for the second-longest hitting streak by a River Cat this season. During the streak, Bandura hit .434 (23-for-53) with three doubles, three home runs, 14 RBI, 10 walks and four stolen bases, posting a .516 on-base percentage and a 1.176 OPS.
Bandura also homered in consecutive games on July 30-31, marking the first time in his professional career that he hit a home run in back to back games.
As of August 18, Bandura led the River Cats with 14 multi-RBI games and ranked second on the team with 23 multi-hit games.
Bandura's MLB debut adds another chapter to a Princeton career that established him among the program's all-time offensive performers and continues a long tradition of Tigers reaching the highest level of professional baseball.
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Facing off for the second time this season, Villanova took care of business in straight sets, sweeping the Princeton University women's volleyball team Saturday evening at the historic Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. Set scores were 25-21, 25-17, 25-18.Ava Harrington put down a match-high 12 kills, but the Tigers (2-6) dropped their third consecutive match to wrap non-conference play. The Wildcats improved to 7-4 overall ahead of BIG EAST action.How It Happened The first five points were played evenl...
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Facing off for the second time this season, Villanova took care of business in straight sets, sweeping the Princeton University women's volleyball team Saturday evening at the historic Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. Set scores were 25-21, 25-17, 25-18.
Ava Harrington put down a match-high 12 kills, but the Tigers (2-6) dropped their third consecutive match to wrap non-conference play. The Wildcats improved to 7-4 overall ahead of BIG EAST action.
How It Happened The first five points were played evenly, with a pair of kills from Ashtyn Sims getting the night started. Three consecutive points put the Tigers ahead, 5-3, before back-to-back kills from Harrington gave Princeton a 15-14 lead at the first-set media timeout. Coming out of the break, Jackie Onyechi recorded her first kill of the night to keep Princeton in front. Villanova then used a 6-2 run to take a 21-19 lead before Sabrina King called her first timeout. The Wildcats closed out the set with a 4-2 run to take the opener, 25-21.
After a strong offensive first set, Harrington made an impact from the service line in the second, recording consecutive aces to give Princeton a 4-2 advantage. Villanova tied the set at 4-all on a Campbell McKinnon kill, but the Tigers responded with a 4-1 run to move ahead, 8-5.
Harrington's fifth kill extended the lead to 10-7, but the Wildcats answered with four straight points to take their first lead of the set. Sarah Hom and Harrington followed with back-to-back kills to put Princeton back in front, 12-11, but Villanova regained the advantage at 15-14.
The Wildcats controlled the remainder of the set, closing on a 10-3 run to take a 2-0 lead with a 25-17 victory.
Villanova opened the third set with a 3-1 run before extending its lead to 11-5. The Wildcats pushed the advantage to 14-5 before Onyechi ended a 10-3 stretch with a kill. Princeton put together a late 3-0 run but never got closer than six points as Villanova closed out the sweep with a 25-18 third-set victory.
Of Note
Up Next It's all Ivy play the rest of the way for Princeton, with the Tigers hosting rival Penn at Dillon Gymnasium on Friday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.
PRINCETON, N.J. – In a stunning repetition of its last record-setting win, the Princeton women's rugby team defeated West Chester, 91-0, on Saturday at Rickerson Field.The win is Princeton's second-consecutive 91-0 win after achieving the same scoreline over LIU last weekend at home. The result matches last week's program records for both points scored and largest margin of victory.With 15 total tries and eight conversions, the Tigers dominated. Malinka Kwemo led the offense with three tries, while a quar...
PRINCETON, N.J. – In a stunning repetition of its last record-setting win, the Princeton women's rugby team defeated West Chester, 91-0, on Saturday at Rickerson Field.
The win is Princeton's second-consecutive 91-0 win after achieving the same scoreline over LIU last weekend at home. The result matches last week's program records for both points scored and largest margin of victory.
With 15 total tries and eight conversions, the Tigers dominated. Malinka Kwemo led the offense with three tries, while a quartet of Tigers added two apiece in Myah Natorp, Annie Huettel, Maizy Miller, and Hazel Pron. Lehua Harris, Charlie Wolfe, Sara Zavieh and Ana Alfaro each added one as well.
Kwemo and Miller each had four conversions apiece, adding 16 points altogether to the Tiger tally.
With the win, undefeated Princeton improves its record to 3-0 on the season, while West Chester falls to 0-2.
How It Happened Despite West Chester possessing early, the Tigers struck first in the fourth minute as Natorp tallied her sixth try of the season after a penalty restart. Minutes later, Miller doubled it with her first try of the season, making it 10-0 Tigers through the first 10 minutes of action.
Going back the other way, West Chester had a breakaway run towards the Tigers' zone, but Ava Gregory was there to make the tackle and keep the Golden Rams shut out.
In the 18th minute, Harris extended the Tiger lead, grinding out a try as she pushed the ball over the line. Kwemo's first conversion of the afternoon made it 17-0 Tigers. Keeping up the attack, Wolfe added another in the 26th as she picked up the ball from the ruck and ran it into the zone. Kwemo, making her second conversion as she battled the wind, made it 24-0.
The Rams responded with two good chances, possessing the ball and sending it down the right wing, but the Tigers defended and regained possession.
Before going to the break, Natorp added another, persisting through a tackle to get the ball over the line for her second of the day. With Kwemo's conversion, Princeton took the 31-0 advantage into the break.
Coming out of the half, the Tigers picked up right where they left as Kwemo tallied her first try of the day off a pass from Natorp. The pair connected again minutes later, this time sending the ball from Natorp, to Kwemo, over to Pron who made the finish for her first of the day.
The momentum going all the Tigers' way, Kwemo was next up as she made a run, finished the try and then converted her own kick to make it 52-0.
In the 60th minute, Lindsey Mulligan ran the ball in towards the zone and Miller pushed it over the line, converting as well to bring it to 59-0 Tigers.
Minutes later, Huettel added a pair of tries off back-to-back runs up the wing, finishing both herself.
Going into the final 10 minutes, Zavieh added her first try of the day, with Pron adding another minutes later to make it 81-0 with three minutes to go. At the 79 minute-mark, Kwemo scored yet another try to make it 86-0.
With the game continuing past 80 on the clock as it awaited the referee's whistle, the Tigers refused to let up. In the last play of the match, Ana Alfaro broke through on the left wing and made it into the zone to score her first career try and make the final score Princeton, 91, West Chester, 0.
Up Next Princeton will hit the road next weekend to face Frostburg State. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. next Saturday in Frostburg, Md.
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Facing off for the second time this season, Villanova took care of business in straight sets, sweeping the Princeton University women's volleyball team Saturday evening at the historic Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. Set scores were 25-21, 25-17, 25-18.Ava Harrington put down a match-high 12 kills, but the Tigers (2-6) dropped their third consecutive match to wrap non-conference play. The Wildcats improved to 7-4 overall ahead of BIG EAST action.How It Happened The first five points were played evenl...
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Facing off for the second time this season, Villanova took care of business in straight sets, sweeping the Princeton University women's volleyball team Saturday evening at the historic Jake Nevin Fieldhouse. Set scores were 25-21, 25-17, 25-18.
Ava Harrington put down a match-high 12 kills, but the Tigers (2-6) dropped their third consecutive match to wrap non-conference play. The Wildcats improved to 7-4 overall ahead of BIG EAST action.
How It Happened The first five points were played evenly, with a pair of kills from Ashtyn Sims getting the night started. Three consecutive points put the Tigers ahead, 5-3, before back-to-back kills from Harrington gave Princeton a 15-14 lead at the first-set media timeout. Coming out of the break, Jackie Onyechi recorded her first kill of the night to keep Princeton in front. Villanova then used a 6-2 run to take a 21-19 lead before Sabrina King called her first timeout. The Wildcats closed out the set with a 4-2 run to take the opener, 25-21.
After a strong offensive first set, Harrington made an impact from the service line in the second, recording consecutive aces to give Princeton a 4-2 advantage. Villanova tied the set at 4-all on a Campbell McKinnon kill, but the Tigers responded with a 4-1 run to move ahead, 8-5.
Harrington's fifth kill extended the lead to 10-7, but the Wildcats answered with four straight points to take their first lead of the set. Sarah Hom and Harrington followed with back-to-back kills to put Princeton back in front, 12-11, but Villanova regained the advantage at 15-14.
The Wildcats controlled the remainder of the set, closing on a 10-3 run to take a 2-0 lead with a 25-17 victory.
Villanova opened the third set with a 3-1 run before extending its lead to 11-5. The Wildcats pushed the advantage to 14-5 before Onyechi ended a 10-3 stretch with a kill. Princeton put together a late 3-0 run but never got closer than six points as Villanova closed out the sweep with a 25-18 third-set victory.
Of Note
Up Next It's all Ivy play the rest of the way for Princeton, with the Tigers hosting rival Penn at Dillon Gymnasium on Friday, Sept. 25, at 6 p.m.
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