Princeton Tigresses Triumph Over Hall Red Devils in Emotional Match

In an emotionally charged setting, the Princeton Tigresses secured a thrilling victory against the Hall Red Devils, winning 25-19, 21-25, 25-10 on March 7, 2024. The match, held during a breast cancer awareness night at Hall, took on special significance as it featured Bella Clevenger, a cancer survivor and junior at Princeton, who played a pivotal role in the team’s performance.

At just 16 years old, Clevenger has already faced considerable challenges in her life. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of two, she is now cancer-free for over ten years. This experience was deeply personal for her, as both her great uncle and great-grandfather succumbed to cancer. Clevenger’s resilience was evident as she joined her teammates in celebrating their hard-fought win.

“My great-grandmother had breast cancer, and she’s still with us,” Clevenger shared, reflecting on the significance of the night. Although she initially hesitated to step into the spotlight when cancer survivors were honored, her teammates Caroline Morris and Natalia Zamora presented her with a rose, prompting an emotional response. “It was just nice I was included,” she added, expressing her gratitude for the support from her team.

Princeton’s coach, Andy Puck, expressed pride in Clevenger’s journey, stating, “This girl and her family had to push through adversity in life.” He noted that such experiences often inspire athletes to overcome challenges on the field.

The match itself presented a dynamic display of skill and determination. After dropping the first set, Hall gained momentum in the second, showcasing their resilience. They rallied from a deficit to take a 24-21 lead, propelled by a six-point run capped by a kill from Zamora. Despite Princeton’s efforts to equalize, Hall managed to secure the second set, tying the match.

The final set, however, belonged to Princeton. The Tigresses dominated with a series of 6-0 runs, quickly taking a commanding lead of 9-3 and later extending it to 16-5. Key performances from players like Ava Kyle and Keighley Davis, who each served up five-point strings, contributed significantly to Princeton’s success. The match concluded with a hitting error from Hall, sealing Princeton’s victory at 25-10.

Coach Puck emphasized the strategic adjustments that led to the win. “We played smarter and not harder,” he remarked, noting the team’s improved blocking and defensive strategies.

On the other side, Hall coach Carolyn Foster acknowledged her team’s fatigue, mentioning the impact of recent illnesses on their performance in the third set. “We just didn’t hit as well as I would have liked,” she stated, but remained focused on the upcoming postseason preparations, emphasizing the lessons learned during the match.

In the opening set, Princeton quickly established an early lead, demonstrating their intent to control the game. A dig by Camryn Driscoll set the tone as the Tigresses surged to a 9-3 advantage. With strategic plays from Caroline Keutzer, who delivered multiple kills and aces, Princeton maintained pressure throughout the set, ultimately winning 25-19.

Overall, the match not only highlighted the athletic prowess of both teams but also underscored the personal stories that intertwine with sports. The night served as a reminder of the strength found in community and resilience, with Clevenger’s journey at the forefront of this inspiring narrative.