As the 2024 water polo season approaches, the Princeton University men’s water polo team is gearing up for an action-packed start. After an impressive run in 2023, where they clinched the Northeast Water Polo Conference Championship for the third consecutive year, the No. 5 ranked Tigers are set to make their season debut at the Navy Invitational.
The Tigers’ opening games on September 7th will see them face off against Biola University at 11:45 a.m., followed by a matchup with Occidental at 4:45 p.m. On September 8th, Princeton will round off their weekend with a game against George Washington at 10:30 a.m. These early matches will test the team’s readiness and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
The 2023 season was historic for Princeton, as they achieved a record-setting 28 wins. Key players returning this year include three All-Americans: Roko Pozaric, Vladan Mitrovic, and Kristóf Kovács. Pozaric, who made history as Princeton’s first Cutino Award Finalist and First-Team All-American, led the team with outstanding stats last season, including 76 goals and 111 sprint wins. Mitrovic earned Third-Team All-American honors with 54 goals and strong defensive contributions, while Kovács, an Honorable Mention pick, was pivotal with a .594 save percentage and 203 saves.
The Tigers’ impressive offensive performance in 2023 saw them score a program-record 471 goals. With key contributors like Pozaric, Mitrovic, George Caras, JP Ohl, and Finn LeSieur returning, expectations are high for the team to continue their dominant form. Princeton’s previous encounters with their opening opponents have seen them hold a favorable record, including a sole victory against Biola in 2021 and an 8-2 record against George Washington.
As Princeton prepares for their season opener, fans and supporters are eager to see how the team will build on their past success and tackle new challenges. The upcoming games at the Navy Invitational will provide a crucial opportunity for the Tigers to showcase their skill and determination for the season ahead.