ANNAPOLIS, Md. — No. 12-ranked Princeton University keelhauled the United States Air Force Academy, 20-9, and Salem University, 19-4, in the Tigers’ final games in Lejeune Hall at the 2026 Navy Open hosted by the United States Naval Academy.
Facing the Falcons of Air Force, the Tigers took a 5-1 lead after the opening quarter before adding six more goals in the second to take an 11-4 advantage into halftime.
Princeton continued to control the matchup in the second half, outsourcing Air Force 9-5 across the final two quarters to secure an 11-goal victory for the most lopsided game in the history of the series. The win replaces a 13-3 victory by Princeton on September 9, 2016, on the series leaderboard.
The Tigers’ offense was led by Ádám Peocz and Taylor Bell, who each recorded four goals, while Tas Palcza added three. Otto Stothart (two), Enrique Nuño (two), William Swart, Gavin Appeldorn, Tigran Sennett, Oliver Marcin and Boti Kovács also scored to accompany 13 assists by Princeton in the win.
Kristof Kovács anchored the Princeton defense in goal by making 11 saves.
Taking on Salem, Princeton jumped out to an 8-0 lead after the opening quarter and carried a 12-1 advantage into halftime as the black and orange tigers pounced on the green and white tigers.
Princeton continued to add to its lead in the second half, scoring five goals with a marker permitted in the third quarter before both teams added pairs in the fourth quarter to secure a 19-4 victory.
Nuño and Palcza led the Tigers offensively with three goals apiece, while Swart, Peocz, Luke Weichert and Tibi Cojocariu each added two goals. Princeton. which recorded 11 assists in the win, also received solo tallies from Bell, Sennett, Otto Stothart, Marcin and Boti Kovács.
Kristof Kovács once again held down the defense by turning aside 16 shots in the win.
Information courtesy Princeton University Athletics Communications
