1989 offers Princeton an opportunity to keep the tradition of spoilers in "The Match" ***.
"I like to think of our road trip as a safari as it were, and I ain't coming home unless I get me some Tiger Pelt," sophomore George Polsky said. "Fishy's been lecturing us on the art of the kill and I've been taking notes. In a nutshell we're armed to kill."
It isn't known whether or not junior Jim Masland or freshman Jeremy Fraiberg will be able to play against Princeton. Masland's hamstring injury and Fraiberg's groin injury have kept them out of action all season.
"Well we're injured and we'll be going down there with possibily two of our top five players," Anz said. "It's going to take a superhuman effort on the part of our guys, but it's definitely not out of reach."
"I don't know who's going to win," Princeton's Roy Rubin said. "It's like any other squash match. I don't know what to expect. We're not going into the match thinking we're favored."
In past years, Harvard has overcome Princeton with more depth up and down the ladder. This year, Princeton has three strong players at the top of the line-up in last year's Ivy Player of the Year Jeff Stanley, Roy Rubin and Chris Stevens.
But the Crimson is capable of taking any of the three at the top. The number-one match will be between junior Jon Bernheimer and Stanley. The rest of the Crimson line-up is up in the air because of injuries and challenge matches.
"Berney's going to win," Jon Masland said. "I would put my money on it. It's going to be a close match. I think Jeremy [Fraiberg], Farokh [Pandole], or my bro [Jim Masland] will help turn the match in our favor."
Princeton may be favored on paper, but with a 72-match winning streak on the line, the Crimson can assure squash fans that tomorrow will not be just another February day.
It's the day of "The Match." What the Pundits Say:
Men's Match
"It could go either way. I would give a slight edge to Princeton. Harvard lost five of its top six players. Home-court advantage will also play a big part in the match." Princeton, 5-4. --Fesail Naqvi, The Daily Princetonian.
"Princeton is very strong, and Harvard lost five of its top six players. Because it's at Princeton, I think Princeton will win." Princeton, 6-3. --Rob MaCrae, Yale Daily News
Women's Match
"Princeton is the stronger team. But I would say that Harvard has a chance of bearing them." Princeton, 6-3. --Buddy Semploe, Yale Daily News
"Princeton has five great freshmen. It's just an awesome team. Harvard lost several top players. Some would consider it an upset if Harvard won." Princeton, 7-2. --Fesail Naqvi, The Daily Princetonian