For a period of 15 years, Princeton lacrosse probably had the best run a program has ever had. Here are their results:

1990-lost in the Quarterfinals to Yale
1991-lost in the Quarterfinals in OT to Towson
1992-beat Syracuse in 2OT for the National Title
1993-lost to eventual champs Syracuse in the Semifinals.
1994-beat UVA in OT for the National Title
1995-lost to eventual champs Syracuse in the Quarterfinals
1996-beat UVA in OT for the National Title
1997-beat Maryland for the National Title
1998-beat Maryland for the National Title
1999-lost to eventual runners-up Syracuse in the First Round
2000-lost to Syracuse in the Title Game
2001-beat Syracuse in OT in the Title Game
2002-lost to Syracuse in the Title Game
2003-lost to Syracuse in the Quarterfinals
2004-lost to Navy in the Semifinals

So, throughout that 15-year period, Princeton had:

6 National Titles
2 runner-up appearances
2 Semifinal appearances
4 Quarterfinal appearances
1 appearance where they lost in the First Round

That run was amazing, and we may NEVER see another one like it. All of those Princeton teams were famous for having methodical, ball-control offenses and awesome, smothering defenses. In so many games, their goal was to keep the score in single digits or low double digits with that type of offense and defense. Getting behind to them was dangerous, because they would take you out of your game and make you play THEIR game. The larger their lead got, the more methodical they would get on offense, and it was almost like they taunted the other team with it.

However, since 2005, Princeton Lacrosse hasn't nearly been the same:

2005-had a losing season and missed the tournament for the first time since 1989
2006-lost by a lot to Maryland in the Quarterfinals-In that game, they didn't look like Princeton much at all.
2007-lost to Georgetown in OT in the First Round-For years, Princeton dominated OT games.
2008-doesn't look like they will make the NCAA Tournament

So, now, let's get on to the main point in this thread. Why has Princeton Lacrosse been somewhat down since 2005? I have a couple of reasons. First of all, the admissions has really cracked down at Princeton, and they can't quite get the ballplayers they used to. Secondly, that style of play that Princeton was so famous for for many years:

ball control offense
smothering defense
doing their best to keep the scores in the single digits and low double digits

worked so well for many years, but the game has changed a lot. The players are much bigger, faster, and stronger, and run-and-gun style of play is more favorable than ever before.

So, although Princeton Lacrosse is a bit down, it would be a major mistake to say they won't be back. I think that, for them to be back, they will need to keep playing solid defense, but add a bit more run-and-gun to their offense. If they do that, watch out! Bill Tierney is still the best coach in the game and maybe the best ever.

And, it looks like, with the admissions having cracked down, Tierney is working harder at recruiting than ever. He has a fine class coming in for 2008. As far as I know, all of these players are coming to Princeton, along with some other good players. These players are all ranked in the Top 50 for 2008. Here is each player's ranking, name, position, and high school:

#2 Tyler Fiorito Goalie McDonogh(MD)
#4 Chad Wiedmaier Defense Delbarton(NJ)
#14 Mike Chanenchuk Midfield St. Anthony's(NY)
#30 Alex Capretta Midfield St. Ignatius Prep(CA)
#37 Cliff Larkin Attack St. Paul's(MD)
#45 Mark Feild Midfield Boys' Latin(MD)

This has the potential to be an awesome class!