No. 4 Virginia Set for Home Match Against No. 8 Princeton
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A top-5 collision in men’s squash returns to campus as the fourth-ranked Virginia squad hosts eighth-ranked Princeton on Saturday, January 10, at 1:00 p.m. inside the McArthur Squash Center.
How to follow the action
- live scoring and live streaming will be provided for the match.
- The clash will be conducted on a three-court setup.
Key notes for the Cavaliers
- Freshman Matthew dayle is undefeated at 4-0, while sophomore Juan Jose Torres Lara sits at 6-0 for the year.
- Dylan Moran and freshman Juan Irisarri share the team lead with seven victories each.
- Virginia most recently cruised to a 9-0 win over No. 10 Cornell, marking its third shutout of the season.
- The Cavaliers are 1-1 at home this season.
- Virginia is 4-2 against Ivy League opponents this year, after going 5-4 against Ivy teams in 2024-25.
- the all-time series record vs. Princeton stands at 1-8 in favor of Princeton.
Upcoming schedule
- The Cavaliers travel to face Tufts in neutral-site action at the St. James in Springfield, Va., on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1:00 p.m.
Event snapshot
| Matchup | date & Time | Location | Virginia Record | princeton Record | Series History | Last Virginia Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia vs Princeton | jan 10, 1:00 p.m. | McArthur Squash Center, Charlottesville, VA | 7-2 | 2-1 | Virginia leads 1-8 all-time | Virginia defeated No.10 Cornell 9-0 |
Why this matchup matters
Virginia brings a blend of youth and experience into the test, with undefeated players anchoring the lineup and a recent 9-0 shutout demonstrating depth across the roster. The Princeton challenge offers a chance to gauge how well the Cavaliers handle a top-10 foe on their home courts, a dynamic that remains a barometer for their national championship aspirations.
evergreen insights
In collegiate squash, home-court advantage frequently enough amplifies a team’s rhythm, especially for squads juggling travel demands and the cadence of a winter schedule. Virginia’s current form, headlined by a pair of unbeaten contributors and a high-velocity defense, highlights how balanced scoring and strong frontline performances can sustain success across a demanding season.
Share your thoughts
Who will be the breakout star for Virginia this weekend, and what scoreline do you predict for the matchup with Princeton? Do you believe Princeton can pull off the upset on the road?
Join the conversation: share your predictions and reactions in the comments below.
Match Overview
- Date & Time: Sunday, January 9 2026 – 7:00 PM ET
- Location: McArthur Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
- Event: Virginia Cavaliers vs. Princeton tigers – Men’s College Squash (ACC vs. Ivy League)
- Broadcast: ACC Network (cable & streaming), live stream on ESPN+
- Ticket Options:
- General Admission – $12 (student‑discounted)
- Premium Seating (court‑side) – $25
- Group Packages (10+ tickets) – $100 total
Team Rankings & Season Outlook
| Team | Current USSA Rank (2025‑26) | ACC/ivy Standing | Record (2025‑26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Cavaliers | #7 | 2nd in ACC | 5‑2 (home) |
| Princeton Tigers | #5 | 1st in ivy League | 6‑1 (away) |
– Virginia entered the season with a deep “golden‑generation” roster, emphasizing aggressive shot‑selection and defensive resilience.
- Princeton continues its legacy of tactical precision, anchored by a top‑10 USSA singles player and a strong doubles pair.
Both squads are projected to contend for the 2026‑27 NCAA Championships, making this matchup a potential “tipping‑point” for conference seeding.
Key Players to Watch
virginia Cavaliers
- Ethan “The Hammer” Kim (Sr., #3) – USSA #8 singles; noted for a powerful backhand drive.
- Lucas Patel (Jr., #5) – Consistent 75% win rate in three‑ball rallies; excels at drop shots.
- dylan Ortiz (Fr., #2) – Freshman phenom; 3‑0 record in his first ten matches.
Princeton Tigers
- Mason Greene (Sr., #1) – USSA #4 singles; leads the league in minutes won per game.
- Harvey Liu (Jr., #4) – Exceptional court coverage, 68% conversion on break‑points.
- Jordan “Spin” O’Neill (Soph., #6) – Specialist in cross‑court drives; 12 consecutive wins in the 2025 season.
Venue Spotlight: McArthur Center
- Facility Specs: 4,000‑seat arena, glass‑wall court, climate‑controlled habitat, LED scoreboard.
- Squash Amenities:
* Hardened glass backboard for optimal visibility.
* Dedicated player lounge with physiotherapy stations.
- Accessibility: wheel‑chair‑accessible seating, captioned streaming for hearing‑impaired fans.
- Fan Experience: On‑site “Cavalier Café” offers locally sourced snacks; “Tiger Tailgate” area for princeton supporters.
Historical Head‑to‑Head (Last 5 seasons)
- Overall Record: Virginia 3‑7 vs. Princeton (2021‑2025)
- average Margin: Princeton +2.4 games per meeting
- Notable Upset: 2024 ACC tournament semi‑final – Virginia defeated princeton 5‑4 after a 12‑minute rally in the decisive game.
The trend shows Princeton’s edge, but Virginia’s recent home‑court improvements suggest a tighter contest.
Tactical Breakdown & Game‑Plan Insights
- Serve & Return Strategy
- Princeton’s “high‑kick serve” aims to force deep returns; Virginia benefits from a low, fast backhand to neutralize.
- Mid‑Court Dominance
- Virginia’s front‑court pressure (Patel & Ortiz) can disrupt Princeton’s rally rhythm.
- End‑Game Stamina
- Both teams feature senior players with >1,000 minutes logged; conditioning drills in the offseason have raised endurance levels, making late‑game fitness a decisive factor.
Game‑Day Logistics
- Parking: Lot A (North Campus) – $5 flat rate; validation available with ticket stub.
- Public Transit: Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) Route 12 stops at McArthur Center (5‑minute walk).
- COVID‑19 Protocol (as of Jan 2026): Mandatory proof of vaccination or negative rapid test within 48 hours; mask optional in seating areas.
Practical Tips for Attending
- Arrive Early: Gates open 30 minutes before tip‑off; good seats fill quickly.
- Dress Code: Business‑casual is standard for ACC events; avoid large logos that may obscure the scoreboard.
- Food & Beverage: Pre‑order “Cavalier Combo” via the Archyde app for a 10% discount and reduced wait times.
Betting & Fantasy Considerations
| Category | Virginia | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| Singles Win % (season) | 62% | 68% |
| Over/Under Total Games (average) | 4.8 | 5.2 |
| Prop: “First game Winner” | +115 | -130 |
– High‑Value Prop: “First game to go 3‑0” – Princeton favored at -150; Virginia’s aggressive opening serves can make an upset profitable (+200).
- Fantasy Squad Picks: Include Ethan Kim (Cavaliers) and Mason greene (Tigers) for consistent point accumulation.
Post‑Match Analysis (Live Updates)
- Live blog: Archyde’s real‑time commentary will feature minute‑by‑minute scores, player stats, and fan reactions.
- Statistical Recap: Post‑game PDF (downloadable) will break down rally length,shot selection percentages,and serve effectiveness.
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