Princeton University’s women’s volleyball team didn’t just win the 2025 Ivy League regular season title—they rewrote the conference’s statistical playbook. With an 11-3 conference record and a 17-6 overall mark, the Tigers clinched the championship on November 23, 2025, with one match still to play, thanks to a commanding lead in hitting percentage and a four-game winning streak that sealed their fate. The asterisk next to their name in the official standings wasn’t just a formality—it was a declaration: Princeton University is back on top of the Ivy League, and they’re not coming down quietly.
Statistical Dominance Defines the Title Run
Princeton didn’t rely on luck or late surges. They dominated from the service line to the net. Across 82 sets played this season, they recorded 1,154 kills, 342 errors, and 2,852 total attacks—resulting in a conference-leading hitting percentage of .285. That’s not just good. That’s elite. Yale, their closest challenger, managed .262. Cornell, ranked #139 in the NCAA RPI, was even further behind. The gap wasn’t close. It was a chasm. At the heart of this efficiency was Lucia Scalamandre. The sophomore outside hitter didn’t just contribute—she anchored the offense. With 89 total points, 24 aces, 65 digs, and 87 service receptions, Scalamandre averaged 1.02 points per set. Her ability to convert high-pressure attacks under duress turned close sets into sweep opportunities. Against Harvard on November 7, 2025, she delivered 12 kills and three aces in a 3-0 win that sent the Tigers into the final stretch with momentum.Clinching the Title: The Road to the Top
Princeton’s path wasn’t easy, but it was consistent. They opened the season with a 3-0 win over Penn on October 18, 2025, at home in Princeton, NJ, then followed it with another 3-0 sweep of Columbia the same day. By mid-November, they’d rattled off four straight wins, including a road victory at Harvard and a gritty 3-1 win over Brown in Providence, RI. Their only conference losses came against Dartmouth, Yale, and Cornell—each by a single set. But when it mattered most, they delivered. With Yale and Cornell both finishing 10-4, and Brown at 9-5, Princeton’s .733 winning percentage was the difference-maker. Even if they lost their final match, their head-to-head tiebreakers and overall point differential made them untouchable. The Ivy League’s official standings, published on November 23, 2025, confirmed what fans had known for weeks: Princeton had earned the top seed in the upcoming tournament.
What This Means for the Ivy League Tournament
The Ivy League Women’s Volleyball Championship begins next week, and Princeton enters as the clear favorite. As the top seed, they’ll host the semifinals at Jadwin Gymnasium, where they’ve gone 8-1 this season. Their opponents will be the teams that survived the first round: likely Yale, Cornell, or Brown. But history suggests this isn’t just about seeding—it’s about momentum. Princeton hasn’t lost a conference match since October 25. They’ve won 11 of their last 12. And in a league where matches often come down to two-point rallies, that kind of consistency is terrifying. This is Princeton’s first Ivy League title since 2024, and if they win the tournament, it’ll be their first NCAA tournament berth since 2021. That’s not just a comeback—it’s a renaissance. The program, long overshadowed by powerhouse programs like Stanford and Penn State, is proving it can compete at the highest level within its conference—and beyond.The Bigger Picture: Ivy League Volleyball’s New Powerhouse
The Ivy League doesn’t offer athletic scholarships, yet Princeton’s roster is filled with nationally ranked recruits who chose academics over bigger programs. Their success challenges the myth that elite volleyball requires financial muscle. This team’s hitting percentage leads the league by over 8%—a margin bigger than the gap between second and fifth place. That’s coaching. That’s culture. That’s execution. No head coach was named in the official release, but the system is working. The assistants, the trainers, the video staff—they’re all part of a machine that’s been fine-tuned over years. And now, with a championship on the line, they’re not just contenders. They’re the team everyone else is chasing.
What’s Next?
The Ivy League Tournament starts on November 28, 2025, at Jadwin Gymnasium. A win there sends Princeton to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in four years. Their RPI, while unlisted, is almost certainly in the top 100—enough to earn an at-large bid if they fall short in the conference tournament. But they won’t settle for second. Not after this season.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Princeton’s hitting percentage compare to other Ivy League teams?
Princeton led the Ivy League with a .285 hitting percentage, well ahead of second-place Yale (.262) and third-place Cornell (estimated below .250). That 8.5% gap is the largest in the conference this decade. Only two teams in the last 15 years have finished above .280 in conference play.
Who is Lucia Scalamandre, and why is she critical to Princeton’s success?
Lucia Scalamandre is a sophomore outside hitter who leads Princeton in total points (89) and aces (24). Her ability to read blocks and deliver high-percentage kills under pressure has turned close sets into wins. She’s averaged 1.02 points per set—top 5 in the Ivy League—and her service reception accuracy keeps Princeton’s offense flowing even when the setter is pressured.
When was the last time Princeton won the Ivy League volleyball title?
Princeton last won the Ivy League regular season championship in 2024. Before that, their previous title came in 2021, when they also advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The 2025 title marks their third conference championship in five years, signaling a sustained period of dominance rarely seen in the Ivy League.
Where will the Ivy League Volleyball Championship be held?
The 2025 Ivy League Women’s Volleyball Championship will be hosted by Princeton at Jadwin Gymnasium in Princeton, NJ, as the top seed. The semifinals are scheduled for November 28, with the championship match on November 30. This is the first time since 2021 that Princeton has earned the right to host the entire tournament.
Can Princeton make the NCAA Tournament even if they lose in the Ivy League final?
Yes. Princeton’s 17-6 overall record and conference-leading hitting percentage suggest their RPI is likely in the top 80—well above the typical at-large cutoff. Even a loss in the Ivy final wouldn’t eliminate them; they’d still be a strong candidate for an NCAA at-large bid, especially if they’ve won 10+ matches against top-100 opponents.
Why is this championship significant for Ivy League volleyball?
It proves that without scholarships, Ivy League programs can still compete at the highest level through disciplined systems, smart recruiting, and coaching excellence. Princeton’s .285 hitting percentage is higher than many Power Five teams this season. Their success challenges the perception that only athletic powerhouses can dominate volleyball.
