Springer Misses Game; Coach Sends Her Home

Senior starting forward Sandy Springer was flown back to Boston Saturday from Philadelphia at the request of Coach Kathy Delaney Smith following an incident in Friday night's game against Penn at the Palestra.

Delaney Smith described it as a "disciplinary action" for events that occured "during and shortly after" the game.

Delaney Smith declined to comment further on the incident.

According to Springer, upon returning to the hotel after the game, she was put in a separate room alone and asked to leave by Delaney Smith. Springer says the action was prompted by a comment she made after being taken out of play during Friday's game.

"We were losing and she took me out of the game," Springer said. "I asked why I was taken out. All I did was ask a question. After the game I asked the team if a had a bad effect on them and they said, `No.' I also asked them if they wanted me to quit and I told them to be honest because I respect them and their opinion and they said, `No.' I get back to the hotel and I was told that I would be going home."

Springer has not been contacted by Delaney Smith to discuss the incident.

"I don't know what's going on," Springer said. "I am meeting with [Harvard Director of Atheletics] Jack Reardon tomorrow. The coaches didn't explain anything to me. This is unbelievable for this to happen as a senior. This isn't the way it should happen."

"I'm not sure what the details are but if it is permanent it is a bit drastic," teammate Beth Wambach said. "We really missed her Saturday night. Princeton is a very physical team and she is a very strong player. I'm really proud of us for coming together. It's hard to win after a traumatic event."