Pennington, PDS set to meet in Prep B semifinal
Just like the last three years, if a team wants to claim the Prep B state title, its has to be able to handle Princeton Day.
This season is no exception.
The Panthers and Hall of Fame coach Jill Thomas might not have the lofty seed as in the past, but when you have won three straight state championships someone is going to have to take it from you.
Somewhere along the way it seems like a Pennington and Princeton Day matchup is a given in the Prep B tourney.
This year the two will meet in Monday’s semifinal round as the No. 2 Red Raiders (8-5) look to reach the final round for the third time in four years. Standing in the way are the No. 3 Panthers, who bring a 7-8 record into the contest at Pennington.
First draw is set for 4:15 p.m.
The two met in the regular season with Pennington taking a 15-10 win.
The other Prep B semifinal has No. 1 Montclair Kimberley hosting No. 5 Morristown-Beard on Tuesday.
The Prep A semifinals have No. 4 Blair at No. 1 Lawrenceville at 6:30 p.m. and No. 2 Oak Knoll will be playing at No. 3 Peddie at 4:30 p.m.
Both Pennington and Princeton Day are coming off Saturday losses in the Mercer County Tournament and both very well could’ve been looking ahead to the semifinal game.
“The Notre Dame (MCT) game was a very good tune up for Monday’s game,” said Pennington coach Wendy Morris. “PDS is a good team and they will be looking to get the win after the regular season game. We are a good team too and it’s a matter of playing with confidence.”
Both teams during the season have shown many times they are state championship caliber, and both need to be at their best.
Pennington is led by Maddi Seibel with 57 goals and 16 assists, Madison Brown has 17 goals and 22 assists and Gianna Lucchesi has 15 goals and seven assists. Amanda Kenrick handles the chores in the cage for Red Raiders.
PDS’ Madison Mundenar is the leading prep goal scorer in the county with 60 goals and 11 assists, Bridget Kane has been just as successful finding the back of the cage with 50 goals and 20 assists and Kyra Hall has 27 goals. The Panthers defense is anchored by Maggie Madani in goal.
After going through the first 10 games undefeated, the Big Red (12-2) are 2-2 in their last four. The losses were to Ridge and Agnes Irwin, both are in the top-50 in the nation.
Lawrenceville dropped a 15-14 state final game to Oak Knoll last year and it’s itching to get another shot. It played Blair in the regular season and won 12-6.
Annabelle Albert leads the Big Red with 44 goals and 24 assists, Meg Hillman chimes in with 33 goals and 16 assists and Hannah Schur adds 20 and 17.
Maybe the Big Red can get some help from Peddie (7-1) has field issues bring Oak Knoll (12-2) to Hightstown.
Peddie has played some impressive lacrosse this season and is a team that doesn’t go away and is always in the game.
Margaret Cleary leads the Falcons with 29 goals, Julia Gorajek has 26 goals and a team high 10 assists.
Brooke Perlman handles the duties in the cage for Peddie.
Both the Prep A and Prep B finals are set for next Monday, May 14.