Princeton faces Clearview for spot in state final
When the deficit quickly grew to five in the second half of the sectional final even the staunchest Princeton High girls lacrosse fan had to be a little concerned.
While the stands might have been a little tense, there’s was nothing but calm on the field as this group of Little Tigers have seen their share of adversity throughout the season and handled it.
The next challenge comes on Tuesday when Princeton (13-10), the Central Jersey Group IV champion, take on Clearview (14-6), the South Jersey Group IV champion, at Moorestown High at 4:30 p.m. in the state semifinal with a berth in Saturday’s State Group IV championship on the line.
“It has really been pleasing to see is the mental toughness in the girls,” said Princeton coach Sara Doran. “Being able to come from a slow start to the season and not let it get us down but continue to forge forward. They are also supporting each other on and off the field.”
Since a tough 1-5 start, the Little Tigers have amassed a 12-5 record, including winning seven of the last nine.
While the offense has been getting the job done on the scoreboard, the defense has been getting it done on the field. Princeton has not allowed a team to score in double-digits in any of its three tournament games.
Clearview has been a solid program since its inception in 2005 and the Pioneers won their first South Jersey title in 2012. They lost in the state final to five-time state champion Ridgewood.
“Clearview is a fast, aggressive team, which is a little different from our more finesse style of play,” said Doran. “But we have played many teams like them this season. We have been working on it during practices, so we feel we are prepared.”
The Pioneers, who have won eight of their last nine, are led by a freshman Hailey Russo with 75 goals and five assists. Dani Paterno, who missed her junior season with a right ACL tear, returned to score 56 goals and add 12 assists. Camryn Pennypacker added 47 goals and Alyssa DeAngelo has caged 32 on the season.
Princeton has been playing its best lacrosse the last several weeks and one of the reasons has been its ability to stay focused on the task at hand.
“We are not focused on the magnitude of the game,” said Doran. “We have been emphasizing all season. We are not thinking about the magnitude of any one particular game or wins and losses. We just want to be in the moment and playing our best lacrosse each game.”
The Tigers have been led by Mariana Lopez-Ona with 87 goals and 24 assists. Lopez-Ona has 214 career goals. Shaylah Marciano has become a premier stick handler and player who can find the open teammates. Marciano has 49 goals and 75 assists.
During the three-game state tourney stretch, Lopez-Ona has caged nine goal, Serena Bolitho has seven with Marciano and Eva Petrone each getting six.
Grace Reardon anchors the defense in cage for the Little Tigers.
“We have to utilize our depth,” said Doran. “We have to trust each other and communicate. We also need the mental toughness the girls showed they have in the Rancocas Valley game.”
Draws and quality possession will be a key, Princeton has shown the ability to cause turnovers and if it can continue to do that, it could be headed to Kean on Saturday.