Pennington, PDS lead the way among area preps
The Princeton Day School girls soccer team has always been among the top teams in Mercer County, but this could be the year the Panthers really breakthrough.
Pat Trombetta’s side has won a share of the last five Prep B state titles, yet despite the success at that level only once has PDS won the county title back in 2013.
With talented returners all over the pitch and a testing schedule, Trombetta feels good about his team entering the 2019 campaign.
“We raised the bar even higher from last year with the schedule,” said Trombetta, who has added games against Hopewell Valley, Steinert, Kent Place and Freehold Twp. “We need to sharpen our game in the offensive third and not squander good opportunities. With our schedule, we recognize the importance of playing an entire 80 minutes.”
If PDS — or any other prep or CVC school — plans on winning a county title, the road goes through Pennington. The Red Raiders won 10th MCT title and 14th Prep A crown last season.
“We have many solid returners, however, we need to make up for the 18 goals scored by (Area Player of the Year) Jaydin Avery and the outstanding defensive leadership that was provided by both Gianna Lucchesi and Mary Griswold,” co-coach Pat Murphy said. “To be successful we need to develop our team chemistry, develop our fitness levels and individual work rates and score more than our opponents.”
Lawrenceville made strides with a 6-6-1 record last season and plans to play in the MCT this season.
“We will rely heavily on (our upperclassmen’s) talent and leadership, as we welcome in the new players to the squad,” Big Red coach Jessica Magnusson said. “In order to be successful, we need to stay healthy, have consistent goalkeeping and make sure everyone is playing together as a unit.”
Jennifer Barrett takes over a Hun squad coming off a four-win season, but also one that has the potential to make a big improvement.
“Our team needs to continue to work hard daily and our goal is to be better than yesterday,” Barrett said. “We need to sharpen our skills, be enthusiastic, cooperative and confident in order to progress.”
Peddie has moved from the rebuilding phase to one where coach Matthew Roach expects his Falcons to be competitive in every game.
“After a rebuilding phase, we’re now thriving,” he said. “We have several strong players in each class year, and many will play soccer or another sport at the college level.”