PDS faces Bishop Eustace in Thomas’ home farewell
If it seems like Jill Thomas is walking a little slower across Princeton Day School’s Smoyer Field to the Panthers bench on the east side of field, the Hall of Fame coach definitely is taking her time.
In what will be Thomas’ final game on the field.
The respected coach is just soaking in 34 years of memories, players past, but as she nears the bench the focus will be on the task at hand.
The task won’t be an easy one as a very good Bishop Eustace team is coming to Smoyer Field to face PDS in a state Non-Public B semifinal game.
Princeton Day (12-8) is the top-seed and Eustace (9-9) is the No. 4 seed. The other semifinal has No. 3 Holy Spirit (15-5) at No. 2 Saddle River Day (9-9).
The winners meet on Saturday at a site and time to be determined.
“When I walk off, it’ll be a tough one,” said Thomas.
Thomas’ Panthers have been peaking at the right time, winning five straight, including the state Prep B title.
Both teams have used a tough regular season schedule relying on veterans and giving some young talent plenty of seasoning along the way.
“I do think our schedule has helped prepare us,” said Eustace coach Kat Burke Esposito. “Playing in the Olympic Conference is certainly not for the faint of heart. While many teams challenge themselves with difficult schedules, the OC gives no breathing room. I feel the lessons learned should provide a return.”
Five teams on the Crusaders schedule — Cherokee, Lenape, Cherry Hill West, Shawnee and Haddonfield — are still playing for a state title
Haddonfield is the only common opponent, and both PDS and Bishop Eustace lost to the Haddons.
While scoring goals is the object of the game, and both teams do it very well, it’s been the defense rising to the occasion for the Panthers.
“Our defense has really started to come together down the stretch,” said Thomas. “Arden (Bogle — goalie) has been playing well in goal. All others have been communicating well and been tough under pressure. we will need for both of these things to continue.”
The PDS attack is led by junior Paige Gardner with
92 career goals, including 63 this season. Sophomore Tessa Caputo added 45 and 28 assists and the quarterback of the operation is Columbia-bound Ali Surace with 36 and 25.
Two players who have stepped it up during these last five games as Sophie Jaffe with 17 goals and Elle Anhut with 14 assists.
“We have to be ready to play from the start and get out of the gate,” said Thomas. “Keep the team connection going, have good transition and play tough for 50 minutes.”
The Crusaders are led by sophomore Jordan Roessler with a school-record 78 goals, freshman Anna Marquardt has 41 goals and freshman Aislynn Higgins has 32 goals.
Marquardt established a new Eustace draw control record with 130 on the season.
“We need to play our game,” said Burke Esposito. “We are considered young for sure but the four seniors we do have gained valuable playoff experience in the other sports they play. Their leadership in combination with our young talent is a great combination. If we can stick to our style of play, we have a strong chance.”
Two very similar teams, two very successful coaches and with a berth in the state final on the line it could be a classic.
Maybe that walk off Smoyer won’t be as tough as thought.