SAVING GRACE: Princeton Day School girls’ soccer goalie Grace Barbara makes a stop in a game earlier this season. Last Thursday, sophomore star Barbara made five saves to help first-seeded PDS edge No. 4 Wardlaw Hartridge 1-0 in the state Prep B semis. The Panthers, who improved to 16-2-1 with the win, were slated to host No. 2 Montclair Kimberly on November 3 in the Prep B championship game. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

After suffering a disappointing 3-0 loss to Notre Dame in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals, the Princeton Day School girls’ soccer team got another shot to make a title game as it hosted Wardlaw Hartridge in the state Prep B semis last Thursday.

Bringing a 15-2-1 record into the contest, Grace Barbara and her PDS teammates were determined to make the most of the opportunity.

“We came into Prep Bs feeling really good about our season but after our semifinal loss in the counties, we were really disappointed,” said sophomore goalie Barbara.

“We couldn’t walk away from this momentous season without a trophy. We have a really good record right now and so we all knew this had to be a tournament win for us.”

While the teams were locked in a scoreless draw at halftime, the Panthers felt they could eventually break through.

“They were definitely putting pressure on us; our defense definitely held them off,” said Barbara.

“We hit the post a couple of times, there is nothing you can do about that. It was keep working hard and putting them on frame.”

Midway through the second half, PDS put one in the back of the net as sophomore Damali Simon-Ponte banged in a feed from freshman Madison McCaw. Barbara helped set the play in motion as she made a sprawling save and then booted the ball up the right sideline.

“All I was thinking about was that we were completely open down the right side so the transition was what I was looking for,” recalled Barbara.

“I wasn’t looking for that to turn into a goal but I am so glad it did. I played it to Izzy (Meyercord) and Izzy dribbled up the field; she played it to Maddie McCaw and it went up into the box and Damali put her foot on it.”

The PDS defense held the fort from there as the Panthers held on for a 1-0 win and their 12th shutout of the season. PDS, which improved to 16-2-1 with the victory, was slated to host No. 2 Montclair Kimberly on November 3 in the Prep B championship game.

“We play as a team back there and everyone only looks to the benefit of the team,” added Barbara, who made five saves in the win as the Panthers took a big step in its bid to repeat as Prep B champs.

“We are not selfish back there, taking too many touches because they know when to get rid of it and they know when pressure is coming on. We have really good communication and the combination between us is great. We have great chemistry so it is a really good mix.”

In Barbara’s view, the team has benefitted collectively from a nice mix of veterans and newcomers.

“We lost around nine seniors last year and we brought in some really, really solid freshmen that have been coming off the bench and giving us great things, “ said Barbara.

“It is great that we have that to fall back on, they have definitely been a huge asset for us.”

Barbara is unquestionably a huge asset for the Panthers, having started from day one freshman year.

“Growing as a player is all about experience because high school and club soccer are really different,” said Barbara.

“You could play one formation in club soccer and you are really acclimated with your team but throughout high school soccer, the team is constantly changing. Over the years, you gain more experience. You gain physical attributes that will definitely help you. I think I have improved as a player.”