For the Princeton High girls’ tennis program, overcoming perennial power and nemesis WW/P-S has proven to be a tall order through the years.

PHS has been in the running for many a county and district title, only to be denied by the Pirates.

This fall, however, the Little Tigers posted a pair of wins over WW/P-S in the first two weeks of the season, defeating the Pirates 4-1 on September 9 and then prevailing 3-2 in a rematch last Wednesday.

In the view of PHS head coach Christian Herzog, earning the victories over WW/P-S did wonders for his players’ self belief.

“It was a huge confidence builder, particularly with our history against South (WW/P-S),” said Herzog.

“It has always been that some years we get pretty close and then it is a letdown so it was good to see the girls be triumphant in their play.”

Winning round two was a critical step forward as the Little Tigers displayed some grit to go with their talent.

“It was a little closer the second go-around; some of the girls had a little trouble getting the job done but most importantly they eked it out,” said Herzog.

“It was a tough match to watch when you are ahead so much and slowly it is getting away from you and you are losing it a little bit. They made it happen at the very end, that is what counts.”

In Herzog’s view, good camaraderie among the players has helped PHS make good things happen this fall.

“I like the way they have come together and jelled as a team, they are real supportive of each other,” said Herzog, whose team defeated Nottingham 5-0 last Friday to improve to 6-0. “We definitely got lucky with some young talent coming in.”

PHS boasts young talent at the top of the lineup with freshman Samantha Singer playing at first singles.

“Sam is willing to grind, she wants to show and improve her play every match; every point she is trying to prove herself,” said Herzog.

“It is not one of those ones where you get kids that come in and it is just an expectation. She is willing to show every match that she deserves her spot. She likes to hustle it down to every point, you want to rally for 30 balls, she will do it.”

At second singles, senior Elise Gerdes has been a steadying presence for the Little Tigers.

“Elise is just a great personality overall, a great kid to have on the team,” said Herzog, noting that Gerdes has been affectionately nicknamed “Elise the Beast” by her teammates for her spirited play.

“She is very vocal in cheering on her teammates and enjoying the moment. As a senior, she is ahead of the game in terms of reflecting on this is my last opportunity to do this, so let’s make it worthwhile. She reminds the other girls, this is her last hurrah at Princeton High so let’s work together, I want to accomplish what we can as a team.”

Freshman Spencer Watts looks like she will be accomplishing a lot at third singles this fall.

“Spencer is a rock at No. 3, she has got the whole game,” asserted Herzog. “She is aggressive, she approaches the net. She is not one of those players who sits back on the baseline for a half hour. She wants to take it to the net and put it away with a nice volley. She has good sportsmanship, many coaches have already said that she is one of the nicest girls they have ever met.”

Herzog likes the positive approach that senior Maggie Herring and freshman Nicole Samios are taking at first doubles.

“Pressure doesn’t really get to them, they don’t sit there and cringe,” said Herzog.

“Even if things aren’t going as well, you will still see a smile, you will still see them slap each other’s hands, and say let’s get this going. I think that Maggie helps out being a senior, she keeps it positive. I think it is good combination as far as personality and skill sets; they complement each other.”

After losing her singles spot, senior Brinda Suppiah is combining with sophomore Adriana Todorova to make an impact at second doubles.

“Most seniors could be thinking, this is a not so great, I lost my position to a freshman and there would be some animosity but there is not,” said Herzog.

“She said I am willing to work to try to better myself in doubles so that I can play in this varsity lineup. I tried her with Adriana in the first two matches and they did very well. Adriana, a lefty, is a stronger doubles player than she is at singles and she complements Brinda, who is really good on the baseline. Overall they make a good pair. That is the reason we won the last South match, it came down to them and they won.”

Herzog, for his part, sees no reason that his team can’t be in the running for the title at the upcoming Mercer County Tournament.

“They are looking forward to the MCT and to try to prove themselves,” said Herzog, whose team has a match at Ewing on September 23 before starting play in the MCT on September 26.

“I said ladies as long as you bring your game and play to the best of your ability, we have as good a shot at taking this thing as anybody else. They are buying into that and focusing on the positive and worrying about the things they can control. You can’t control who you get in the draw so let’s not stress about that and just worry about playing to the best of your ability.”