GETTING IT DONE: Princeton High girls’ hockey player Alexa Zammit, left, goes after the puck in recent action. Last Friday, senior star defenseman and team captain Zammit helped PHS defeat Pingry 6-4. The Little Tigers, now 7-5-3, are next in action when they compete the WIHLMA (Women’s Interscholastic Hockey League of the Mid-Atlantic) tournament at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa. from February 16-18. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Having lost 11-4 to Summit in late December, the Princeton High girls’ hockey team was looking forward to a rematch between the foes last week in the annual State Cup game.

“Everyone was really excited to play them again,” said PHS senior defenseman and captain Alexa Zammit, reflecting on the January 30 contest.

“We were really working on spreading the puck out and passing, just really using as much as ice as possible. Even with the newer players, we worked on their skills as well.”

The Little Tigers showed some skill early on against Summit, jumping out to a 3-2 lead after the first period.

Zammit extended the PHS advantage to 4-2 early in the second period on a breakaway goal.

“I have also been working on my skills so I am glad to see that paying off,” said Zammit.

Bringing a 5-3 lead into the third period, PHS faltered down the stretch, giving up four unanswered goals to fall behind 7-5.

“In the third period, we struggled to possess the puck a little bit,” said Zammit, reflecting on the Summit rally. “We couldn’t get it out of the zone; they got a couple of big shots.”

While PHS battled to narrow the gap to 7-6 with 2:39 remaining in regulation, it couldn’t get any closer as it ultimately fell 9-6.

“I think it is great that we kept fighting all the way to end,” said Zammit. “I am definitely all for playing to the buzzer.”

With PHS rebounding from the loss to Summit to defeat Pingry 6-4 last Friday and improve to 7-5-3, Zammit believes the Little Tigers have been playing better and better over the course of the winter.

“I think since the beginning of the year, everyone has improved so much,” said Zammit.

“I am really proud of the hard work and the effort that they have put into everything, their dedication and taking time out of their everyday schedules to practice. Most of the time, it is two mornings a week at 5:30.”

In addition to her work on the ice, Zammit has honed her leadership skills over her PHS career.

“This is my second year as a captain and I am so honored to be able to lead my team,” said Zammit.

“They are a really great group of girls, they are amazing. It has been really fun.”

As the team’s top defenseman, Zammit leads the way in that zone. “It has been different from my club team,” said Zammit, who plays for the N.J. Rockets.

“I need to be a little more reserved at times; I need to make sure I am smart with the plays that I choose to make. I think for the most part it has helped.”

PHS has been helped by the connection between Zammit and her younger sister, sophomore star forward Victoria.

“We started playing hockey together in middle school,” said Zammit. “It is really coming together nicely with the passing.”

With PHS wrapping up the season by competing in the  WIHLMA (Women’s Interscholastic Hockey League of the Mid-Atlantic) tournament at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa. from February 16-18, Zammit is hoping for a nice finish to her high school career.

“I am definitely trying to enjoy the rest of the season as much as possible,” said Zammit.

“It has been really great; it is a little sad to have to leave. I am really glad with how much everyone has improved and how the program itself is picking up. I am leaving it in a good place.”