FINISHING TOUCH: Princeton High girls’ lacrosse player Kate Becker looks to unload the ball in a game earlier this spring. Last Wednesday, senior star Becker tallied five goals and an assist to help PHS defeat Notre Dame 9-6. On Monday, Becker scored nine goals as the Tigers defeated Hopewell Valley 14-8 to improve to 7-2. In upcoming action, PHS plays at Lawrence High on April 20, at Pingry School on April 23, and at WW/P-North on April 25. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

Kate Becker knew that the Princeton High girls’ lacrosse team faced a major challenge as it looked to break down a stingy Notre Dame defense last Wednesday.

“They are notorious for their defense, they play it so well,” said PHS senior star and co-captain Becker. “It is hard to simulate in practice. They just work for it, they are shifting, and they are incredibly well-coached.”

With PHS trailing 2-0, Becker got things working, finding the back of the net with 8:59 left in the first half.

“We wanted to take our time, it was really hot out and we wanted to pass it around and give the middies a break,” said Becker, who added two more goals in the half as the teams went into halftime tied at 3-3. “It just took us a second to look for their weaknesses, they don’t have a lot. We were just looking for that right pass. We said going in that we wanted to make passes that are going to be 100 percent going to be catches and just maintain our energy and keep our composure on offense.”

Keeping its composure in the second half, PHS pulled away to a 9-6 victory.

“They were just getting rowdy and we were saying play the game, let them foul, take the hits, and move it on offense,” said Becker. “We were really focusing on when their backer plays us out, beating one and then passing it or moving it. I think that is what we were able to do, even in our stall at the end.”

Displaying her focus, Becker ended up with five goals and an assist in the win.

“I wanted to play the full 50 minutes and really take our time and work for those,” said Becker, who exploded for nine goals as PHS defeated Hopewell Valley 14-8 last Monday and improved to 7-2. “I am pretty happy with my shooting today but it can always get better.”

Becker feels very happy about the connection she has developed with classmate Grace Rebak, who had two goals and five assists against Notre Dame.

“Grace has been great, she has stepped it up, she has been grinding on her stick skills,” said Becker. “We knew she was going to have to play up at mid and she has exceeded our expectations. She knows where we are going to be. She has phenomenal field vision, that is why we wanted to push her up on offense.”

As a battle-tested senior, Becker looks to push her teammates to excel.

“I am just trying to lead and bring everyone together; we are working on having an individual goal of playing our individual best,” said Becker. “We did it against Lawrenceville (a 10-9 loss on April 6) and we did it here. That is just how to get better every day. Everybody has something that they need to be working on, it is not the same for anybody. That will help us elevate this team.”

PHS head coach Katie Federico liked the way her team elevated things against Notre Dame.

“Our girls played their game, they played smart and they played together,” said Federico. “I think that was the winning piece of it. The key is that they rely on  each other. They all rely on each and every single person and they know they can trust them.”

The Tigers are relying on the combination of Rebak and Becker to trigger the offense.

“Grace was unbelievable, she was getting beat up the whole time and just hung in there,” said Federico. “Kate just moves them all around as she sees it. I could not be more proud of the girls, they played a tremendous game.”

At the defensive end, senior goalie Gigi Peloso made six saves to help PHS hold the fort.

“Gigi made some amazing saves and she kept us in it,” said Federico. “I think just them believing in themselves that they could do it.”

Coming up with a number of draw controls in the second half helped the Tigers overcome the Irish.

“That is a huge piece of it and it was a game changer for us,” said Federico. “We were also patient when we had the ball. They were able to hold on until they saw the good cut and they were able to capitalize on it. I am just thrilled.”

With PHS playing at Lawrence High on April 20, at Pingry School on April 23, and at WW/P-North on April 25, Federico believes the win over Notre Dame will give the squad a lift.

“I think it gives them the confidence that they can do it,” said Federico. “We played so well against Lawrenceville and were so proud of ourselves coming out of that. I think it gave us that kind of boost and this gave us the next boost to keep going. It shows the girls that if you put in the work and put in the effort, you will come out on top.”

Becker, for her part, believes that focusing on basics will help the Tigers to keep coming out on top.

“Going forward, we just need to work on the small things like communication and rides,” said Becker. “We have to get everybody to where we can make that pass to anybody and have confidence that they are going to get it in the back of the net.”