CHILD’S PLAY: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Gillian Hauschild hits the ball in a 2018 match. Last Friday against WW/P-South, senior star and Colgate-bound Hauschild contributed 12 kills, four digs, and six service points but it wasn’t enough as the Pirates prevailed 2-1 (25-20, 18-25, 25-23). The Tigers, who dropped to 7-2 with the defeat, are slated to host Lawrenceville School on October 2 and then play at WW/P-North on October 8. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

After dropping the first set 25-20 to visiting WW/P-S last Friday, the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team knew it had to pay more attention to detail.

“It was really just to focus on the basics and really go for it,” said PHS senior star Gillian Hauschild.  “I think we all just did a really good job of buckling down.”

The Tigers did a really good job as they won the second set 25-18 but then squandered a 22-18 lead in the decisive set as they fell 25-23.

“We had the momentum there, I think we just had a lapse in mindset and we really need to work harder on being stronger,” said Hauschild, reflecting on the defeat, which dropped the Tigers to 7-2. “We just need to focus on confidence, I think we felt a little hesitation there.”

Hauschild has no hesitation when assessing the bonds she has developed with her classmates on the team.

“It is amazing, there are nine seniors and we really work great together,” said Hauschild.

As a four-year standout for the Tigers, Hauschild is looking to make the most of her final campaign at PHS.

“I definitely took on more of a leadership role this year,” said  Hauschild, who has committed to attend Colgate University and play for its Division I women’s volleyball program.

“I think I grew into my body more; I worked really hard over the summer. It has really paid off.”

PHS head coach Patty Manhart credited WW/P-South with coming up with some good work to pull out the win over her squad.

“Their offense is really strong, I don’t think we handled their offense as well as we could have,” said Manhart.

“We did best if they were getting free balls over the net. We just have to learn how to close.”

Manhart is getting strong play from her senior co-captains Hauschild and Kim Cheng.

“Gillian gives us everything; her energy is great, she picks up her teammates,” said Manhart.

“She gets an amazing kill down the line and that helps pick up our energy. Kim is just always a rock, whether it is serving, passing, or hitting.”

As PHS looks to rebound from the loss to WW/P-S, Manhart will be depending on her veterans to get the team back on the winning track.

“They help each other out, they trust one another,” said Manhart of her senior group.

“They pick each other up. They win together, they lose together. They enjoy one another’s company. They lost a tough game today but they still love one another.”

Manhart believes that maintaining intensity is the key to picking up things down the stretch.

“It is consistency; they know it is a game of momentum,” said Manhart, whose team is slated to host Lawrenceville School on October 2 and then play at WW/P-North on October 8

“They need to play at the top of their game all of the time. They can’t let up at any point. We are not where we need to be. Like today our blocking wasn’t there; that was the first time our blocks weren’t closing. Each game it is a little something different. It is that consistency, being able to perform at the top all of the time.”

In Hauschild’s view, the Tigers have what it takes to perform at a high level.

“This team has so much potential,” said Hauschild. “We just need to focus on buckling down in the moments that matter.”