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PHS Girls' Soccer Starting New Era, Unwavering in Focus on Excellence

By Bill Alden

This fall will mark the dawn of a new era for the Princeton High girls' soccer program.

Gone are last year's glittering core of seniors which featured such stars as Kia Anderson, Val Davison, Kate Denny, Lisa Hayes, Claire Marchetta, Amanda Sustak, and Meghan Gerard.

Over its four-year run, that group helped PHS take Colonial Valley Conference titles and reach the finals of the Central Jersey Group III sectional and the Mercer County Tournament.

PHS head coach Greg Hand readily acknowledges that he is in rebuilding mode. "You don't replace them, they had a terrific run," said Hand referring to his Class of 2004.

"They were the core of the team from the time they arrived. We are no longer in a position to think about league and division championships which was fun. In a sense, we are starting over."

In Hand's view, however, turning the page should be fun as well. "It's exciting for the coaches and players," said Hand, whose club went 12-6 last fall and made it to the Central Jersey semifinal.

"We have the challenge of improving individually and learning to play together as a team. In our first scrimmage this summer, we saw the need to develop chemistry."

A key ingredient to developing some offensive chemistry for the Little Tigers will be the play of senior Zoe Sarnak. "Our attack will go through Zoe," asserted Hand of the tall, slender midfielder. "She has great vision and can change the pace of play. She can deliver a good ball. If we can help her play her position without having to do more, that will be great."

Hand is expecting some punch from two newcomers to the varsity, freshman Olivia Johnston and junior Lindsey Edgcomb.

"Olivia is very quick," said Hand. "Lindsey is also quick and delivers a good ball. If we can work on showing the ball and working as a unit, they should be good."

Others who figure to be in the mix for PHS up front include senior Jackie Tobia and sophomore Allegra Formento.

The linchpin in the PHS midfield will be senior Stephanie Covello. "She is a four-year veteran and has worked as much in the off-season as any kid we've had," said Hand, referring to Covello. "She is a heads-up and composed midfielder. She really sees things and changes the point of attack."

A newcomer to watch in the middle of the field is freshman Hannah Deming. "Although Hannah is only a freshman, she has a lot of experience," added Hand. "Like Zoe she is very crafty and is able to slow down the game. She is an understudy to Zoe at times and is also her partner."

The Little Tigers' midfield set-up will also feature juniors Kim DeBlois, Jackie Young, and Jill Calicchio together with senior Kelsey Doyle and freshman Christina Covello.

Along the backline, Hand will be relying on two sophomores, Danielle Vildostegui and Merle Redding, to keep things under control.

"Danielle will be our stopper and Merle will be our sweeper," explained Hand, who hopes that senior star Melissa Carduner can recover from knee surgery in time to see some action this fall.

"They both got a lot of experience last year and they have improved significantly. Our backline is very young and will take the greatest time to get established as a unit."

That unit could include junior Katy Paxton, sophomore Susannah Crowley, and freshman Natasha Kardassis.

In goal, Hand is looking for junior Sue Westock and sophomore Rachel Snyderman to step up. "We brought Sue up late last year and she got experience in some really important games," said Hand.

"Rachel moved here from California. Sue, by virtue of her experience, has the edge. We'll see as the season goes. They are two dedicated kids who are competing well."

While Hand knows that his club won't be viewed as a title contender, he expects it to compete well collectively.

"Each game will be a battle," asserted Hand, who is in his 14th year at the helm of the PHS girls' soccer program. "We should improve significantly as the season goes on. If we can get a .500 record and qualify for the states, that will be good."

But no matter how many wins PHS earns this fall, Hand is determined that his squad will live up to the legacy of quality established by his departing seniors.

"The veterans will be responsible for the young kids and trying to help Princeton High soccer keep a tradition," declared Hand, whose club starts regular season play by hosting Lawrence on September 10 before playing at WW/P-S on September 13.

"The young kids have talent and they are taking the approach the Princeton High soccer means something in terms of our approach to training and how we play."