SENIOR MOMENT: Princeton Day School field hockey player Val Radvany, right, controls the ball against Princeton High in the Mercer County Tournament semifinals last Thursday. Senior star Radvany chipped in an assist to help third-seeded PDS upend second-seeded and previously undefeated Princeton High 3-0. PDS went on to fall 1-0 to top-seeded Lawrenceville on the MCT final. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

By Bill Alden

For Val Radvany, helping the Princeton Day School field hockey team return to the Mercer County Tournament final was a key goal in her final campaign with the program.

After getting an assist to help third-seeded PDS upend second-seeded and previously undefeated Princeton High 3-0 in the MCT semis last Thursday, a smiling Radvany reflected on the team’s achievement.

“Last year was disappointing, so this year it is our senior year and we wanted to, put our best foot forward, said Radvany, referring to a loss in the MCT quarters last year after a run to the 2016 county final.“We wanted to end on a good note. We have so many young players on this team and I am so proud of all they can do.”

One of those younger players, freshman Lyla Allen, provided some offensive punch to help spark the PDS run scoring three goals in an 8-0 win over WW/P-South in the opening round, two goals in a 6-0 win over Hopewell Valley in the quarters and then adding a goal in the win over PHS.

“I have definitely come to understand the game more and everybody is always helping me out,” said Allen.

Allen looks up to Radvany and her two fellow seniors, Gwen Allen (no relation to Lyla) and Sasha Sindhwani.

The seniors are like family to me, big sisters, and i just love hanging out with them,” said Allen, whose twin sister, Emily, also stars for the Panthers. “Their supporting us really means a lot. All of the seniors were just hyping everyone up  for this. It is just good to have role models.”

Radvany has willingly taken on a playmaking role this fall, passing for three assists in both the MCT opening round and quarterfinal wins.

“I try not to hold onto the ball too long,” said Radvany, who has committed to attend Michigan State and play for its field hockey program. “I try to make the best passes I can.”

Serving as team captain along with her two classmates, Radvany has tried her best to guide the team’s younger players.

“It has been really good,” said Radvany. “They are a great group of freshmen and a great group of sophomores. It is really fun, they are really great to lead.”

Allen credits that leadership with helping the Panthers get in synch on the field.

“We have grown a lot and we have really gotten to know each other and that has helped us a lot,” said Allen. “We have gotten to know how we play.”

Even though PDS ended up falling 1-0 to top-seeded and perennial county champion Lawrenceville in the title game on Saturday, that can’t take away from Radvany’s positive experience

“We are really connected, nobody is selfish,” said Radvany, who will be going for another title as the Panthers compete in the state Prep B tournament where they are seeded second and host third-seed Morristown-Beard in the semis on October 24 with the victor advancing to the title game on October 28.

“We are all looking for the best pass. We all just want to win as team and we all love each other.”