For the first time in recent history, the PHS Girls Varsity Soccer Team has made it to the State Championships. After an undefeated season, they played the state finals November 21 at Kean University.

In the final moments of the game, Sophia Lis ’22 striked the soccer ball into the lower right corner of the net, winning four minutes into overtime. The PHS Girls Varsity Soccer Team (21–2) had just won against Lacey High School in the Group 3 State Semi Final 1–0.

The game against Wayne Valley High School was electric. The PHS Tiger Cage showed up in full force and cheered for every play. Tigers in the audience watched closely as the direction of the ball changed countless times. Throughout the match, they jumped and shouted, drowning out the opposing teams’ remarks of dissent every time a player shot at the goal. At the end of the second half, the score was tied 1–1, with Lis’s goal. However in overtime, with just 2:38 remaining, Wayne Valley High School scored. Although the Tigers did not win, having such a close game and even qualifying for the states was a huge success.

“Our game against Wayne Valley was tough, and of course we would have loved to win our last game, but at the end of the day, we’ve had a great season and still gave it our all,” Lis said.

Although not winning the state tournament, the girl’s soccer team won the division and sectional titles in the Colonial Valley Conference for the first time since 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Part of their success this season is thanks to the “Packed Cage” that supported them with enthusiasm throughout the season, but especially during their last game. On the morning of the state final game, students and Principal Chmiel boarded a bus from PHS to Kean University in their “Blue Out” attire. The long drive made the Tigers even more excited for the upcoming final game.

Further contributing to their successes was team chemistry. The team spent a lot of time together not only in practices but also in team bondings, such as dinner parties.

“It was all done through creating a sisterhood with every player on the team no matter what year they are in,” said Mojisola Ayodele ’22.

But, it was their hard work, camaraderie, and dedication in every practice that allowed the team to push themselves to the highest levels.

“Every game, we have played our hearts out and stood by one another by supporting each other,” said Annie Kosa ’22. The PHS Girls Varsity Soccer Team has come so far since they met during preseason in August.

“This year has been so unexpected. In the beginning of the year we had no idea how it would go, and we ended up playing in the state final,” Kosa said.

Younger teammates agree; inspired by the leadership of older players and excited by the prospect of playing in big matches, they rose to the occasion.

“This season was such a nice introduction to soccer at PHS. I honestly surprised myself with how hard I was able to play each match and how we were able to advance past so many rounds,” said Ava Tabeart ’25.