RAISING THE BAR: Princeton High girls’ volleyball player Camila Barbosa (in blue jersey) makes a hit in recent action. Last Sunday, junior libero Barbosa made 14 digs to help PHS defeat Millburn 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-18) in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state final. (Photo by Frank Jacobs III)
By Bill Alden
Camila Barbosa jumped up and down for joy after the Princeton High girls’ volleyball team scored match point to defeat Millburn 3-0 in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) Group 3 state final last Sunday.
Junior libero Barbosa and her teammates were elated as they pulled out a 25-16, 25-21, 25-18 win over the Millers at Franklin High.
“I think strong serving really helped our game out but overall it was just coming together and locking in,” said Barbosa. “We had giggly faces on in the third set, we got a little excited.”
The win clinched a state title three-peat for the Tigers who ended the fall with a 27-5 record.
“I think it speaks so much on our senior class and how the program is going to continue,” said Barbosa, reflecting on the squad’s third state title in a row. “It is just a strong bond and community that has come from all of their volleyball.”
In facing Millburn, the Tigers knew they needed to make a strong effort to come away with the title.
“Coming into this game we had the mindset of just playing Princeton volleyball, it has gotten us so far,” said Barbosa. “There were things to look out from on the other side. They had a great outside hitter, they had a great middle, and really strong serve receive.”
Pulling away to a 25-16 win in the first set helped PHS set the tone for the rest of the match.
“In the first set we thought come out strong, come out hard, and play our game,” said Barbosa, who ended up with 14 digs in the win.
Taking over the starting libero role this season after the graduation of star Pearl Agel, Barbosa has emerged as a strong performer.
“Pearl was a great libero, it was very big shoes to fill,” said Barbosa. “I had been watching her, I had been learning from her when she was a senior. I may not be able to perform the same way but if I give all of my energy and give my hustle, that will be enough for me.”
Barbosa benefitted this fall from the leadership of senior stars and captains Naomi Lygas, Kaelin Bobetich, and Charlotte Woods.
“A lot of the lineup was new this year so I think their support and encouragement was huge,” said Barbosa. “It was just making sure that no matter how we played it was all good because we were together.”
PHS head coach Patty Manhart credited Barbosa with getting it together in the final.
“There was so much defense, she had to pick up a lot of balls and she stayed fast,” said Manhart. “Her serve receive was on point today, we knew that would be a game-changer. Millburn is a solid team and they are not going to make many mistakes so we had to be able to play good volleyball on our side. I was very happy with how Camila played today.”
Barbosa is happy to be playing with her twin sister Carmen on the Tigers.
“It is what I am most grateful for, it is like no other,” said Barbosa. “We have different club teams so playing with my sister here is another bond and it makes the team chemistry so nice.”
Looking ahead to her senior season and the pursuit of a state title four-peat, Barbosa believes that team chemistry will be a key factor.
“We definitely are, it is about working together more than anything,” said Barbosa, referring to going after another state crown. “I think we have drive. It is having more than a community, there is a friendship through everyone in this program. It is loving each other.”