With Polley's guidance, the Hurricanes have won 22 straight games and advanced to their second straight state final.
Villa will meet the winner of Tuesday night's Crestwood-Greenwood semifinal at noon Saturday at Whitehall.
There's no secret to the winning streak, as Polley said the young squad made a few adjustments and became acclimated after a season-opening loss to Notre Dame.
As Amelia Iacobucci's pass came her way, Mackrides said she envisioned herself listening to Polley at practice. Keep your stick in front of you. Stay with the ball.
Despite not having played an overtime game this season, the Hurricanes simulate the situation at the end of each practice.
"The one day we didn't practice it, I was a nervous wreck that we'd have an overtime game," Polley said.
Although Mackrides' goal lifted Villa, Polley said it was the defense that secured the win.
Earlier in overtime, Villa goalie Erika Miller kept the game scoreless when she dived to her right and poked away a Donegal shot with her stick.
In the 10th minute of the game, fullback Maura Zarkoski needed to slide across the goal to turn away a shot that had slipped through Miller's pads.
"She's awesome. I can always count on her," Mackrides said of Zarkoski. "Whenever I'm feeling doubtful, she'll steal the ball and get our enthusiasm back up."
Donegal 000-0
Villa Maria 001-1
Goal: Caroline Mackrides 1.
Saves: D-Kylee Bair 9; VM-Erika Miller 7.
Contact Matt Breen at mbreen@phillynews.com or on Twitter @matt_breen.
