Under the gleaming lights that shone down upon fresh turf, Ridge High School’s Girls Soccer team became sectional co-champions, striding undefeated to their title. Kean University hosted the sectional tournament, with Ridge playing in the group final against Freehold Township on November 21. Ridge ended the state tournament with a score of 23-0-1, practically undefeated except for the final draw.

The game against Freehold was the last step towards a state championship. In the semi-final game against Montclair, Shannon Keefe ‘16 scored the crucial overtime goal. Assisted by Brielle Farrell ‘16, Keefe led the team to the final match against Freehold.

Because both teams displayed strong defense and offense, the final game ended with a score of 0-0, as neither team managed to break the goal line. The strength and aggression of RHS Soccer warded off Freehold’s blue jerseys, as crowds roared on both sides of the field.

The ball rolled effortlessly between players, sometimes stolen by the opposing team. Ridge appeared to have possession of the ball with ease in the second half, but was unable to make the winning shot. Chrissy Weyrauch ‘16’s kick hit the goal post, coming close to scoring. Notable cross kicks were made by Anna Hess ‘17 and Chrissy Weyrauch; Erin Convery ‘16’s kick went just over the crossbar. Even after double overtime, the score was 0-0, and Ridge had secured a shared victory.

Rose Morrissey ‘16 remembers the last moments as the dust settled: “I would just say that the whole experience was amazing. At the end of the state final game everyone ended up crying because no one was ready for the season to end.”

The state tournament started as competing teams were broken up into multiple sections. Teams faced off individually until one school emerged as the champion of a section. Then, section champions competed in group finals against other section champions until one team emerged (Or, as in this case, two teams.).

Ridge’s phenomenal season started off with strong teamwork, great leadership, and wonderful guidance. Amanda Cox ‘17, playing center midfield, believed that “the team we had this year was really special, showed great chemistry, and [made me] proud of [our] undefeated record.”

Shannon Keefe agrees, stating that “Coaches Donahue and [Musumeci were] by far some of the best coaches I’ve seen… I wouldn’t trade the last three and a half months for anything in the world. These girls are my best friends and I am happy I got to spend my senior year with them.”

Ridge has gained a name in Girls Soccer that will hopefully be upheld next year. As of now, though, the triumph and valor of the team captured the title and cemented the team’s place in the hallowed halls of Ridge High history. For RHS Girls Soccer, victory couldn’t be any sweeter.