The Ridge High School girls soccer team turned the tables on rival Bridgewater in the North Jersey Section 2, Group 4 sectional final Thursday afternoon, winning on penalty kicks after the two teams played a scoreless draw in regulation and overtime. Last year, Bridgewater eliminated Ridge on penalty kicks in the sectional semifinal round.

IN SHORT

This was an intense game between two very evenly matched teams as the Red Devils and visiting Panthers played to a scoreless draw for 100 minutes, 80 in regulation and another 20 in two overtimes.

The Red Devils had their best opportunity to score 26 minutes into the game as Stephanie Campo broke got behind the defense down the left side, only to have Bridgewater goalkeeper Casey Murphy come out and deflect the ball away. The play continued and the ball found Elise Romano 15-yards out—but Murphy made a diving save.

In the penalty kick phase, Jenny Haskel, Elise Romano and Stephanie Campo scored as Bridgewater hit the crossbar twice and the left post only scoring on two of its five chances.

RED DEVIL OF THE GAME

Rachel Axt, goalkeeper—Made all the saves and in penalty kicks was helped out by a goalie's best friend—the crossbar and goal post.

Stephanie Campo—Scored the game-winning penalty kick.

COACH'S TAKE

“PKs are a terrible way to decide a game like this, but it's nice to be on the winning side for once. Everyone left it out on the field today. After Gigi, [Cifelli] went out our offense suffered a bit. She’s our ball winner in the field and when she couldn’t come back in it hurt our ability to get the ball in position.”—head coach Katie Donahue

UP NEXT—Montclair in the Group 4 semifinals, location and time TBD.