Ridge Girls Lacrosse Tops Wayne Hills 19-2 In State Tournament Opener

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge girls lacrosse opened the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group 3 Tournament with a 19-2 first-round win over Wayne Hills on May 28, in Basking Ridge.

The victory improved Ridge to 16-4 and moved the team into the quarterfinal round.

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Ridge took control early, scoring five goals in the first quarter and six more in the second for an 11-0 halftime lead.

The team added three goals in the third quarter and five in the fourth.

Wayne Hills, which entered at 14-4, was held scoreless in three quarters and scored its two goals in the third.

The game also gave Ridge a chance to honor its senior class on its home field.

"This game was exciting, and it was special to have the chance to celebrate our seniors on our home field," head coach Olivia Harpel said. "Wayne Hills is a strong Passaic County team and we learned a lot from the competition."

Harpel said Ridge focused on depth and steady play throughout the night.

"We were able to execute a few strategies and sets, both to try to keep Wayne Hills at bay and rotate a few players throughout the game," Harpel said. "It was important for us to sustain four quarters of strong play."

The scoring came from across the lineup.

Lexi Hansen had six points on three goals and three assists, while Emily Green also finished with six points on four goals and two assists.

Camryn Ireland added five points on four goals and one assist. Gia Luzzi had two goals and two assists, and Kate Haviland posted three goals and one assist.

Charlotte Daniel recorded a goal and an assist, while Cameron Hansen and Sydney Kiessling each scored once.

Harpel credited the full group after the opening-round result.

"This win was a tremendous team effort. Our offense had 10 different point scorers and our defense balanced that with a cohesive effort on ground balls, saves, and clearing percentage," Harpel said.

Ridge also won 15 draw controls, with five each from Cameron Hansen and Lexi Hansen, and collected 12 ground balls.

Green and Ireland led that category with three apiece. In goal, Romey Gussin made five saves and Rylan Broadhurst added two for a combined seven saves.

Ridge will next travel to Little Silver for the quarterfinal round against Red Bank Regional on Monday, June 1, at 5 p.m.

"We are happy to extend our season and to have the opportunity to play again," Harpel said. "Red Bank Regional is having a great season, and we are grateful that we had this win to take another step forward before we play them.”