GIRLS LAX STATE GROUP 4 CHAMPS

ROBBINSVILLE—A little momentum can go a long way. All the way to a Group 4 title, for instance.

Fueled by a ceaseless offensive attack, Ridgewood bested Cherokee 21-8 in a decidedly one-sided game, allowing the Maroons to capture the state title at Robbinsville High School, Mercer County.

The Maroons were lead by Kelci Smesko and Samantha Cermack. Smesko logged six goals and three assists, while Cermack added three goals and seven assists, putting her mark on many of Ridgewood's points. Samantha Giordano and Sally Jentis also aided the Maroons, scoring five and four goals, respectively.

"We knew they were going to be a good team," Smesko said. "Our key was settling on the attack. We ran through our plays and didn't force anything."

While Cherokee scored a few quick goals early on, the Maroons quickly pulled away after a particularly well-executed scoring effort from Cermack and Jentis. They finished the first half with a 13-7 lead, which wasn't as close as the score would suggest.

"We got off to a solid start," Smesko said. "As soon as the first whistle, we were into it. That was really important to us."

Ridgewood dominated the second half, maintaining control of the game and limiting Cherokee's chances to mount a comeback with eight straight goals. The Maroons only allowed five shots on goal in the second half, though the Chiefs were able to score one goal late in the game.

"We made sure that we didn't let up," Smesko said. "They scored a few quick goals in the first half, and we wanted to keep that from happening again. We came out strong, and that was so important for us—to keep our momentum going."

Goalie Isabel Sippel contributed to her team's second-half domination with two key stops that prevented Cherokee from getting back in the game. Despite letting two goals in early on, she finished the game with seven saves.

"I knew that I had to keep watching the ball, which I wasn't doing in the first half," Sippel said. "I just stayed focused on what I had to do."

Ridgewood coach Karla Mixon was pleased with her team's efforts, citing composure and offensive execution as the main reasons for the team's success.

"We played our game," Mixon said. "We stayed spread out and were patient, creating space for each other, and enabled us to drive. They were composed, moved the ball and waited for opportunities."

Perhaps the best summary of the game came from Smesko herself.

"Everything went perfect today," she said.

The Maroons (20-1) came into the game ranked No.2 in the state in the Laxpower rankings. Cherokee's  loss ends both its season and 14-game winning streak.

Ridgewood will face the winner of today's game between West Morris-Wendham and Shawnee in the Meet of Champions Tuesday at Monmouth University.