Ridge Girls Swim Beat Watchung Hills In State Sectional Tournament

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge girls’ swim team reached the State Sectional Tournament finals on Monday afternoon with a 101-69 win over Watchung Hills.

Watchung Hills won the 200 medley and 200 free relays, with Ridge taking the top spot in the 400 free relay thanks to the quartet of Eszter Kiss, Natalie Hillebrecht, Giulia Beverini and Emily Thompson.

It was in the individual events that Ridge was able to really stamp their authority on the meet. The team made a strong statement early on by taking the top three places in the 200 free; with Hillebrecht claiming first, Sammie Oei second and Caitlyn Ferraioli third place.

Ridge continued their strong performance with wins in many of the individual events, despite a strong Watchung Hills squad. Thompson claimed victories in the 200 IM and 100 fly. Beverini and Eszter Kiss took first and second place in the 50 free. Hillebrecht won the 500 free and Kinga Kiss won the 100 breast in a tight race.

Ridge’s depth allowed the team to also claim many third and fourth place finishes to end the meet with a wide 32 point margin of victory.

Ridge moves on to their second consecutive State Sectional Final, which will take place on Thursday against rivals Bridgewater-Raritan at 5:30 p.m. in Raritan Bay Area YMCA in Perth Amboy.

— Submitted by Ridge Swim