Ridge Girls Win Sectional State Championship

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge Girls swim team beat Bridgewater-Raritan by a score of 99-71 on Thursday evening to claim the Sectional State Championship.

This is a historic win for Ridge, as their North 2 Group A division, one of the toughest in the State, has been dominated by Westfield and Bridgewater for 30 years, until this year.

Head Coach Melanie Dupuis told the team "We have finally made it to the top and it could not have gone to a more deserving group of girls. I’m so proud of you all. What a team effort!"

Many parents, some with faces painted green, numerous Ridge boys and school staff including Principal Dr. Russell Lazovik, Athletic Director Mr. Mancino, and Assistant Principal Mrs. Haworth came to cheer on the team. The chants of “Let’s go Ridge” echoed around the pool.

In the water, Giulia Beverini, Kinga Kiss, Emily Thompson and Maggie Luo won the medley relay. Eszter Kiss, Luo, Sammie Oei and Natalie Hillebrecht won the 200 free relay and Eszter Kiss, Hillebrecht, Beverini and Thompson won the 400 free relay.

In the individual events, Emily Thompson won the 200 IM and 100 free, breaking her own team record in that event. Eszter Kiss won the 100 fly and Giulia Beverini won the 100 back. In both the 200 and 500 free events, Natalie Hillebrecht, Sammie Oei and Caitlyn Ferraioli came in second, third and fourth behind Bridgewater’s Kate Pestrichelli.

Ridge claimed other second and third places to seal the deal. By the 400 free relay at the end of the meet, Ridge knew they had won.

After the trophy presentation, the team, coaches and school staff jumped into the pool to celebrate their historic achievement.

Ridge advances to the State semifinals which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 21 against East Brunswick at 4 p.m. at Raritan Bay YMCA.

— Submitted by Ridge Swim