Courier News Girls Soccer Top 10

1. Westfield (10-0-3) – Last week No.1: The Blue Devils remain at the top spot in the Courier News Girls Soccer Top 10 as they have yet to be defeated. Two of Westfield’s ties came against No. 3 Scotch Plains-Fanwood and Oak Knoll, another perennial soccer club in the state. The Blue Devils are led by Taylor Morgan, who has racked up 10 goals, and a relentless defense that has only surrendered five goals this season thanks to junior Lizzie Brucia, who has 34 saves. Westfield will square off against Rahway on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Union County Tournament.

2. Hunterdon Central (9-1-1)– Last week No.4: The Red Devils are riding a five-game winning streak since the team tied with No. 3 Scotch Plains-Fanwood a few weeks back. Since the draw, Hunterdon Central has outscored opponents 16-3. Corinna Zullo leads the stellar offense with eight goals. Hunterdon Central will see Warren Hills in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex County Tournament quarterfinals.

3. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (9-0-3) –Last week No. 2: The Raiders remain undefeated and are led by Kerri McNeely, who has tallied 11 goals and four assists so far this season. Four-year varsity goalkeeper Andrea Leitner has 46 saves and seven shutouts. Scotch Plain-Fanwood’s three ties, which come against No. 1 Westfield twice and No. 2 Hunterdon Central, prove the team can compete with the perennial teams in the state. The Raiders will face off against Elizabeth in the Union County Tournament quarterfinals on Saturday.

4. Watchung Hills (9-3) – Last week No. 4: Despite losing to Bridgewater-Raritan 1-0 last week, the Warriors’ only other blemishes came from No. 1 Westfield and No. 2 Hunterdon Central in grueling one-point defeats. Junior Melanie Cunha has proven to be one of the state’s best finishers with 13 goals. Sophomore goalkeeper Kaylee Donnelly has been stout between the pipes with 47 saves. Watchung Hills will square off against Franklin on Saturday at the Somerset County Tournament quarterfinals.

5. Pingry (8-1) – Last week No. 5: The Big Blue is riding an eight-game winning streak since falling to No. 4 Watchung Hills in a 2-1 overtime defeat. Since Pingry’s only loss, the team has outscored opponents 26-6. Senior goalkeeper Gabby Obregon has 50 saves on the season while Natalia Ramirez leads the offense with 11 goals. Pingry will meet Hillsborough on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Somerset County Tournament.

6. Bridgewater-Raritan (7-2-2) – Last week No. 7: The Panthers fell to East Brunswick and Watchung Hills last week and tied against Freehold Township in a 4-4 shootout. Despite the tough week, the Panthers’ offense remains well-balanced with three different players with five goals on the season. Goalkeeper Marissa Cook has a whopping 66 saves. Bridgewater-Raritan will meet Mount St. Mary on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Somerset County Tournament.

7. Mount St. Mary (10-1-1) – Last week No. 9: The Mount Lions are riding their second five-game winning streak of the season. After falling to Somerville 2-1, the Mount Lions defense has been stellar. Sophomore goalkeeper Michaela Walsh has 58 saves. Mount St. Mary will face off against Bridgewater-Raritan in the Somerset County Tournament on Saturday in a Courier News Top 10 showdown.

8. Ridge (5-3-2) – Last week No.6: The defending Group IV champions lost to Northern Highlands last week 1-0 and left Livingston with a 1-1 draw. The Red Devils lack the offense from last year’s championship squad but still can compete with whichever team is out on the pitch. Olivia Melnyk leads the team in scoring with four goals.

9. Somerville (9-1) – Last week No. 8: Christine Cernuto leads the Pioneers in scoring and assists with 11 goals and six assists. Her exceptional play allows Somerville to put up points in bunches. On Saturday, Somerville will be put to the test as it meets Ridge in the Somerset County Tournament quarterfinals.

10. North Hunterdon (8-3) –The Lions exploded on offense last week with a 9-0 victory over South Hunterdon. The offensive display as well as consistent play throughout the season, earns them the final spot in the Courier News Top 10. North Hunterdon will face off against Pope John on Saturday in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex County Tournament quarterfinals.

Game of the Week

Ridge at Somerville on Saturday, Oct. 15