Courier News Girls Soccer Top 10
1. Westfield (10-0-3) – Last week No. 1: The Blue Devils' streak at the top spot in the Courier News Girls Soccer Top 10 continues as Westfield remains undefeated thanks to its stellar defense that has posted 11 shutouts this season. Last week, Westfield advanced to the Union County Tournament semifinals with a 1-0 victory against Rahway. Taylor Morgan, who leads the team with 11 goals, netted the game-winner in the second half against the Indians. The top-seeded Blue Devils will meet Oak Knoll on Oct. 21 for a chance to advance to county finals for the second year in a row.
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2. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (11-0-3) - Last week No. 3: The defending Union County Tournament champions seem to only be getting better as the season progresses. In their quarterfinal matchup against Elizabeth on Saturday, the undefeated Raiders advanced with a 5-0 victory. In the last four games, the Raiders have outscored opponents 16-1. Led by Kerri Mcneely, who has 13 goals this season, the Raiders will try to make their 12th consecutive appearance in the Union County Tournament final when the team squares off against Cranford on Friday.
3. Hunterdon Central (11-0-1) - Last week No. 2: The Red Devils are riding a 12-game unbeaten streak since dropping their season opener. Hunterdon Central has posted a shutout in three consecutive games, including a 5-0 victory against Warren Hills in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament quarterfinals last week. On Saturday, the Red Devils will face off against Sparta in the semifinals.
4. Watchung Hills (11-3) - Last week No. 4: The Warriors have a dominate duo on the offensive side of the ball that continues to produce. Junior Melanie Cunha has found the back of the net 15 times this season while Alex Ferreira has racked up 11 goals and 14 assists. The Warriors, who are the top seed in the Somerset County Tournament, advanced to the semifinals after defeating Franklin 2-1 last week. On Saturday, the Warriors will meet Ridge in a Courier News Top 10 showdown for the opportunity to advance to the county final.
5. Pingry (10-1) - Last week No. 5: The Big Blue now sits on a 10-game winning streak, including an offensive explosion in the Somerset County Tournament quarterfinals last week with a 6-2 win over Hillsborough. Natalia Ramierez scored twice in the quarterfinals, bringing her goal total to 15 for the season. During the winning streak, the Big Blue has outscored opponents 36-10. On Saturday, Pingry will meet Mount St. Mary in the semifinals in a Courier News Top 10 matchup.
6. Mount St. Mary (12-1-1) - Last week No. 7: The Mount Lions have won seven-straight, including a shocking upset in the quarterfinals with a win over Bridgewater-Raritan 2-0. Alaina Parisella, who leads the team with 11 goals, scored both goals against the Panthers. Led by sophomore goalkeeper Michaela Walsh, who has racked up 70 saves this season, the Mount Lions have posted 10 shutouts. Mount St. Mary will look to advance to the county final with a win against Pingry on Saturday.
7. Ridge (7-3-2) - Last week No. 8: The Red Devils are heating up at the right time as Ridge has now won three straight. As defending Group IV and Somerset County Tournament champions, Ridge has what it takes to win big games. Last week, Ridge dominated Somerville 4-0 to advance to the semifinals on Saturday, where it will meet Watchung Hills.
8. North Hunterdon (9-4) - Last week No. 10: Despite falling to Pingry 4-2 last week in a Courier News Top 10 showdown, the Lions were able to bounce back and upset Pope John with a 2-1 victory in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament quarterfinals. Rebecca Fluchel and Madeline Wolf lead the team in scoring with 13 goals apiece. North Hunterdon will need its top scorers to perform well on Saturday, when it will face off against top-seeded High Point.
9. Bridgewater-Raritan (8-3-2) - Last week No.6: The Panthers were rewarded the No. 3 seed in the Somerset County Tournament but were bounced out earlier than expected when they ran into a hot Mount St. Mary squad. Despite the upset, the Panthers still have a stellar defense that can make noise in Group play, led by goalkeeper Marissa Cook, who has 73 saves this season.
10. Somerville (9-2) - Last week No. 9: The Pioneers entered the Somerset County Tournament quarterfinals against Ridge with a four-game winning streak, where they outscored opponents 19-1. Despite the disappointing 4-0 loss against Ridge, the Pioneers' offense can bounce back with great play from their offensive threat, Christina Cernuto, who leads the team with 13 goals and 10 assists.
Game of the Week
No. 6 Mount St. Mary at No. 2 Pingry on Saturday, Oct. 22 in the Somerset County Tournament semifinals.