As sophomore Emilie Cadigan flew past three defenders she found senior co-captain Audra Toth who sliced the ball into the net, giving Westfield a 1- 0 lead. Toth said, “Emilie took that girl to the end line and I knew that the ball was coming to me. Me and her have been connecting really well all year, and I was super happy to have that ball come back to me. She did all the hard work and I just tapped it in, it’s an equal goal between me and her.”
This game was the Blue Devils’ second North 2, Group 4 sectional championship in a row. Going into the game, Westfield knew their competition was going to be difficult. Head coach Alex Schmidt explained that they meet with a “mindfulness coach every week,” which is why the girls were able to “stay calm and patient” in the second half. He said, “I’m so proud of these girls.”
After a strong first half, both Westfield and Bridgewater held their defense not allowing any goals in. This changed in the second half after a perfect Cadigan-Toth connection. The first half ended with a huge save by goalie Sofia Buoscio, and Westfield knew they needed to pick up their offense.
Junior Andie Janota said, “I think we need to work on keeping our possession in the attacking side so our defense can work our way back and get them more involved in the attack.”
Similarly, Schmidt said, “[We need to] make sure to clean up a couple of things attacking-wise and then move forward from there.”
Heading into the second half it was do or die for both teams. This half would decide if Westfield season lived on or died right then and there. Gary Kehler Stadium was filled with anticipation, the fans were on the edge of their seats as they waited for either team to break the tie.
After a relentless back-and-forth battle, it seemed that nothing could fall for either team until Cadigan was able to finesse her way through the Panther’s defense and find Toth for a goal.
The momentum was now in favor of the Blue Devils and forced the Panthers to increase their intensity, causing them to foul sophomore Catherine Oliveira inside the box, granting Westfield a penalty kick. It seemed like the Blue Devils were about to take a commanding 2-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining in the second half, which would almost certainly seal the deal for a Westfield victory. However, Janota barely missed off the left pipe keeping the Panthers hopes alive.
Janota said, “It was all confidence and when I missed it, obviously that really sucked, but I stepped up with confidence and that’s all you can really do.” The Blue Devils did not falter; rather, they rallied together and put on 20 minutes of spectacular defense.
Right to the end Bridgewater did not give up, with a last-second prayer, the Panthers were able to get a line drive shot off towards the net. The stadium went silent as everyone held their breath. With the clock winding down, Buoscio made a diving save securing the Blue Devils as sectional champions.
The girls stormed the field in celebration, but this win doesn’t just mean a sectional championship, but the advancement to the Group 4 semifinal round and keeping their state title hopes alive.
The Blue Devils will play Montclair at 2 p.m. away on Monday. To prepare, Schmidt said, “[We will have a] recovery day. Then try to watch some film on Montclair.”
