Patience was the name of the game in an intense defensive battle between Westfield and Scotch Plains-Fanwood. However, the Blue Devils were only up by 1 at the half when senior co-captain Audra Toth decided it was time to up the tempo.
After a high bounce, Toth saw senior Brooke Morrison cutting towards the goal out of the corner of her eye. With some finesse and an acrobatic bicycle kick-pass, Toth was able to find Morrison for a flashy goal, putting Westfield up 2-0. From there on it was all the Blue Devils.
Westfield versus Scotch Plains is a historic rivalry and one of, if not the most, anticipated games of the year. Toth said, “We knew that if we just played our game we would be able to move the ball around them and find the back of the net.” Toth made sure to include that “[SPF] didn’t stand a chance,” which attests to the competitive nature of this game.
It may have been that extra motivation that had the Blue Devil defense on fire throughout the entire game. Every hope Scotch Plains had was crushed by Westfield’s constricting defense and erratic play style. Senior co-captain Erin Hazard said, “We knew coming into this game that we were gonna come out swinging because it is a rivalry,” but she noted, “it was important that we kept our shape and composure.”
Failed attempt, after failed attempt. The game started as a complete defensive bout, with both teams scoreless until late in the first half. Nothing was getting past either team, until Toth was able to thread the needle past the Scotch Plains defenders to sophomore Emilie Cadigan to break the drought.
Nevertheless, the defensive shutout led by Hazard and goalkeeper Sofia Buoscio, resulted in frequent offensive possessions for Westfield. Combined with smart and strategic ball movement, the Blue Devils had plenty of opportunities on the net. Cadigan was able to capitalize on two of those opportunities, including a spectacular shot from 35 yards. She said, “I knew the goalie was coming out of the box enough where I had space to get it over her and she wasn’t going to be ready to save it.” Cadigan’s goal was the dagger the Blue Devils needed to crush all hope for the Raiders.
With this performance, the 2024 Blue Devils have proved their ability to rise to the challenge of competing at an elite level like previous years. Even after losing many key pieces of their team, there is no doubt that this team can make a deep run in the county and state tournaments. Head coach Alex Schmidt said, “We found success in checking back a bit, and pulling their defense out to find the holes.” Between strategy and pure effort, Westfield was able to crush their rivals and win by the largest margin in recent memory.
The Blue Devils are back in action this Saturday at Ridgewood at 3:30 pm seeking revenge as they battle the team who ended their 2023 season.
