The push for sectional titles continues today across North Jersey, with eight semifinals on the girls soccer schedule. Stay tuned for updates here throughout the day.On Monday, three North Jersey teams advanced in non-public play. Immaculate Heart will face Pingry in the North Non-Public A final, while DePaul and Saddle River Day will square off for the North Non-Public B crown.RamapoRamapo saved its best for last.The No. 5 seed Raiders scored three times in the final 10 minutes to pull away for a 4-1 victory over No. 1 Wayne Valley in the North 1, Group 3 semifinals.Senior Bridget Cannon, a Dartmouth track and field commit, ripped in the go-ahead goal before sophomore Lindsay Samala added two insurance tallies. Senior outside back Juniper Chen also scored for the Raiders, which controlled possession with their connected short passing game.The victory was No. 99 for coach Maddie Gibbs, whose team has persevered through an up-and-down season after graduating four Division I players.”We’ve been struggling with injuries, illness, everything,” Gibbs said. “But from early on, we’ve had a fighting-to-the-last-minute characteristic about this team. And that’s definitely one you want on your side come state tournament.”Ramapo (11-7-1) has leaned on some young players to fill the gaps, including call-ups from last year’s JV county champions. Maybe none have been more important than Samala, who leads the Raiders with 13 goals from the midfield despite missing three weeks with a concussion.”I’m excited because the seniors have really welcomed me, and I just want to keep the season going for them,” she said. “I was really upset when I was sitting out because I wanted to be out here, so now I’m just trying to make the most of it.”Senior Kaley Potaki has also helped stabilize the midfield since returning from a torn ACL midway through the season. Gibbs estimated that all but three starters have missed time at some point.Now comes a chance to avenge another tournament defeat.Ramapo will face Old Tappan in Friday’s sectional final, a rematch of the Bergen County quarterfinals, when the Golden Knights eliminated the Raiders in penalty kicks. Ramapo lost in last year’s sectional championship and last captured the North 1, Group 3 title in 2022.“We have a lot of grit and determination,” Cannon said. “We all just want to keep winning and go as far as possible.”Full scheduleMadison 5, Lyndhurst 0Ramapo 4, Wayne Valley 1Old Tappan 4, Morris Knolls 0Ridgewood vs. Fair Lawn, 4:15 p.m.Hawthorne vs. Waldwick, 4 p.m.Ramsey vs. Westwood, 6 p.m.Lakeland vs. Montville, 6 p.m.North Arlington vs. Hanover Park, 6 p.m.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: These North Jersey girls soccer teams will play in sectional finals
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