photo by Jonathan Kriney

 
The Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School girls soccer team advances to the NJSIAA tournament sectional semifinals with a definitive 6-0 home victory over Woodbridge High School on Nov. 5.
 
Yet again, the Raiders controlled the field for the entire game with powerful defense and aggressive offense. Only two games in, Scotch Plains has increased their NJSIAA tournament score total to 14, easily justifying their No. 2 seed in the section.
 
The team capitalized on many offensive opportunities throughout the game. Sophomore Kerri McNeeley proved herself to be a dangerous scorer with two goals in the first half.
 
Later, senior Caroline Babis scored a header goal off a beautifully placed corner kick by junior Sophie Brause to make a first half score of 3-0.
 
The Raiders didn’t let up in the second half, scoring three goals in just three minutes.  Babis and Brause connected on the corner kick again, shortly followed by unassisted goals from junior Christina Rodgers and senior Annie Pierce.
 
Scotch Plains goalkeeper Andrea Leitner and the Scotch Plains defense walked away with yet another shutout, only allowing 5 shots on goal that were met with 5 skillful saves.
 
On Monday, Nov. 9, the Raiders will face Bridgewater in the sectional semifinal, a team that may prove to be a much tougher opponent.
 
The team has been playing well, but there are still things coach Kevin Ewing thinks they can improve for Monday’s challenge. “Just how we move forward with the ball,” said Ewing, “possessing the ball a little bit better.”