No. 1 Ridge’s dream season is complete, nabs 1st state title in program history

Ridge was in its own stratosphere this winter.

The Red Devils – ranked No. 1 in the NJ.com Top 20 – were packed to the brim with superstar talent, depth, and genuine will to be the best swimming team in the state.

On Sunday at Rutgers, Ridge fulfilled its destiny. The Somerset County and NJSIAA North 2A sectional champs pulled off a perfect campaign with a 112-58 victory over No. 7 Egg Harbor for the program’s first-ever Group A state trophy.

“This really was a team of destiny. These girls are amazing swimmers, people, and friends. It really was an emotional day, and I’m so proud of what this team has done,” Ridge head coach Melanie Dupuis said.

Ridge (12-0) muscled 10 first-place finishes over Egg Harbor (8-2), including four races that saw a one-two Red Devils register.

The senior class had their eyes set on this moment since their freshman season.

“From the day we showed up to our first practice, we all wanted to be champions. This team is incredible, so to look back on what we have accomplished is truly amazing. We all swam our hearts out,” Ridge senior Emily Thompson said.

Emily Thompson of Ridge swims in the 100 butterfly during the NJSIAA girls A swimming final at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center at Rutgers University, in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, February 25, 2024.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media

Thompson went for gold in the butterfly (53.34) and backstroke (54.27). She entered the backstroke event with an 84-40 Ridge lead, so technically, Thompson’s win clinched the state championship.

“All the credit goes to this team. They built this lead for me and all I can do is stand here in awe of great they swam,” Thompson said.

Giulia Beverini, also a senior, snagged wins in the 50 and 100 freestyles, touching out at 23.91 and 52.10, respectively.

“This has has been one of the most exciting meets ever. We were all so pumped up for today, I almost couldn’t believe that we were here,” Beverini said.

Natalie Hillebrecht slammed victories in the 200 and 500 freestyles at 1:54.87 and 5:09.31, respectively. Eszter Kiss went for gold in the individual medley at 2:08.47.

“I just can’t believe how amazing every single girl is. They can win any event,” Dupuis said.

Eszter Kiss of Ridge swims in the 200 IM during the NJSIAA girls A swimming final at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center at Rutgers University, in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, February 25, 2024.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media

Ridge collected relays wins in the 200 MR (1:45.64), 200 FR (1:39.66), and 400 FR (3:39.57).

Thompson, Eszter Kiss, Kinga Kiss, and Beverini won the medley relay.

Beverini, Maggie Luo, Hillebrecht, and Eszter Kiss won the 200 free relay. Hillebrecht, Samantha Oei, Kinga Kiss, and Thompson closed the day with the 400 FR win.

Rhylee Cornell of Egg Harbor Township in the 100 breaststroke during the NJSIAA girls A swimming final at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center at Rutgers University, in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, February 25, 2024.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media

Egg Harbor’s Rhylee Cornell won the 100 breast at 1:05.56.

Egg Harbor won the South Jersey, Group A sectional tournament with playoff wins over Cherokee, Cherry Hill East, and Ridgewood.

Ridge won its first sectional title since 1983, ending it all as the No. 1 team in the Garden State behind postseason victories against Watchung Hills, Bridgewater-Raritan, East Brunswick, and Egg Harbor.

Ridge fans celebrate after their team defeated Egg Harbor Township during the NJSIAA girls A swimming final at the Sonny Werblin Recreation Center at Rutgers University, in Piscataway, NJ on Sunday, February 25, 2024.Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance Media

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PJ Potter may be reached at PPotter@njadvancemedia.com.