The Alternative Press

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ - Emotions ran high and the atmosphere was tense at New Providence High School on Saturday afternoon, where the Bloomfield Tech’s girls’ varsity squad downed New Providence, 47-39, in the semifinals of the NJSIAA Sectional Tournament.

Early on, it was evident that New Providence’s acclaimed defense had finally met its match, as Bloomfield Tech skillfully maneuvered past them, scoring point after point. Kaycee de Voogd, Cassandra Squeri, and Sydney Morang of New Providence scored to keep them in the match, but the Lady Pioneers trailed Bloomfield Tech 21-15 by the end of the first half.

The Lady Pioneers may have been challenged defensively, but their lack of patience also hurt the team, a sentiment echoed by their coach, Cap Pazdera.

“The girls just need to be more patient,” he said. “It’s what caused a lot of the errors out there.”

Natalie Barrett and Sydney Morang scored enough to help the Lady Pioneers catch up to Bloomfield Tech by the third quarter, with the Lady Pioneers only trailing 30-29. But by the final buzzer, Bloomfield’s aggressive play had earned them a win, 47-39, and a berth into the finals of the tournament.

The win means that Bloomfield Tech will face off against Secaucus on Monday for the section title, while the Lady Pioneers finish their season with an impressive 22-5 record.