In recent history, Ridge has been a staple of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 meet, winning three titles since 2015. On Saturday, Ridge clinched another sectional title on its home track, making it seven championships in the program’s history. Troy O’Connor’s squad dominated the proceedings, putting up 125 points to finish 33 ahead of second-place Westfield. “It means a lot for everyone,” O’Connor said. “We’ve had some transitions over the past few years, there’s been lots of ups and downs along the way. It feels like things are finally starting to come into form.” The MVP for the Ridge squad, and possibly the MVP of the entire meet, was freshman Daphne Georgiades. On Friday, in the first sectional race of her career, Georgiades set a school record in the 400 hurdles, taking first with a 1:00.96 clip. She would end Day 1 with a 37-4 result in the triple jump, winning her second event. “Playing soccer has helped me,” Georgiades said when asked about making the transition to running at the high school level. “Competing against people who are older and stronger doesn’t scare me anymore. I know that I’m supposed to be in contention with them and that I can put out strong performances.” She would claim a third victory on Saturday with a 55.98 in the 400, defeating Irvington’s Sharifa Trocard, who had posted the best time of the year in the section. The only event she did not win was the long jump, where she finished second with an 18-7.25 jump. “I was very excited to produce some great times,” Georgiades said. “It’s really exciting to see me making these top lists and setting records. It helps me to set goals, and I’m really proud of myself.” Sophia Minassian finished 1st in the pole vault for Ridge with a 9-0 jump, setting a new season high for the section. Jamiee Ryan would add another jumping title for the squad with a 5-4 high jump. “The jumps are the events that I primarily work with, so it feels really nice,” O’Connor said. “Their hard work is paying off. They do the right things in practice.” After spending nearly a decade as an assistant and taking control of the program last year, O’Connor has his first sectional title as a head coach. “These upperclassmen have been through a lot of changes,” O’Connor said. “Our biggest thing was having a good start on Day 1 and not getting complacent today. We had another really good start today. The energy was high, the vibes were up, the team fed off of each other really well, and it was awesome to see.” Verona repeats as Group 1 champions Verona had high expectations heading into this meet after winning last year’s sectional title. The team met these expectations, winning its second straight title and eighth in program history. “This was a big goal for our team,” head coach Gene Leporati said. “Every event that we had girls compete in, they came through. It was great, I really appreciate it.” Verona recorded 118 points, finishing ahead of second-place Weehawken by 28. Gwendolyn Neale was the leader of the team this weekend, winning in both the 800 (2:16.28) and 400 (57.20), while also placing 2nd in the 200 (26.24). Her 400 time set a new low for the section this year. “I really like how tactical the mid-distance races are,” Neale said. “I get to have fun with it.” Natalie Aloia claimed first place in the pole vault with a 9-0, clearing the rest of the field by over a foot. Morgan Rossi paced the 400 hurdles with a 1:08.31 clip to earn Verona 10 more team points. “I work with tremendous young ladies,” Leporati said. “They are so dedicated each and every day. This is their day.” Verona would close out the meet with a victory in the 4x400, posting a 4:16.65 time and finishing over seven seconds ahead of the field. “It’s great to be able to succeed as a team,” Neale said. “When one of us wins, it’s a win for everyone. It’s a good feeling to know that I’m in a great place.” Dylan McCoy can be reached at hssports@njadvancemedia.com The N.J. High School Sports newsletter is now appearing in mailboxes 5 days a week. Sign up now! Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (formerly Twitter)