Breaking the Playoff Curse: Clearview Girls Soccer Makes a Resounding Statement

It was more than just a win; it was, honestly, a sigh of collective relief, a roar of triumph that echoed years in the making. For the Clearview girls soccer team, the 3-0 victory over Deptford in the first round of the South Jersey, Group 3 tournament wasn't just another game. Oh no. This was the game. This was their first playoff win since way back in 2021, and you could feel the weight of that drought lifting with every goal.

From the very first whistle, there was an unmistakable energy, a kind of determined hum around the Clearview side. They weren't just playing; they were making a point. And what a point it was, particularly for Bella Ruggiero, who, in truth, seemed to be everywhere at once. She found the back of the net not once, but twice, demonstrating a clinical precision that Deptford simply couldn't answer. Her first strike, you could say, set the tone, a confident declaration that this was their night.

But Ruggiero wasn't alone in her heroics. Later, she turned provider, dishing out a perfectly weighted assist that Lauren Miller, with all the composure in the world, converted into another crucial goal. It was a beautiful piece of team play, really, showcasing that blend of individual brilliance and cohesive effort that wins you these big matches. And just like that, the scoreline started to tell a story of dominance.

Not to be forgotten in the attacking fireworks was Anna Monprode, whose own assist added another layer to Clearview's offensive prowess. This wasn't a fluke; it was a performance crafted with intent. On the other end of the pitch, standing firm as a rock, was Clearview's goalkeeper, Katie Buck. Three saves she made, each one denying Deptford any sniff of a comeback, securing a pristine shutout. A clean sheet in the playoffs? That’s gold, pure gold.

So, the celebration was well-earned, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy for the players, coaches, and — let's be real — probably every Clearview fan who had been waiting for this. They’ve moved past the first round, yes, but more importantly, they’ve broken a four-year playoff jinx. And now? Now they set their sights on Cherry Hill West in the quarterfinals, carrying with them not just momentum, but a renewed belief. Who knows what else they're capable of?