Extra Bases: Bracketology 1.0 – Projecting Tuesday’s Bergen County Tournament seeds

My first crack at projecting this year’s Bergen County Tournament field. By my count, entering Monday we have 29 teams at .500 or better in Bergen County, but others like Ridgewood, Hackensack, Demarest, Westwood and Holy Angels — teams currently under .500 — are all expected to (or should) enter this year’s tourney. And some teams currently right at .500, like Wood-Ridge, Ridgefield and Bogota, have games early this week that may decide whether they enter or not. I’m gonna say the field gets set at either 35 or 36, giving us three or four “play-in” games to set the Opening Round of 32. Let’s see how close my projections are tomorrow night. Maybe I’ll update these rankings tonight factoring in today’s game. Anyway, on to the projections…

Remember: These are solely my projections. These are NOT official seeds for this year’s Bergen County Tournament. Again, NOT official seeds. That will take place Tuesday night at Saddle Brook.

1. Immaculate Heart (13-1)
Last year: As No. 1 seed, won Bergen County championship, 8-1, vs. No. 3 Paramus
Why the Blue Eagles are dangerous: Pretty obvious, no? They’re the two-time defending champions, they’re battle-tested against one of the toughest schedules in the state and, up until last week, had won 44 games in a row. They just handled previously-ranked No. 2 Immaculate Conception, 10-0, in six innings and in the past two and a half years, IHA is 74-5. Ace Steph Thomas could become the 2nd girl ever to be the winning pitcher in three straight Bergen County finals on a team littered with Division I talent, like catcher Ally Vergona (UNC-Greensboro), 3B Cassidy Trause (Temple), Thomas (Lafayette comitt), and SS Daniella Ibarra (Division 1 recruit). RF/No. 2 pitcher Rachel Pollard was impressive Saturday, too. She’ll probably be another Division I player. And we’ve still got three more years of seeing promising 1B Emilie Cieslak, but doesn’t it say something about her (and 2B Lisa Higgins) to be starting as freshmen at a program like IHA? As PC showed, IHA can be beat by a strong pitching performance, but there’s no doubt the Blue Eagles deserve the top-spot in this year’s tourney.

2. Indian Hills (13-2)
Last year: As No. 5 seed, lost to No. 28 New Milford, 5-3, in first round
Why the Braves are dangerous: When the Braves are hitting, they have a dangerous and relentless lineup that can stack up with anyone in the county, and that includes IHA. And if Indian Hills isn’t hitting, pitcher Devin Durando and one of the best defenses around will likely be keeping the Braves in any game. As of this writing, Indian Hills has won nine straight (against pretty much all Top 25 teams) and it will certainly be one of the favorites to get to the title game this year. This is a motivated bunch, too, after being upset as the No. 5 seed in last year’s tournament by No. 28 New Milford in the first round. Kristen Waters, Nicole Paiotti, Maddie Levine and Shelby Allen have all been ripping at the plate lately.

3. Immaculate Conception (16-1)
Last year: As No. 6 seed, lost to No. 3 Paramus, 1-0, in quarterfinals
Why the Blue Wolves are dangerous: Freshmen pitchers Sarah Piening and Andee Lupica have the talent to lead Immaculate Conception to a deep run. They’re well-coached (H) and they have a dangerous lineup, featuring Lea Georgatos, Shannon Truppi, Samantha Krakower and Gabby Slade. One of the keys is getting Erin Stacevicz on base. She’s a difference-maker and can make things happen with her legs. IC is also a strong defensive team and Georgatos is definitely one of the best behind the plate in North Jersey. Only a sophomore, too.

4. Saddle Brook (13-1)
Last year: As No. 9 seed, lost to No. 1 IHA, 5-0, in quarterfinals
Why the Falcons are dangerous: Saddle Brook can flat-out hit, and they have a pretty darn good pitcher in Alexia Russo, too. It’s amazing what coach Darren White does with this Group 1 school, competing for multiple titles year in and year out. Lorena Alvarez, in the middle of the lineup, is in the running for Hitter of the Year, and sophomore Ashley Russo has been a hitting machine at the top of the lineup. I don’t know if she’s been there all year, but freshman LF Taryn DiGiacomo looked like the perfect 2-hitter at the HOFS this weekend, notching four hits off Lakeland’s Jen Stoll. Saddle Brook’s a fun team to watch.

5. Midland Park (14-1)
Last year: As No. 13 seed, lost to No. 4 Ridgewood, 2-0, in second round
Why the Panthers are dangerous: Because they have one of the best nicknames in Bergen County… The Dirty Dozen (PS – I met the man who coined this nickname, Dan Bryan, this weekend at the HOFS). On a more serious note, what this team lacks in numbers (they only have 12 players in entire program), they make up for with talent. Sophomore pitcher Katie Kontos just shut down a potent and red-hot Ramsey squad on Sunday at the HOFS in a 3-0 win for Midland Park’s 10th straight victory. And Michelle Passero has been as steady as it comes at the top of the lineup and behind the plate. That was a statement win and should help Midland Park get a nice seed on Tuesday. The Panthers’ 14-1 record doesn’t hurt, either.

6. Ramsey (12-3)
Last year: As No. 2 seed, lost to No. 3 Paramus, 3-2, in semifinals
Why the Rams are dangerous: Prior to Sunday, the Rams were on fire. They were cooled off a bit by Midland Park, but this is a team that can hit, featuring Nicole Mazzella and Kayla Gravalis in the heart of the Rams’ lineup. Katie Olson and Jess Juhlin have been solid in the circle and Ramsey seems to have that clutch factor that is so crucial come tournament time. They’ve had a few wins this year with late-inning multiple run rallies. Coach Chris Caserta said last week someone always seems to find the big hit. Just off the top of my head, I can remember Abby Triglia and Sarah Novak both coming up with a game-winning hit this season. That’s a nice quality to have come tournament time.

7. Ramapo (10-5)
Last year: As No. 16 seed, lost to No. 1 IHA, 2-1, in second round
Why the Raiders are dangerous: Look no further than their 2-1 win over Indian Hills back on April 10 to show why the Raiders are dangerous. Ramapo is 7-4 against teams that at one point or another have been in the Top 25, including wins over Indian Hills, Ridgewood, Northern Highlands, Mahwah, Hackensack and, most recently, Paramus Catholic on Sunday. The Raiders just better stay away from Paramus in this year’s county tournament… the Spartans seem to have Ramapo’s number this year, beating them twice already, including a 10-0 win last Friday. I also exchanged some e-mails with JK McAvoy this week about her charity for wounded soldiers she’s starting up at Ramapo, and she seems like one of the most well-spoken athletes in the area. Definitely a great senior leader for the Raiders. Melanie Psota and Sophie Nochta are both solid and capable pitchers for Ramapo.

8. Park Ridge (13-2)
Last year: As No. 17 seed, lost to No. 16 Ramapo, 2-0, in first round
Why the Owls are dangerous: The top of the lineup — Sam Vradenburg, Lindsay Beer, Alexis Criscuolo and Emily Kline — is one of the best around and Kline, when healthy, has proven she’s one of the top pitchers in North Jersey. Rumor has it Kline is planning to return to the circle either late next week or early next week after taking a line drive off her face last week. Another reason the Owls are dangerous… they’ve been the only team this year to figure out how to beat Midland Park. Park Ridge beat MP, 4-2, back on April 10. I don’t think the head-to-head win is enough to seed Park Ridge ahead of Midland Park, after the Owls suffered a tough 3-2 loss to Ridgefield Park and lopsided loss to Ramsey, 16-5, last week. In the Top 25, Park Ridge is ahead of Ramapo in this week’s Top 25, but for seeding purposes, I think the 8-slot — behind Ramapo — is the right spot for the Owls. They can make a run.

9. Pascack Hills (9-3)
Last year: As No. 15 seed, lost to No. 2 Ramsey, 13-3, in second round
Why the Cowgirls are dangerous: Most people know about their ace, sophomore Robyn Abaunza, but the Pascack Hills offense is a strength of this team, too. Playing in the tough Big North Patriot with the likes of Ramsey, Mahwah, River Dell and Westwood, Pascack Hills’ Lindsay Marella is batting .500 and Kaitlin Listro and Erica Aborlleile are both hitting over .400. Of the Cowgirls three losses, two have been by one run (to Mahwah on Opening Day and Ramsey on April 19). The other loss also came to Ramsey, 8-3, on April 5, so after a 1-2 start, Pascack Hills is 8-1 in its last nine. It gets seeded over Rutherford based on its’ 1-0 win over the Bulldogs on April 13.

10. Rutherford (11-4)
Last year: As No. 8 seed, lost to No. 9 Saddle Brook, 3-2, in second round
Why the Bulldogs are dangerous: Ally Paskas, who will likely be breaking the school’s career hit record of 151 some time soon (she’s 20 hits away), gives them one of the best bats in the county. And Julie Sosnicki recently became the winningest pitcher in Rutherford school history, with 65 career wins. Those two, coupled with 3B Gina Viggiano and SS Devin Kehoe give Rutherford a chance to make a run this year. One reason for concern is the schedule Rutherford plays in the weaker NJIC (it’s 1-3 vs. Top 25 teams this year), but the Bulldogs did give Mount St. Dominic a good game this weekend at the HOFS, before falling, 4-2.

11. Old Tappan (10-4)
Last year: As No. 10 seed, lost to No. 2 Ramsey, 4-1, in quarterfinals
Why the Golden Knights are dangerous: 1B Mary Wiley has been on the Hitter of the Year watch list pretty much all year and of Old Tappan’s four losses this year, three of them came by one run, including a 1-0 loss to Indian Hills on April 22. Old Tappan is 3-4 against Top 25 teams, with wins over Paramus Catholic, Ridgewood and New Milford. Kristen Farrell has pitched every game except one, racking up a 9-4 record, while Emma Nelson, Brittany Steindl, Lexie Piccinich and Katie Neglia are names I see pop up in box scores regularly. Old Tappan is a team to keep an eye on.

12. Fair Lawn (10-3)
Last year: As No. 20 seed, lost to No. 13 Midland Park, 4-0, in first round
Why the Cutters are dangerous: All year long, if Marissa Spinuzzi didn’t get the win while recording double-digit strikeouts, she kept her team in the game with consistently great pitching performances. Spinuzzi has allowed more than two runs just one time this season, and that came in an 11-inning thriller against Ridgewood [a 3-2 loss]. Fair Lawn is 5-2 against teams that have been in the Top 25 this season, including wins over West Milford, Lakeland, Passaic Valley and Bergen Tech. Jen Calabrase has been strong at third, Alexis Bush is a dangerous bat and solid behind the plate, and the Cutters play good defense, a must in tournament games. The one concern is the Cutters haven’t been very battle-tested against top Bergen County teams, but that’s a result of the Passaic County-heavy division they joined this year.

13. Paramus Catholic (8-6)
Last year: As No. 7 seed, lost to No. 10 Old Tappan, 7-4, in second round
Why the Lady Paladins are dangerous: Well, if you haven’t heard, Paramus Catholic beat IHA, 1-0, last week, thanks in large part to Samantha Buse‘s pitching performance and some solid defense behind her to end the Blue Eagles’ 44-game winning streak. So, the potential is there for PC. After an unexpected slow 1-5 start (albeit against a brutal schedule), Paramus Catholic won seven straight before that streak was snapped on Sunday by Ramapo at the HOFS. The Lady Paladins are 3-4 against teams that have been in the Top 25 this season, and also beat one of the best teams in NYC in Fontbonne Hall last week. Their tough schedule will help them come tournament time. Janelle Marchesani has been one of the catalysts sparking PC’s turnaround and coach Frank Baldino couldn’t say enough great things about the senior leadership she provides for Paramus Catholic.

14. Lyndhurst (13-2)
Last year: As No. 22 seed, lost to No. 11 Bergen Tech, 3-0, in first round
Why the Bears are dangerous: Casey Zdanek is having one heck of a year both offensively and in the circle. “She’s been killing it,” Lyndhurst coach Elaine Catanese said on Sunday. She’s batting .490 (23-for-50) with three home runs and has racked up 121 strikeouts while pitching every game for the Bears. Zdanek isn’t the only offensive threat, though, as Grace Tomko is hitting .500 (25-for-50), Julie Schneidenbach is batting .510 (25-for-46) with a team-best 18 RBI and Jennie Tellefsen, who has been battling some injuries, is another one to keep an eye on when she gets back to full health. Catanese also mentioned Bianca Fata as someone who is providing a spark from the 6-hole. One concern: Lyndhurst’s schedule in the NJIC. The Bears have only played three Top 25 teams, but have gone 2-1 in them, with wins over Secaucus and an important one over New Milford on April 18, 9-4.

15. New Milford (11-4)
Last year: As No. 28 seed, lost to No. 21 Hackensack, 1-0, in second round
Why the Knights are dangerous: Well, they shocked Bergen County last year in the first round, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history when they defeated No. 5 Indian Hills, 5-3, in the first round. This year, the Knights won’t be sneaking up on anyone, as they have a lineup featuring one of the best 3-4 combos in North Jersey in Carly Lesko and Danielle Laube. I haven’t seen New Milford since opening day, but I’m assuming 100-hit member Angela Coughlin and Erin Bigger have continued setting table at the top of the lineup for Lesko and Laube, and it seems like Jamie Ashman and Alex Sauer are consistently in the box scores, too. And in the circle, Mackenzie Holowach, while not overpowering, gets the job done with good control and off-speed stuff. New Milford is 3-4 vs. teams that have been in the top 25 this year, and if there was one concern about this team heading into the tournament, it’s their defense. Coach Mike Mayer said in two of the Knights losses [to Lyndhurst and Midland Park], bad defense played a major role. The loss to Lyndhurst keeps them behind the Bears in the seeding.

16. Mahwah (9-4)
Last year: As No. 12 seed, lost to No. 21 Hackensack, 1-0, in first round
Why the Thunderbirds are dangerous: They’re 3-4 against Top 25 and play a very tough schedule in the Big North Patriot. This is a good offensive team that averages just under seven runs per game, and gets strong pitching from Danielle Iacovo, who has thrown every game for the Thunderbirds. Julieanne Vesce, Katie Clarke and Anna Nielsen have been three of Mahwah’s top offensive contributors. Three of their signature wins this year include a 3-2 victory over Pascack Hills on Opening Day, a 4-3 win over Ridgewood on April 18 and a crazy 11-10 win over Northern Highlands this weekend.

17. Paramus (9-6)
Last year: As No. 3 seed, lost to No. 1 IHA, 8-1, in championship game
Why the Spartans are dangerous: As Saddle Brook coach Darren White told me just before his game with Paramus this weekend at the HOFS, Paramus seems to be “schizophrenic.” He said it with a laugh, but he was talking about the ups and downs of the Spartans’ season. Ironically enough, Paramus is exactly .500 (6-6) vs. teams that have been in the Top 25 this year. One day the Spartans get ten-runned by Indian Hills [April 24], the next they do the ten-running themselves against Ramapo [April 26], then the next day they get ten-runned by Saddle Brook [April 27]. There’s no doubt Paramus is dangerous, with a few still around from last year’s county finalist, like leadoff hitter Kelsey Settecasi and Alexa Salinardi. In the 2-3 spots in the lineup, Noel Hodgins and Ashley Cantone got on base all six times on Saturday vs. Saddle Brook (3-for-3, 3 walks). An area of concern: Paramus is very young, and when I saw them Saturday, defense seemed to be an issue at times.

18. Northern Highlands (8-7)
Last year: As No. 14 seed, lost to No. 3 Paramus, 8-1, in second round
Why the Highlanders are dangerous: Now it’s starting to get interesting. The Aces finally rewarded Northern Highlands’ brutal schedule and put Highlands in the Top 25 this week (I think the Big North Freedom is the second-toughest division in North Jersey, behind only the United). Northern Highlands could jump Paramus in my predicted seedings with a win today vs. the Spartans. Highlands is 2-6 vs. teams that have been in the Top 25, and have five losses by two runs or less (four by one run). Translation: They’re a few big hits, or plays, away from being like 12-3 or something. Heck, they just gave Indian Hills all it could handle in a 3-2 loss last week. Katie Duncan has pitched well, and the consensus I get from coaches around the area is that Highlands is a team no one would like to see in the early rounds of the BCT.

19. Ridgewood (6-8)
Last year: As No. 4 seed, lost to No. 21 Hackensack, 3-2, in quarterfinals
Why the Lady Maroons are dangerous: “The snake in the grass,” as Indian Hills coach Joe Leicht put it a few weeks ago. Like Highlands, Ridgewood is another one no team would look forward to seeing early in the Bergen County Tournament. Ridgewood is the first team on the list with a sub-.500 record, but I didn’t even check to see if the Maroons are entering the tourney. No way they don’t. They’ve gone 4-8 vs. teams that have been in the Top 25 this year, including a 2-0 loss to IHA on April 22 and a 9-7 loss to Saddle Brook on April 14 — two of the best teams around. The recent 4-3 loss to Highlands keeps them behind them in the seeding, but they’ve beaten Paramus and Fair Lawn this year, so Ridgewood is definitely dangerous. Big game regarding seed position today vs. Ramapo. Pitcher Zoe Singer, Alexis Biagi and Kelley Ekert are a few players to watch for Ridgewood.

20. Pascack Valley (8-4)
Last year: Did not enter tournament
Why the Indians are dangerous: They have pitching, with Jenny Schneider and Alex Pleasic… and good pitching can take a team far in tournament play. Pascack has big wins over Old Tappan [won 9-8] and Ramapo [won 5-3], a quality 1-0 loss to Indian Hills, and a weird 13-1 loss to Paramus Catholic. They’ve also lost to Demarest, 5-1, on Opening Day and Hackensack, 4-2, last Monday (which ultimately took them out of this week’s Top 25). The Indians were literally about a step away from taking Indian Hills into extra innings a few weeks ago, so the potential is there. I’ve wrote it before, but inconsistency is a concern. Put it all together, though, and the Indians become dangerous.

21. River Dell (7-5)
Last year: Did not enter tournament
Why the Golden Hawks are dangerous: They’re one of the few teams to figure out how to beat Ramsey this year (a 4-2 Opening Day win) and they’ve given Northern Highlands, Mahwah and Pascack Hills good games before falling in close losses this year. They’re another team from that tough Big North Patriot. Cathy Antonelli looks like the one to watch for River Dell, putting up good numbers in the circle and at the plate.

22. Hackensack (7-8)
Last year: As No. 21 seed, lost to No. 1 IHA, 2-0, in semifinals
Why the Comets are dangerous: Can they regain the mojo they found late last year, when they shocked Bergen County with a Cinderella run all the way to the tournament semifinals? Taylor Farro was at the center of it all last year, and she’s back again this year. Like Ridgewood, I didn’t confirm Hackensack would be entering (with a sub-.500 record), but I’d be shocked if they didn’t. The Comets’ two best wins of the year came against Ridgewood and Pascack Valley, and they’ve played Paramus and Ridgewood (in the second meeting) close. After a 2-5 start, Hackensack is 5-3 in its last eight. They can seriously improve their seed position with a good performance today at Indian Hills.

23. Bergen Tech (12-4)
Last year: As No. 11 seed, lost to No. 6 Immaculate Conception, 2-1 in eight inning, in second round
Why the Knights are dangerous: P Mel Hrbek has been putting together a great season in the circle and Bergen Tech has a quality win over Lyndhurst, 7-3, back on April 15. The record is nice, but the Knights don’t play the strongest schedule out there, and have been on the wrong end of some lopsided scores against Passaic Valley, Fair Lawn and Pompton Lakes — three teams that have at some point or another been in the Top 25. In total, Bergen Tech is 2-4 against teams that have been in the Top 25 this year. Tara Spendley is having a big offensive year for the Knights, with 5 HR and 19 RBI, while Jenna Mancini has driven in 15.

24. Holy Angels (4-11)
Last year: Did not enter tournament
Why the Angels are dangerous: The first major curve ball in my predicted seedings. Will Holy Angels enter with a 4-11 record (as of Monday morning)? Rumor has it they will. Get this, Holy Angels is 1-12 vs. teams that have been in the Top 25 this year. 13 games of 17 games! And they have seven losses by two runs or less, including a two-run loss to IHA, one-run loss to Butler, two-run loss to Paramus, two-run loss to Indian Hills, a pair of two-run losses to Northern Highlands, and a one-run loss to DePaul — a game which Victoria D’Addario hit a walkoff home run in in the seventh. They’re also one of only two teams to beat Lyndhurst this year. P Lauren Saxenian has been the hard-luck loser in all of these games. She seems to always keep Holy Angels competitive, though, and I’m hoping to see the Angels apply for entry this year.

25. Demarest (7-9)
Last year: Did not enter tournament
Why the Norsewomen are dangerous: Wins against Pascack Valley (Opening Day) Hackensack (April 19) and Paramus (April 22) are a nice trio of signature wins. Since beating Paramus, though, Demarest has lost four straight to Indian Hills, Pascack Valley, Bergenfield and Holy Angels. They’ll probably enter for the tournament, with senior catcher Gabby Garcia leading the way. She was the one who put Demarest ahead for good in the win over Paramus with a sixth-inning, two-run blast for the 8-7 win. Demarest is 3-6 vs. teams that have been in the Top 25 this year.

26. Westwood (6-9)
Last year: As No. 23 seed, lost to No. 10 Old Tappan, 4-1, in first round
Why the Cardinals are dangerous: Dana Klarer, Dana Klarer, Dana Klarer. Obviously there’s more to Westwood than just Klarer, but from all I’ve heard, Klarer is the real deal. New Milford coach Mike Mayer called her “phenomenal.” She’s been keeping Westwood in just about every game they’ve played with her 1.13 ERA. Last week, during a five-game losing streak, Westwood lost four straight one-run games to Ridgefield Park (3-2), Ramsey (2-1), River Dell (1-0) and New Milford (4-3). Like several other teams lower on the list, Westwood is a few big hits or a few made plays away from having double-digit wins. Coach Dan Rattacasa said Sunday night that Westwood will enter and is telling his team there’s gonna be a payoff eventually for all these close losses.

27. Hasbrouck Heights (12-2)
Last year: As No. 30 seed, lost in preliminary round
Why the Aviators are dangerous: They’ve got a nice 12-2 record and a good pitcher in freshman Sami Partyka. I saw her pitch against Immaculate Conception and her defense didn’t exactly do her any favors in the 10-0 loss. Again, this is another team with a weaker NJIC schedule, and Hasbrouck has gone 1-2 against teams that have been in the Top 25 this year. Their best win came last week when they beat Ridgefield Park, 7-4. Hasbrouck’s two losses have come to Saddle Brook and Immaculate Conception. Stefanie Pagan, Diana Torres and Partyka have been three of the Aviators’ top offensive contributors.

28. Dumont (7-6)
Last year: As No. 29 seed, lost to No. 4 Ridgewood, 9-0, in first round
Why the Huskies are dangerous: I really had no idea where to slot Dumont. They’re above .500 at 7-6 and have beat Ridgefield Park, so they should be ahead of them. But that’s their only win against a team that’s been in the Top 25 this year. Dumont is also the division leader with a perfect 6-0 record in the Big North American, and 1-6 out of it. Interested to see today’s outcome vs. Ridgefield Park, which could clinch the outright league title. Lindsey Gray is the one to watch from Dumont.

29. Ridgefield Park (9-6)
Last year: As No. 24 seed, lost to No. 9 Saddle Brook, 9-5, in first round
Why the Scarlets are dangerous: They opened some eyes with their 3-2 win over Park Ridge at the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament in Park Ridge last week. But they followed it up with a 2-2 week with losses to Hasbrouck Heights and Fort Lee. In fact, the 29-seed works perfectly here, since they lost to Hasbrouck Heights (two spot above them) and Dumont (one spot ahead of them). Irene Kontogiannis threw an impressive game vs. Park Ridge and Mook Iannacone considers her and Allie Lawlor both very capable pitchers. RP’s an interesting team, but just 1-4 in games vs. teams that have been in the Top 25 this year.

30. Glen Rock (8-5)
Last year: As No. 26 seed, lost to No. 7 Paramus Catholic, 11-1, in first round
Why the Panthers are dangerous: Carly Benjamin and Jessica Bell are the team’s top two run-producers for Glen Rock, currently in third place in the NJIC Colonial, behind Rutherford and Pompton Lakes. The Panthers are another NJIC that don’t play the top-tier teams in Bergen County, so they lack those important, big signature wins, despite their 8-5 record. Glen Rock can really help their seeding on Tuesday when they play Rutherford.

31. Emerson (8-5)
Last year: As No. 18 seed, lost to No. 15 Pascack Hills, 5-0, in first round
Why the Cavos are dangerous: Emerson is 5-2 in its last five, and 8-2 in an NJIC Patriot that’s been dominated by Park Ridge and Midland Park this year. Emerson does not have any wins against a team that has been in the Top 25 this year, though.

32. Fort Lee (7-6)
Last year: Did not enter tournament
Why the Bridgewomen are dangerous: They just pulled off their biggest win of the year on Friday, a 3-2 upset of Ridgefield Park.

Unofficial “Bubble”
Wood-Ridge (6-6): I think they have two games coming up Monday and Tuesday. 2 wins, probably yes. Split, maybe. Two losses, I’d say no.
Bogota (6-6): Started 0-4, but is 6-2 in last eight. Bogota plays Midland Park on Tuesday. I say they enter.
Ridgefield (6-6): Maybe? (Update: In e-mail exchange this morning, coach Danielle Labriola said if they split their two games on Monday and Tuesday — vs. Glen Rock and vs. Lyndhurst –Ridgefield will enter. If they drop both, likely out.
Teaneck (8-10): Texted coach Richie Aponte, but got no response. Teaneck should probably enter. Highwaywomen have played a bunch of good teams this year.
Lodi (5-7): Texted coach Rob Terhune, and he says he’s still unsure if Lodi will enter or not.
Waldwick: (5-7): Maybe? Started hot, but have cooled off since.
Becton (5-6): Maybe? They play at Hasbrouck Heights on Tuesday, cutoff day. Win and in for them?
Leonia (5-8): Probably not, but they did just beat North Bergen on Saturday, which is a nice win. They play New Milford on Tuesday. Win and in for them?
Bergenfield (4-7): Probably not.

*Note: Some of the teams lower on the list might have inaccurate records. I’ve tried keeping up with the majority of teams, but there may be some missing scores/results. If you see in incorrect wrong, shoot me an e-mail (conrad@northjersey.com) or tweet me the correct one @VarsityAces.