Vikes advance in counties; meet familiar foe

By Rich Fisher, Sports Editor
   Step one has been taken care of.
   But there are two more steps to go before one goal is reached.
   The South Brunswick High girls’ soccer team got off to a solid start in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament Monday, taking a 4-1 victory over Highland Park.
   That pits the Vikings against Old Bridge in a quarterfinal game today (Thursday).
   ”Beating Highland Park was a stepping stone for us towards our goal of getting to the county final this year,” coach Beth Barrio said. “We had a slow start in the game but ultimately came out with the win.”
   The Vikes got goals from Verina Atalla, Jenna Bussiere, Carissa Walters and Chandler Antczak, while Walters added two assists.
   But defense is still the most important aspect of Walters’ game.
   ”Carissa Walters and Shannon O’Brien have both been a force in the back consistently for us all season,” Barrio said.
   And defense becomes more important deeper into any tournament. The Vikings next step comes against an Old Bridge team they have already beaten twice this year, which secured second place in the GMC Red Division.
   Barrio knows in this case, the law of averages is always lurking.
   ”The third time you play any team is always the most difficult,” she said. “I have no doubt that (today’s) game will be a battle from the opening whistle to the final seconds. Both teams are true competitors and are playing for a spot in the final four.”