*Click here for a photo gallery by Robert Harris.*

Behind a five-hit shutout from Sam Kufta, Hopatcong knocked off its neighboring rival Lenape Valley on the softball diamond. The Chiefs won 1-0 in what ranks as something of an upset.

Kufta struck out seven batters and didn't walk any in earning the victory in the circle. Hopatcong got its only run in the second inning as Brianne Willis delivered an RBI single to plate Melissa Herr. It was an unearned run for the Chiefs.

Sam Kufta fired a five-hit shutout as Hopatcong edged local rival Lenape Valley, 1-0, in softball. (Photo by Robert Harris)

Hopatcong had a total of four hits, including doubles by Jamie Kufta and Samantha Serocke.

Lenape Valley pitcher Madison Wronko didn't allow an earned run but suffered the loss. Nicole Catalina and Katie Maiello had two hits apiece for the Patriots.

Hopatcong improves to 10-8 with the win.

For Lenape Valley, its remarkable pattern of winning the games that count toward a championship continued. The Patriots wrapped up the NJAC Freedom Division title earlier in the week, and the day after this loss to Hopatcong, Lenape Valley trounced Voorhees in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament semifinals.

For a full photo gallery by Robert Harris from this Northwest Jersey high school girls' softball game, click the link above.