Northern Highlands has won enough girls' soccer games over the past few years to know there are no style points. Especially when it comes to tournament time, all that matters is to survive and advance.

The Highlanders did just that in the North 1, Group III sectional final against Wayne Valley. While it may not have been the best performance by the top-ranked team in New Jersey and the entire country, Northern Highlands still controlled play throughout the contest en route to a 2-0 win.

Amanda Pook and Ariel Somple, both seniors, scored the goals in their final game on their home field. The Highlanders allowed just a single shot on goal, making for an easy shutout for goalie Kayla Klatt.

Still, the game remained scoreless throughout the first half, as Northern Highlands was denied by Wayne Valley keeper Brianna DeLuccia and a gritty Indians' defense. The Highlanders also missed several good scoring chances.

The scoreless draw persisted for more than 15 minutes of the second half until Highlands finally broke through. Casey Richards sent a ball down the wing to Claudia Dipasupil. Her cross found Pook in front of the goal, who knocked it home.

The Highlanders put the game away with seven minutes to play off a corner kick. Julia Homan's shot was blocked by the goalie, but Somple pounced on the rebound and hammered it in.

Northern Highlands won its fifth straight sectional title, and looks to make it five straight Group III state championships as well. The 22-0 Highlanders will take on West Morris in the state semifinals next Tuesday.

DeLuccia made six saves for Wayne Valley, the sixth seed in North 1, Group III. The Indians upset both Sparta and crosstown rival Wayne Hills to reach this sectional final, and hung in for longer than most expected against the juggernaut Highlanders. Wayne Valley finishes the season at 15-7.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey state tournament sectional final girls' soccer game, click play in the box at left.