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Westfield Today
By the People, for the People
Bridgewater-Raritan Wins Sectional Swimming Crown Over Westfield
Third-seeded Panthers defend title, defeat top-seeded Blue Devils 93-76.5
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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In the NJSIAA North 2, Group A Sectional Final, the third-seeded and defending champion Bridgewater-Raritan girls swimming team defeated top-seeded Westfield 93-76.5 to retain their sectional title for the second straight season. Westfield's Jane Kavanagh won the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke, while teammate Amelia Nath placed first in the 100 freestyle.
Why it matters
This victory marks Bridgewater-Raritan's fifth straight meet win, while Westfield's three-meet win streak was snapped. The outcome sets up the Blue Devils to compete in the upcoming NJSIAA Individual Championships, where Kavanagh and all three Westfield relay teams will be participating.
The details
Bridgewater-Raritan, ranked No. 8 in the latest NJ.com Top 20, edged Westfield, ranked No. 6, in a rematch of last year's sectional final, which the Panthers also won 88-82. Westfield highlights included Kavanagh's wins in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke, Nath's victory in the 100 freestyle, and the Blue Devils' win in the 400-freestyle relay. Westfield sophomore Lily Ricigliano finished second in the 200 freestyle.
- The NJSIAA North 2, Group A Sectional Final was held on Thursday.
- Last year, Bridgewater-Raritan edged Westfield 88-82 in the sectional final.
- Next up for Westfield is the NJSIAA Individual Championships on February 28-March 1.
The players
Bridgewater-Raritan
The third-seeded and defending champion girls swimming team, ranked No. 8 in the latest NJ.com Top 20.
Westfield
The top-seeded girls swimming team, ranked No. 6 in the latest NJ.com Top 20.
Jane Kavanagh
A junior at Westfield who won the 200 individual medley and 100 backstroke.
Amelia Nath
A junior at Westfield who placed first in the 100 freestyle.
Lily Ricigliano
A sophomore at Westfield who finished second in the 200 freestyle.
What they’re saying
“I am so proud of what this team has accomplished in this meet and for the entire season. To watch as the team progressively got faster throughout the year is the best anyone could have asked for.”
— Steve Whittington, Westfield head coach (tapinto.net)
What’s next
Next up for the Blue Devils is the NJSIAA Individual Championships at the Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) in Sewell (Feb. 28-March 1). Kavanagh, along with all three relay teams, will be competing.
The takeaway
This victory for Bridgewater-Raritan highlights the team's dominance in girls swimming, as they have now won the sectional title for the second straight year. Meanwhile, Westfield's strong season came to an end, but the Blue Devils have the opportunity to shine at the upcoming NJSIAA Individual Championships.
