Kelsey McCusker's goal in the final 25 seconds and Katie Kelly's huge save with four seconds to go lifted the Middle Township High School girls lacrosse team to a 13-12 victory over Barnegat in an NJSIAA playoff game Friday afternoon.

With the score tied at 12-12, McCusker raced down the field with possession before being fouled about 15 yards outside the scoring circle. After the restart, McCusker raced toward goal, cut across the crease and flicked a shot back to the far post that beat the Bengal keeper and gave Middle the lead for good but not before some anxious moments at the death.

Barnegat won the ensuing faceoff and immediately moved toward the Panther goal. A Barnegat player was fouled with four seconds to go, setting up a penalty chance. But Kelly smothered the low shot as the game ended to secure the thrilling victory for Middle.

Middle now takes on Hopewell Valley in the next round on Monday.

Also of note, Middle senior attacker Leigh DeLollis scored the 130th goal of her career in the win. She is by far the program's all-time leading scorer.