MORRISTOWN - To some teams, a first-round playoff game is just a bump on the road toward a district, regional or even a state title.

To the Toronto girls basketball team, the first game was a hurdle that hadn't been cleared in eight years.

On Saturday at Union Local, the Red Knights took a strong leap over the daunting barrier with a 54-51 win over Bellaire St. John in the opening sectional game of the Division IV tournament.

Matthew Peaslee DEFENSE Torontos Malaysia Harrison defends St. John Centrals Marissa Rose during Saturdays Division IV?sectional game at Union Local.

"We came in and knew we had to do something to change the history of our school," said point guard Lexie Berger. "The only way to do that was to win this sectional game."

The Red Knights (12-10) previously topped the Fighting Irish twice in the regular season.

"It's very hard to beat a team three times," said Toronto coach Mallory Blanton said. "That's another goal we had."

Toronto 54, St. John 51

Toronto 13 19 8 14 54

St. John 8 5 19 19 51

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Red Knights win first sectional game in 8 years