Actually, they were lying down in a victory celebration pile at midfield after Katie Rigby's header off a perfect corner kick from Chelsea Cannon gave the Indians a 1-0 overtime win over Westfield in Saturday's state Group 4 championship at the College of New Jersey

Winning a single Group 4 title is difficult enough but Lenape has become only the second team to capture three consecutive Group 4 crowns since the tournament began in 1980. Brick Memorial won Group 4 from 2002-2004.

"Each year is different," said Cannon, who also enjoyed her usual stellar game at midfield. "They all feel good."

Ranked No. 1 in South Jersey, Lenape (23-1) faced one of the biggest challenges during its three-year run in a Westfield team that finished 21-1-2 and allowed just four goals all season.

"That was a great team," Lenape stopper Carolyn Wiley said of Westfield. "We played our hearts out."

Westfield coach Alex Schmidt was impressed with Lenape's skill but he also cited how the Indians have been able to handle to constant pressure of being the top target in the state.

"At this level, there is a lot of talent on the field but an even bigger factor is the mental preparation that is needed, especially getting here a third year in a row," Schmidt said. "To do what they have done is incredible."

Neither team had a great scoring chance in regulation although Rigby was constantly buzzing around the net and was barely beaten to loose balls a few times by goalie Meg Brody, who was quick off her line.

Still, Lenape persisted and when the key scoring chance came, it was no surprise that Rigby sealed the deal.

Just a sophomore, she had 13 goals for last year's 25-0 team and added 13 this year along with 14 assists.

She might be the most unselfish finisher in South Jersey but when called upon, Rigby is more than capable and willing to answer.

The service from Cannon couldn't have been better placed to the far post. Rigby, actually backing up, got her head on the ball, saw it go to the back of the net and the familiar celebration began for the Indians.

"It was a great serve by Chelsea," Rigby said. "I went backward, . . . [and] was able to get my head on it."

If only it were so simple.

Cannon said she wasn't aiming for Rigby and was just looking for the far post.

Either way, it worked.

Rigby was there to clean up, scoring yet another big goal in her two-year career. She scored the lone goal in this year's South Jersey Group 4 final against Eastern.

"You can't count how many big plays she has made," Lenape coach Kevin Meder said.

And while the goal scorers receive the headlines, Lenape's defense was impenetrable. Goalie Allison Johnson had to make just one save. Marking back Carley Carmody and Wiley led the strong defensive effort.

This type of effort was needed because it can't be emphasized enough how talented Westfield is.

Which also says a lot about Lenape, a team whose mental toughness has matched its skill, forming an unbeatable combination.

Lenape   0 0 1 - 1

Westfield   0 0 0 - 0

Goals: L-Katie Rigby

Saves: L-Allison Johnson 1, W-Meg Brody 3.

Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com