It is often said that defense wins championships, whatever the sport. The No. 5 Reservoir girls soccer team can thank two defenses for helping it win its first Howard County championship last week.

The Gators have been in a season-long battle with Glenelg and River Hill for county bragging rights that continued to the regular-season's final game.

As it turned out, fellow county foes Centennial and Marriotts Ridge also had a big say. On Thursday, Centennial tied Glenelg, 0-0, through 100 minutes of play. On Friday, Marriotts Ridge proved stingy in a 0-0 double overtime tie against River Hill.

With those two 0-0 results, Reservoir (11-2-1) finished first with a 9-2 county mark, while Glenelg and River Hill were a tad behind with 8-2-1 records. The Gators earned the right to take on Anne Arundel County champ Severna Park in the District V championship at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Long Reach.