A Cumberland County woman has been crowned Miss New Jersey.
Ashleigh Udalovas, of Millville , the first runner-up at last year's pageant, won the title Saturday night at the Ocean City Music Pier, beating out 26 other contestants.
She also won several smaller accolades, including the interview award and the Miss America Organization's academic award for $1,000.
The 22-year-old Udalovas will now compete in the Miss America Pageant, scheduled for Jan. 15 in Las Vegas.
Udalovas , who tap-danced to the "Pink Panther" theme song during the talent portion, succeeds last year's winner, Ashley Shaffer, of Millstone Township.
Former Miss New Jersey and stand-up comic Dena Blizzard emceed the pageant, and John Zisa -- a Top 40 contestant from season four of "American Idol" -- provided entertainment.
The four-day event began Wednesday.
