September 10, 2023
With just a few days of the season underway, we are starting to see which underclassman who have hit the ground running out of the gate. It’s a big statement to just make a team as a freshman, and for many larger teams it’s a big deal to earn a spot as a sophomore, but these players are knocking it out thus far in NJ volleyball’s first week…
Freshman Gia Stipo of Passaic Tech leads all members of the class of 2027 in kills with 13 and also has 12 digs and 2 blocks for PCTI. Her club is Side Out Sports.
Cailee Cassidy of West Orange has been handed the keys to the Mountaineers offense and the freshman setter has delivered with 34 assists, 10 digs, 2 kills, and 3 aces. She plays for the GSE 15 premier squad currently.
Sophia Lewis of Burlington Township has provided 11 digs and 10 kills, along with 3 aces and a block in her week on the floor.
MSDA freshman Luchia Nativo has been a demon on defense with 16 digs, leading the entire freshman class. Her club is Top Tier in Livingston.
Turning to sophomore contributions thus far…
Nutley’s Sydney Tromantona leads all 2026 grads in kills with 16. Sydney has also contributed 16 digs, 7 aces, and a block thus far in an abbreviated week one.
Cate Finan of Rutherford has had a stellar start for the Bulldogs with 29 assists, 14 digs, a kill and 2 aces.
Other notable 2nd year players from the first week were Alex Landazabal of Union Catholic, Makeyla Villalta and Julia Brandao Soares, Maggie Carcillo of Paul VI (Jersey Juniors), Jakiya Carter of McNair, Olga Rostek of Morris Knolls, and Vanessa Geist of Timber Creek (MVBC).
More players will be emerging over the next few weeks. Congratulations to these young players for making an impact in their teams first week.