October 19, 2023

WE WILL BE UPDATING THE BLOG ALL NIGHT SO STAY TUNED FOR NEW CONTENT THROUGH MIDNIGHT.

So much has happened in the last few days that will better define the Top 20 teams in the state as well as division, conference, and county leaders. Let’s take a closer look at some of those defining games…

Monday 10-16

Demarest over old Tappan 2-1: These two teams have had some classic battles this season, much as you would expect from such a strong rivalry. When you both are representing Northern Valley, the levels of emotion can be off the chart, especially with both teams in the NJP top 10. Taylor Miller showed off her skills registering 21 kills in the match proving her NJP top rating in the Player Ranker. Netta Saban added 12 kills and 5 blocks and Claire Song added a career high 31 assists to lead the Norsewomen to a 2-1 win. Brianna Delaney and Layla Giordano combined for 21 kills for Old Tappan. Both teams have had great seasons which reflect in their records and their rating. With the Big North tourney winding up later in the week, they will both need to bring their best to compete with IHA.

Princeton over Lenape 2-1: What a wonderful surprise Princeton has been this season as they compete with some of NJ’s best teams and still have just one loss on the year. This very young team has been fueled by underclassman Naomi Lygas and Kaelin Bobetich pn the attack and the steadiness of junior Lois Matsukawa at setter who just passed 1,000 assists for her career. This trio drove the Tigers to a 3 set win over a formidable Lenape team that entered the game at 16-5. Princeton has shown they hang with any team in the state and will face Southern next which will be major test.

Tuesday 10-17

Morristown over Roxbury 2-1

Princeton over Southern 2-1: The Tigers roar past the Rams in a battle of top 5 teams. Some were questioning whether Princeton was for real this season and the simple answer after dumping Southern is YES. After splitting the first two sets by identical scores of 25-21, The Tigers pulled away from Southern in the third and left no doubt with a 25-18 final set win. Naomi Lygas had 20 kills but a big part of the Tigers win was keeping pace on digs with the Rams at 54, who are known for not letting anything drop. Pearl Agel dropped in 5 aces for the Tigers. Ground breaking win for Princeton. The top 10 is going to need some extra number crunching from the NJP algorithm this weekend.

Paul VI over Lenape 2-0: Paul VI has had another strong season and is positioned to be a possible overall state champion if they get some help as well as win out for their season. A straight set win over Lenape will help their cause as Emily Ezeiruaku nailed 9 kills in the win. The Eagles have been one of the only teams to venture outside the state for higher competition this season. There 3-2 loss to Delaware power Padua, along with a loss to Princeton combined with wins over Washington Township, Hunterdon Central, and Ursuline Academy of Delaware certainly identify them as a team near the very top.

Wednesday 10-18

Southern over Paul VI 2-1: Paul VI jumped out to 1-0 set lead and then could just not curtail the drive from Southern the rest of the way. This was a fierce fight as the Rams would just not be denied in the second set holding on to a 27-25 win and then fended off the Eagles in set three 25-22. Hamlin and Smart combined for 20 kills for the Rams. Again, this match is a perfect example of just how close the teams in the top 6 are this season.

Tonight 10-19

IHA over Demarest 2-1: Demarest came out fired up and gave IHA their worst set beating that we can even remember posting a 25-13 first set win. For IHA, it worked like a slap to the face as they woke up, raised their level of play, and wore down Demarest in two convincing set wins 25-13 and 25-18. Kalena Stavish had 40 assists as well as 11 digs, Eve Roman had 11 kills and 4 blocks, and Emily Sabino had 10 kills and a block in the win. Abby Romero lifted 18 digs and Julia Sabilo posted 8 kills and 2 blocks for the Blue Eagles. It was IHA second straight 2-1 win over Demarest, the first on opening night and the second tonight.

Williamstown over Washington Township 2-0: The Braves are rolling and have now won 11 in a row leading into the state tournament. The streak includes wins over Westfield, Notre Dame, Princeton, Old Bridge and BR. Tonight they added 2 wins, the first over Gloucester Tech in the tournament semi-final and then they demolished Washington Township in the GCT Final. We are not sure of any teams is playing as well as the Braves right now. They are peaking at just the right time.

The Big North tournament will conclude this weekend. IHA’s win over Demarest puts them in the final. Old Tappan knocked off Northern Highlands in the other semi. The final should be a typical rivalry match between perennial programs OT and IHA. The math favors the Blue Eagles but we will find out soon enough.

Lots to come on the site this weekend as we the algorithm will be burning up trying to pick the top 10. Group and Sectional ranking update should be revealing as well.

We continue our review of some former players and the road they have taken after high school. Former Tenafly standout Sofia Bell has been kind enough to share her experiences with us and the NJ volleyball community. She entered her first installment today about moving to Dublin, Ireland and attending and playing volleyball at the renown Trinity College. Check out her story at https://njpowerranking.com/2023/10/19/blazing-the-trail-tenaflys-sofia-bell-brings-nj-volleyball-to-dublin/