9/8/25

Here are some game recaps for tonight’s matches as we begin week 2 of the 2025 NJ high school girl’s volleyball season…

#15 Demarest vs #4 Immaculate Heart Academy: In one of the night’s biggest upsets, Demarest stunned fourth-ranked Immaculate Heart Academy with a shocking 2-0 sweep, posting set scores of 25-12 and 25-16 to hand the Blue Eagles their first loss of the season. The Norsewomen executed a near-flawless game plan against the traditionally powerful IHA program, never allowing the young Blue Eagles to find their footing. Deana Finkelstein was phenomenal for Demarest with 9 kills and 3 aces, while Schuyler Berenstorck added 6 kills in a balanced offensive effort. The Norsewomen’s aggressive serving and disciplined defense completely disrupted IHA’s rhythm, forcing the Blue Eagles into uncharacteristic errors throughout both sets. For Immaculate Heart (0-1), this early-season stumble against a determined Demarest squad serves as a valuable learning experience for their young roster as they work to develop chemistry and consistency. The loss will undoubtedly sting for a program accustomed to early success, but it also provides an opportunity for growth that could pay dividends later in the season. Demarest’s victory represents a program-defining moment that could propel them to new heights this fall.

#3 Princeton vs #22 Notre Dame: Princeton flexed their muscles with an authoritative 2-0 sweep over Notre Dame, controlling both sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-9 to surge to 4-0 on the season. The Tigers were absolutely relentless, turning up the heat in the second set to completely overwhelm the Irish, anchored by Kaelin Bobetich’s 15 assists, 8 aces, 6 digs, and 2 kills. Naomi Lygas was unstoppable with 14 kills, spearheading an offensive onslaught that saw Princeton accumulate 22 total kills. Charlotte Woods chipped in 5 kills and a team leading 10 digs while Camila Barbosa added 9 digs. Princeton serving was particularly effective, racking up 9 aces as a team and keeping Notre Dame’s passers under constant duress. Notre Dame (1-1) struggled to generate consistent offense against Princeton’s suffocating defense, managing just 16 kills as a team. Maya Foley led the Irish effort with 8 kills, but Princeton’s superior firepower and execution proved too much to overcome. Princeton’s perfect record continues as they establish themselves as one of the state’s best.

#24 Union Catholic vs Elizabeth: Union Catholic delivered a convincing 2-0 sweep over Elizabeth, dominating both sets with scores of 25-18 and 25-19. The Lions controlled the match from start to finish, never allowing Elizabeth to gain serious momentum in either frame. Maria Galanida and Alex Landazabal provided the offensive spark Union Catholic needed, while their balanced team effort kept Elizabeth’s defense guessing throughout the evening. Elizabeth showed flashes of their potential but couldn’t string together the consistent play needed to challenge Union Catholic’s well-executed game plan. This kind of efficient, business-like victory demonstrates Union Catholic’s maturity and focus as they continue building toward their championship aspirations.

#6 Southern vs #30 Donovan Catholic: Southern delivered a statement performance with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Donovan Catholic, taking control early and never looking back with set scores of 25-16, 25-13, and 25-23. The Rams were firing on all cylinders, with Kayden Bulger leading the offensive charge with 16 kills and proving unstoppable at the net. Lauren Ambar anchored the back row with 17 assists and 4 aces, orchestrating Southern’s balanced attack that saw contributions across the roster. Natalie Fischer added 12 assists and 4 aces of her own, while the team’s depth shone through with multiple players making meaningful contributions. Donovan Catholic fought hard but couldn’t find an answer for Southern’s relentless offensive pressure and tactical execution.

#26 Westfield vs Summit: Westfield made quick work of Summit in a comprehensive 2-0 victory, controlling both sets 25-13 and 25-9 to send the Hilltoppers home early. The Blue Devils’ offensive efficiency was on full display as they racked up 14 kills while Summit managed just 2 in the abbreviated match. Ava Gaspard led Westfield’s balanced attack with 6 kills, while the team’s serving game proved devastating throughout. Sometimes volleyball is about executing the fundamentals flawlessly, and Westfield did exactly that, never allowing Summit to establish any rhythm or momentum. The Blue Devils will carry this confidence forward as they continue their campaign, while Summit will need to regroup quickly and focus on building consistency in their system.

Bishop Eustace vs Lenape: Bishop Eustace edged out Lenape in a competitive 2-1 victory that showcased both teams’ determination and skill, improving to a perfect 3-0 on the season. The Crusaders managed to outlast Lenape in a hard-fought three-set battle with scores of 23-25, 25-22, and 25-21, demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure. Hailey Mack was the standout performer for Bishop Eustace, leading the charge with 12 kills and 3 blocks while proving to be a constant threat at the net. Gianna Esposito contributed valuable leadership throughout the match, helping orchestrate the Crusaders’ balanced attack. Lenape showed great fight, taking the opening set and keeping the pressure on throughout, but Bishop Eustace’s composure in the crucial moments made the difference. This kind of gritty victory over a quality opponent will serve the undefeated Crusaders well as they continue their campaign, proving they can win even when things don’t start perfectly.

#27 Livingston vs #35 Montclair Kimberley: Livingston dominated from start to finish in a commanding 2-0 sweep over Montclair Kimberley, controlling both sets by scores of 25-9 and 25-17 to improve their record to 4-0 on the season. The Lancers were relentless at the net, with Alina Zaster leading the offensive charge with 11 kills while the team racked up an impressive 20 total kills compared to MKA’s 10. Cadence Sturt orchestrated the attack beautifully with 14 assists, while Janet Moon provided a spark from the service line. The balanced Livingston roster showed their depth with contributions across the board, never allowing Montclair Kimberley to establish any sustained momentum. MKA (now 2-2) fought hard behind Layla Lynch’s 5 kills and Sophie Brown’s solid all-around play, but couldn’t match Livingston’s precision and power. The Lancers’ perfect start to the season continues as they demonstrate why they’re becoming a force to be reckoned with in their conference.

Northern Highlands vs Fair Lawn: Northern Highlands pulled off a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Fair Lawn, claiming both sets with scores of 25-23 and 25-14 to improve to 2-0 on the season. The Highlanders showed their resilience by grinding out a tight first set before finding their rhythm to dominate the second frame. Ava Gagliano led Northern Highlands with 4 kills, while the team’s balanced attack saw contributions from multiple players throughout the match. Hannah Brown provided solid play with 3 kills and a block, demonstrating the depth that makes this Highlanders squad dangerous. Fair Lawn (now 0-1) battled hard behind Jeanelle Jervolino’s team-leading 17 assists and showed flashes of potential, but couldn’t quite match Northern Highlands’ consistency when it mattered most. Isabella Castillo led Fair Lawn’s offensive efforts with 6 kills, giving the Cutters a foundation to build on as they continue their season. The Highlanders’ perfect start continues as they prove they can win in different ways, whether in nail-biters or convincing fashion.

#1 Paul VI vs Cherry Hill West: Paul VI showcased their championship pedigree with a clinical 2-0 sweep over Cherry Hill West, rolling to victory with set scores of 25-9 and 25-5 to remain unbeaten at 3-0. The Eagles were absolutely unstoppable, displaying the kind of precision and power that separates elite programs from the rest. Megan Evans anchored the attack with 9 kills, while Maggie Carcillo contributed 4 kills and 11 assists in a masterful all-around performance. The Eagles’ serving game was particularly devastating, with multiple players finding their mark and keeping Cherry Hill West constantly off balance. Paul VI’s depth was evident as they rotated players seamlessly while maintaining their intensity throughout. Cherry Hill West (0-3) continues to search for their first breakthrough, but facing a program of Paul VI’s caliber provides valuable experience for the young Lions. The Eagles’ methodical dismantling of their opponents sends a clear message that they’re ready to compete at the highest level once again this season.

#31 Jackson Township vs #38 Toms River South: Jackson Township delivered a statement victory with a convincing 2-0 sweep over Toms River South, taking control with set scores of 25-10 and 25-15 to move to an impressive 3-0 start. The Jaguars were firing on all cylinders, with their offensive attack clicking at just the right time as they approach the heart of their schedule. Rafaelle Mesquita led the charge with stellar play, while Cristina Chiminova added 5 kills to keep the Indians’ defense scrambling. Sydney Savage orchestrated the offense beautifully with 10 assists, spreading the ball around to multiple attackers and keeping Toms River South guessing. The Jaguars’ balanced scoring and aggressive serving put constant pressure on their opponents, never allowing TRS to establish any offensive rhythm. Toms River South (1-2) struggled to find answers against Jackson’s relentless pressure, but the Indians will look to bounce back and use this experience as motivation moving forward. Jackson Township’s hot start has them looking like serious contenders as they continue to gel as a unit.

More to come… stay tuned until 2AM.