9-14-25
Braves Establish Themselves as Top State Title Contender with Dominant 3-0 Victory
In what was billed as one of the early season’s most anticipated matchups, Williamstown High School delivered a resounding statement Saturday morning, dismantling fellow undefeated powerhouse Southern Regional 3-0 (25-12, 25-13, 25-15) in a match that had significant implications for the upcoming first computer rankings from NJPowerRanking.com.
The victory not only handed Southern Regional (5-1) its first loss of the 2025 season but positioned Williamstown (5-0) as the frontrunner for the top spot when NJP releases its inaugural rankings next weekend. Both programs entered the contest ranked among the top five teams in the state according to preseason projections, making this early-season clash a true measuring stick for championship aspirations.
Coaches with Championship Pedigree
The matchup featured two of New Jersey high school volleyball’s most accomplished coaches, each bringing decades of success and championship experience to their respective programs.
Chris Sheppard, now in his 27th season at Williamstown, has transformed the Braves into a volleyball dynasty since taking over the program in 1998. Under his leadership, Williamstown has captured six state championships and an incredible 15 consecutive conference titles from 2001 to 2015. Sheppard recently celebrated his 600th career victory as a head coach, cementing his status as one of the state’s most successful mentors.
On the opposing sideline, Eric Maxwell brings equally impressive credentials to Southern Regional. Maxwell has compiled well over 1,000 wins and eleven state titles between the girls and boys teams at Southern. Maxwell was named one of the Top 99 High School Coaches in New Jersey History in 2019, recognition of his extraordinary impact on the sport throughout the Garden State.
Williamstown’s Complete Dominance
From the opening serve, it was clear that Williamstown came prepared to make a statement. The Braves controlled every facet of the match, using a balanced offensive attack and suffocating defense to neutralize Southern’s typically potent offense.
Junior outside hitter Stella Eberly led Williamstown’s offensive charge with a match-high 11 kills, demonstrating the kind of versatility and power that has made the Braves such a dangerous opponent. Her performance was complemented by the exceptional setting of Khloe Lynch, who distributed 22 assists while orchestrating an offense that never allowed Southern to establish any rhythm.
Southern’s struggles were evident across the statistical sheet. The Rams managed just 14 kills as a team, with senior captain Kayden Bulger leading the way with only four kills. The disparity in offensive production told the story of a Williamstown defense that seemed to anticipate Southern’s every move.
Perhaps most telling was Williamstown’s dominance at the net. Addilyn Belcher recorded 4.5 blocks, more than four times Southern’s team total of one block. This front-court superiority allowed the Braves to control the tempo and limit Southern’s opportunities to generate momentum.
Championship Implications
The victory carries significant weight beyond just the final score. Both programs entered the season with legitimate championship aspirations, and this early meeting served as a preview of what could be a November showdown for state supremacy.
Williamstown’s championship tradition runs deep. The Braves have built their success on a foundation of consistent excellence and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Sheppard and the Braves telegraphed their high expectation when they developed their 2025 schedule, loading it with all of the best teams in NJ.
Southern Regional, meanwhile, has established itself as the premier program at the Shore Conference level. The Rams are coming off a 32-2 campaign in 2023 that resulted in a state championship but last year in 2024 at 27-5 had their season end at the hands of the Braves in the Group 4 championship game. They have consistently been ranked as the number one team at the shore and in New Jersey. Coach Maxwell notoriously builds one of the toughest schedules in the state, preparing his teams for exactly these types of marquee matchups.
Looking Ahead
With this statement victory, Williamstown has positioned itself as the early favorite when NJ Power Ranking releases its first computer rankings next weekend. The Braves’ perfect 5-0 start, combined with their dominant performance against a fellow top-five opponent, should provide the resume necessary to claim the top spot. Early losses from IHA, Sparta, Secaucus and Southern will solidify them in the top 3.
For Southern Regional, the loss serves as valuable early-season feedback rather than a season-defining setback. The Rams’ championship pedigree under Maxwell suggests they will use this experience as motivation for their remaining regular season schedule and eventual postseason run.
The Shore Conference A South will continue to be a competitive battleground, but Williamstown’s performance Saturday morning sent a clear message to the rest of the state: the Braves are ready to add another championship banner to their already impressive collection.
As both programs continue their respective seasons, Saturday’s match will be remembered as the moment when Williamstown announced its championship intentions and established itself as the team to beat in New Jersey high school volleyball.
The volleyball community will now eagerly await next weekend’s (9/21) NJ Power Ranking release to see if Williamstown’s dominant performance translates into the recognition many believe they have earned with this comprehensive victory over their undefeated rivals.