Girl’s Blog, 9/17

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Sep 17, 2025 Girl's Blog, GirlsVB, High School

9/17/25

A few items before we jump in to tonight’s recaps…

We published an interesting article comparing NJ volleyball vs. Texas volleyball today, showing the contrasts in high school volleyball between the states. Texas is #1 in size of student participants and schools, dwarfing NJ by 4 times the population. NJ is currently 9th in size despite its small footprint in square miles. Lots of different takes and worth a read at LINK.

The PowerStats Academy EdTech platform is now up and running. This project is aimed at improving volleyball statistics from the ground up by educating high school scorekeepers to provide accurate and knowledgeable contributions to their teams. The course also prepares scorekeepers to jump into team analytics and statistics to help coaches and players in their team development. Worth checking out at LINK.

We are eagerly anticipating our first run of the algorithm computer ranking this weekend. Preseason ranking aside, this will be the first run of three weeks of data ( large enough sample size) to provide significant accuracy on each teams power ratings. The algorithm will continue to collect data as the season progresses but the early resumes will set the standard for the rest of the schedule. You will see additional swings as the data deepens but typically the ratings will not go beyond one standard deviation of the preliminary report. Meaning you might see a few point swing in either direction but no much more than that through the season conclusion. Noting a one point swing could mean 10-15 spots in the rankings, you will still see significant movement but you won’t see a team ranked 50 in the first ranking and 210 in the final, or vice-versa.

Let’s take a look at some of tonight’s matches….

In one of the marquee matchups featuring two undefeated squads, Verona (6-0) stunned previously perfect Livingston (7-1) with a thrilling 18-25, 25-20, 26-24 comeback victory to seize control of SEC American Division play at 3-0. Brynn Mack exploded for a match-high 17 kills and delivered 10 digs for the Hillbillies, while Samantha Heimall orchestrated the comeback with 24 assists and Abbey Donnelly anchored the defense with 3 blocks to fuel the dramatic turnaround. Livingston appeared poised for victory after capturing the opening set decisively behind Camilla Dong’s 9 kills and Gabriella Anthony’s 20 assists, but couldn’t sustain their momentum as Verona found another gear in the final two frames. The heartbreaking defeat hands Livingston their first loss of the season and drops them to 2-1 in conference action, while Verona emerges as the early favorite to claim the SEC American Division crown after weathering the storm and displaying championship-level resilience in a true test of character.

Gov. Livingston (4-3) rebounded from recent struggles with a dominant 25-12, 25-20 sweep over 24th-ranked Union Catholic (5-2) to even their UCC Watchung Division record at 3-3. Abby Kim spearheaded the Highlanders’ offensive explosion with a game-high 15 kills, while Sierra Isbirian orchestrated the attack masterfully with 27 assists and contributed 1 block in an exceptional all-around display. Gov. Livingston also benefited from Mya Joseph’s 5 kills and Calista Chrysanthopoulos’ outstanding 8 digs as they accumulated 17 kills compared to Union Catholic’s modest output of 8. The Vikings couldn’t find their rhythm despite Alyssa Kenol’s 4 kills and Alex Landazabal’s 4 assists, falling to 4-2 in conference play as Gov. Livingston seized momentum with their most convincing performance of the season in a crucial divisional clash.

New Jersey’s premier volleyball program suffered another stunning setback as Passaic Tech (5-1) upset fourth-ranked Immaculate Heart (3-2) with a dramatic 18-25, 25-22, 25-15 comeback victory in cross-conference action. Despite a phenomenal effort from Adrielle Crump, who hammered 19 kills and added 4 aces for the Blue Eagles, Immaculate Heart couldn’t sustain their opening-set momentum as Passaic Tech stormed back with relentless determination. The Bulldogs were sparked by Gia Stipo’s 14 kills and 5 aces, Petya D’Agostino’s 18 assists and 8 digs, Cecilia Aquino’s outstanding 13 digs, and Bianca Chiarella’s 11 digs as they outscored Immaculate Heart 50-37 over the final two sets. Kristen Lee facilitated brilliantly with 24 assists for Immaculate Heart and Emma Fowler contributed 10 digs, but the traditionally dominant Blue Eagles absorbed their second loss of the season as Passaic Tech celebrated one of the biggest victories in program history. IHA woes were telegraphed by a much less competitive schedule this season but we will see if this youthful squad will get back on track for a stretch run later in the season.

Northern Highlands (5-1) orchestrated a remarkable comeback to stun seventh-ranked Old Tappan (4-2) with a 12-25, 25-16, 25-20 thriller in cross-divisional Big North action. The Highlanders appeared overwhelmed after surrendering the opening set by 13 points, but found their footing behind Allie Reilly’s exceptional leadership with 10 assists and 10 digs, Lexi Thompson’s 3 blocks, and Myla Fosshage’s clutch 5 digs. Old Tappan dominated early thanks to Julia Whaley’s outstanding performance with 13 kills and 3 blocks, complemented by Joley Giordano’s 19 assists and Nadine Whaley’s 7 kills, but couldn’t maintain their intensity as Northern Highlands gradually seized control of the tempo. The shocking reversal drops Old Tappan to 4-2 as the Highlanders celebrate one of their most impressive victories of the season after displaying tremendous character in adversity.

Pinelands (8-0) continued their sensational unbeaten streak with a devastating 25-11, 25-19 demolition of sixth-ranked Southern (6-2) to extend their stranglehold on Shore A South Division play at 5-0. Madison Wilbert spearheaded the Wildcats’ assault with 8 kills, 5 digs, and 1 block, while Chloe Tucker facilitated the offense flawlessly with 16 assists and Jayla Kline anchored the back row with an exceptional 13 digs. Pinelands also received valuable contributions from Cali Peterka with 7 kills, Jayda Quigley with 10 aces, and Riley McQuaid with 7 digs as they overwhelmed Southern from the opening serve. The lopsided defeat represents a major blow to Southern’s conference championship aspirations, dropping them to 4-1 in divisional competition as Pinelands establishes themselves as the clear favorite to capture the Shore A South crown with their relentless consistency and championship-caliber depth.

Accolades:

**Congrats to junior Gabby Rosato from Waldwick on her 600th career assist tonight!**

**Senior Hailey Mack of Bishop Eustace smacks her 500th career kill for the Crusaders**

**Milani Washington of Piscataway knocked out her 500th career kill during their win over Montgomery**

**Emily Staszewski from Shawnee and ECC has committed to Kutztown. Congrats #6!**

Unbeaten Union City (5-0) pulverized North Bergen (1-3) with an overwhelming 25-10, 25-7 rout to maintain their flawless 4-0 record in HCIAL American Division competition. Dayna Orefice completely dominated the match with 7 kills and an impressive 4 blocks, while Nicole Ayala controlled the tempo with 8 assists and Maria More contributed 7 digs to fuel the Soaring Eagles’ relentless attack that produced 23 kills overall. Union City never allowed North Bergen to establish any offensive rhythm, limiting the Bruins to just 10 total kills as Allison Quito added 6 digs and Brianna Henriques chipped in 8 digs for the victors. Despite Victoria Castillo’s valiant effort with 6 kills and Jennifer Naranjo’s 11 assists, North Bergen suffered a crushing setback that drops them to 1-2 in conference action, unable to mount any sustained resistance against Union City’s suffocating defense and explosive offensive firepower.

Memorial (4-2) rallied from a set deficit to outlast Hoboken (2-4) in a gritty three-set HCIAL American Division clash, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, improving to 3-1 in conference standings. Nicole Guerrero Saba delivered a phenomenal all-around performance for the Tigers with 8 kills and a remarkable 5 blocks, while Belen Santos orchestrated the comeback with 6 assists and Jaelyn Vergara contributed 4 kills and 12 digs to fuel the resurgence. Memorial also benefited from Eugenia Rubio’s outstanding 14 digs and Edanna Franco’s solid 4 digs as they regrouped after dropping the opening set to seize control over the final two frames. Hoboken couldn’t sustain their early momentum despite capturing the first set convincingly, falling to 1-3 in divisional action as they were unable to generate measurable offense production against Memorial’s increasingly dominant defense and balanced offensive attack that totaled 22 kills.

Shore (5-3) secured a convincing 25-15, 25-15 sweep over Freehold Borough (2-3) to even their Shore C North Division record at 2-2 in a crucial conference matchup. Charlotte Haynes powered the Blue Devils with a match-high 12 kills, while Astri Martin facilitated the offense with 15 assists and Caroline Oliveros added 5 kills to help generate 16 total kills against Freehold Borough’s defense. Shore controlled both sets from start to finish, with Chloe Sugrue contributing 2 blocks and Addison White providing 7 aces to keep the Colonials off balance throughout the contest. Despite a respectable effort from Christina Elias with 6 kills and Dari Tysdypova’s 6 assists, Freehold Borough managed 14 kills overall as they drop to 2-2 in divisional play, unable to generate enough offensive consistency against Shore’s balanced attack and steady defensive pressure.

Roselle Park (6-1) cruised to a dominant 25-17, 25-15 sweep over Johnson (4-2) to maintain their impressive 5-1 record atop the UCC Valley Division standings. The Panthers showcased their depth with Juliana Vivas leading the charge with 7 kills, Leah Scott distributing effectively with 14 assists, Christina Barnat anchoring the defense with 11 digs, and Emmy Gregoire contributing 4 kills to power their 19-kill offensive performance. Roselle Park also received key contributions from Madison Wilkes with 6 kills, Luna Camacho with 5 digs and 4 aces, and Gianna Qiu with 2 kills and 1 block as they controlled both sets from start to finish. Johnson drops to 4-2 in conference action, unable to match Roselle Park’s balanced attack and defensive pressure that has propelled them near the top of the divisional race.

In a heated Morris County rivalry clash, eleventh-ranked Sparta Spartans (6-2) captured a decisive 25-14, 25-16 victory over Roxbury (2-4) to continue their strong season in the historic matchup. Hannah Dodson orchestrated the Spartans’ balanced attack with 25 assists while also contributing 4 kills and 11 digs, as Arielle Gomez added 7 kills and Alexia Hill anchored the back row with 7 digs in the solid team performance. Sparta also received contributions from Grace Mathurin with 2 kills and 4 aces, Victoria Sucich with 6 digs, and Amelia Boohoff with 5 digs as they maintained control throughout both sets. Roxbury faced a challenging night against Sparta’s well-coordinated offense and will look to regroup in upcoming matches, while Sparta continues building positive momentum with their balanced roster and strong team chemistry.

Second-ranked Old Bridge Knights (7-0) extended their perfect season with a commanding 25-18, 25-11 sweep over Woodbridge Barrons (3-5) to maintain their unblemished 6-0 record in GMC Red Division play. Ashley Markle spearheaded the Knights’ attack with 8 kills and 8 digs, while Maya Lupinski facilitated the offense brilliantly with 16 assists and Weronika Malinowski contributed 5 kills and 4 digs in another well-rounded team performance. Old Bridge also received valuable contributions from Tatum Jones with 4 kills and 2 blocks, Tetiana Kontsohrada with 5 kills, and Jannah Khalil with an outstanding 12 digs as they totaled 17 kills while limiting Woodbridge to just 12. Despite Marissa Martinez’s 4 kills and Danielle Nycz’s 7 assists for the Barrons, Woodbridge drops to 3-4 in conference action as they continue searching for consistency against the division’s elite programs, while Old Bridge solidifies their position atop the GMC Red standings with another dominant display.

Gill St. Bernard’s Knights (7-1) swept past struggling Warren Hills (1-5) with a 29-27, 25-22 victory to improve to 3-1 in Skyland Raritan Division competition. Sierra Salko paced the Knights with 9 kills and 7 digs, while Ariana Tellalian orchestrated the offense with 16 assists and Piper Macak anchored the defense with an exceptional 14 digs in the hard-fought triumph. Gill St. Bernard’s also received contributions from Samantha Kalinak with 5 kills and 7 digs, Annabelle Beekman with 4 kills and 17 digs, and Charlotte Brown with 2 aces as they accumulated 15 kills while weathering Warren Hills’ competitive effort. The victory keeps Gill St. Bernard’s near the top of the divisional standings after surviving two closely contested sets, while Warren Hills falls to 0-3 in conference play despite showing improved fight in both frames of the Skyland Raritan matchup.