9/23/25

Eagles’ Perfect Season Continues with Comprehensive Victory Over 22nd-Ranked Rams

MANAHAWKIN – Top-ranked Paul VI maintained their unblemished record and championship aspirations with a commanding 25-15, 25-19, 25-19 sweep of 22nd-ranked Southern on Tuesday evening in a highly anticipated non-league matchup between two of South Jersey’s premier volleyball programs.

The Eagles (8-0) showcased exactly why they sit atop the state rankings, delivering a complete performance that neutralized Southern’s potent attack while demonstrating the depth and balance that has made them the team to beat in New Jersey this season.

Evans Powers Dominant Attack

Junior Megan Evans led Paul VI’s offensive surge with an outstanding 16 kills, consistently finding gaps in Southern’s defense and delivering crucial points throughout all three sets. The explosive outside hitter has emerged as one of the state’s most reliable weapons, and her performance against Southern’s experienced defense further solidified her status among New Jersey’s elite players.

Supporting Evans was senior setter Maggie Carcillo, who orchestrated the Eagles’ balanced attack with 17 assists while contributing an ace from the service line. Carcillo’s court vision and precise distribution allowed Paul VI to maintain consistent offensive pressure, keeping Southern’s defense off balance throughout the evening.

Defensive Prowess at the Net

Paul VI’s dominance extended to the net, where Khloe Greene-Gordon anchored the front line with 4 blocks that repeatedly frustrated Southern’s attacking attempts. The junior’s timing and positioning proved crucial in limiting Southern’s offensive options, forcing the Rams into difficult situations throughout the match.

The Eagles’ defensive depth was evident as multiple players contributed to their well-rounded performance. Lyla Rossi added 17 digs while chipping in 3 aces, Brynn Casmay provided 8 digs and 2 aces, and Maddy Harada contributed 7 digs to create a suffocating defensive presence that limited Southern’s attack.

Serving Sets the Tone

Perhaps most telling was Paul VI’s advantage from the service line, where they recorded 8 aces. This success created consistent pressure on Southern’s serve receive, disrupting their offensive rhythm and preventing them from establishing the sustained rallies that have made them successful this season.

The serving rotation proved particularly effective in the opening set, where Paul VI jumped to an early lead and never allowed Southern to find their footing. Each subsequent set saw similar patterns, with the Eagles using their serving depth to maintain control and dictate tempo.

Southern Struggles to Find Rhythm

Southern (8-3) entered the match riding high after their recent victory over Donovan Catholic, but found themselves unable to match Paul VI’s intensity and execution. Senior Kayden Bulger led the Rams with 6 kills.

The Rams, who had been averaging significantly more offensive production in their recent matches, struggled particularly with serve receive, preventing them from running their preferred offensive sets consistently throughout the evening.

The victory reinforces Paul VI’s position as NJ’s #1 team, while also serving notice to the rest of New Jersey’s elite programs about the Eagles’ championship credentials. Their perfect 8-0 record now includes quality victories over multiple ranked opponents, demonstrating both their peak performance capability and their consistency.

For Southern, the loss drops them to 8-3 overall, but the experience of competing against the state’s top-ranked team provides valuable preparation for their own postseason aspirations. The Rams remain well-positioned in their conference standings and have shown throughout the season that they possess the talent to compete with New Jersey’s best.

Looking Ahead

Paul VI’s dominant performance serves as a statement to the rest of the state about their championship intentions. With Evans leading a balanced offensive attack and Greene-Gordon anchoring an increasingly impressive defense, the Eagles appear to have all the pieces necessary for a deep tournament run.

#2 Williamstown had a very similar results in their matchup with Southern earlier in the season. Unfortunately, the two teams are not scheduled to meet this season and with no Tournament of Champions format, will rely on their full season resume to dictate best in the state. Paul VI has loaded their schedule with top out of state opponents including Ursuline and Padua in Delaware and Poly Prep in New York. They also will face Immaculate Heart in October during the regular season in a non-conference match.