10/3/25
The Cranford Cougars are making noise in Union County volleyball. On Friday afternoon, they notched one of their most impressive wins of the season, sweeping Union Catholic 25-17, 25-16 in straight sets. With the victory, Cranford improved to 10-1 overall.
What makes this win stand out is context. Union Catholic, a perennial power from the UCC Watchung Division, came in with a strong 10-5 record, yet the Cougars controlled the match from start to finish. Wins like this don’t come easily for Mountain Division squads when facing their cross-conference Watchung rivals, and Cranford’s ability to rise up in crossover play sends a clear message. The Cougars are for real!
Their only blemish this fall remains a tight three-set loss to Westfield, another Watchung powerhouse. In every other outing, Head Coach Nicole DePrimio’s team has played composed, balanced volleyball, demonstrating the kind of depth that bodes well for the upcoming Union County Tournament.
A Balanced Attack Across the Roster
One of Cranford’s biggest strengths this season is the variety of players stepping up statistically. Sophomore setter Emma Andre has been the engine, dishing out 123 assists already while adding 50 digs and 14 aces. Junior outside hitter Alex Chapman is a clear go-to option at the net, piling up 51 kills and 67 digs while contributing from the service line with 10 aces.
The offensive punch doesn’t stop there. Sophomore Taylor Jones has emerged as a reliable scorer with 49 kills, while junior outside Emma Gutierrez and junior utility player Annabella Giudice bring double-digit kills, digs, and aces to the stat sheet. Middle blockers Clover Halaby (27 kills, 10 blocks, 36 digs) and Zornitsa Roussenov (26 kills, 6 blocks, 31 digs) give Cranford a front-line presence that few opponents can match.
On defense, senior libero Grace Ingraham anchors the back row with 54 digs, providing leadership and stability to an otherwise young roster. With only one senior in the lineup, the Cougars’ long-term ceiling is just as exciting as their current success.
Eyes on the Union County Tournament
With this win, Cranford positions itself as more than just a strong Mountain Division team, they look ready to contend across the entire county. Historically, Watchung programs like Union Catholic, Westfield, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood have dominated the Union County Tournament. Cranford’s breakthrough performance shows they can challenge that narrative.
The Cougars’ balance, depth, and confidence are growing with every match. If their statistical spread continues, where multiple players contribute in every category, Cranford could be one of the most dangerous teams in the county come late October.
For now, Cranford sits at 10-1 with momentum on their side and the sky as their limit. The Union County Tournament can’t come soon enough.