10/3/25
It’s night 30 of the season as we anticipate the end of week five for NJ high school girls volleyball. This weekend will be a full update of rankings for teams and players as well as statistical standings and some new looks on stats. Stay tuned.
Get your best action pics ready and submit them to njpowerranking@gmail.com for the NJP Photo contest. Deadline is 10/12.
County tournament schedules will be shared soon and we should see some great matches between many of NJ’s top teams in the semi-finals and finals. Something to look forward to for sure.
Cranford mowed down Union Catholic in straight sets tonight and the Cougars have quietly emerged at 10-1 and a real threat in the upcoming UCC tourney… full story HERE.
Accolades:
Congrats to senior middle Jahniah Bishop of Bridgewater-Raritan who slammed her 350th career kill for the Panthers. She still has a chance this season to get on the Panther all-time top 5 list. Great job #19!
Kudos to Addie Lore of Cherokee who ripped past 300 career assists for the junior.
Please support these great fundraisers around the state…
More of tonight’s recaps…
The Columbia Cougars showed grit and resilience on Friday, pulling out a five-set victory on the road against Summit. In a match that went back and forth from the start, Columbia prevailed 3–2 (27-25, 27-25, 15-25, 21-25, 16-14). The Cougars jumped out strong, taking the opening two sets by identical 27-25 scores. Summit, however, refused to go quietly, responding with a dominant third set and then grinding out the fourth to even the match at two apiece. That set up a dramatic fifth set, where Columbia held off a late surge by Summit to secure a 16-14 win and close out the match. With the victory, Columbia improves to 2-7 overall, while Summit falls to 3-9 overall. This win marks a confidence boost for Columbia, who showed they can finish in tight situations. With both squads navigating tough conference schedules, this match could serve as a turning point for the Cougars as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.
Rumson-Fair Haven (8-6) edged out divisional opponent Trinity Hall (11-7) in a competitive three-set match, winning with scores of 25-15, 22-25, and 25-20. The victory was powered by Harbour Goldsmith, who led the offense with a match-high 13 kills and contributed 8 digs and 2 aces. Setter Catherine Caulfield ran the attack efficiently, tallying 29 assists, 8 digs, and 3 aces. The Rumson-Fair Haven defense saw contributions from Parker Patten with a team-high 19 digs and Ruby Gaun with 7 digs. This decisive final-set win snapped Trinity Hall‘s four-match divisional winning streak.
The Millburn Millers delivered a strong road win Friday, sweeping West Essex 2–0 (25-20, 25-23) in SEC American Division play. The victory pushed Millburn to 8-3 overall and 5-2 in the division, while West Essex dropped to 9-7 and 2-5. Millburn leaned on a balanced attack and strong net presence to take control. Avika Vijayraghaven was the difference-maker at the front line, registering 5 kills and a match-high 5 blocks. Setter Franna Hawksworth orchestrated the offense with precision, handing out 16 assists while adding 5 digs. Defensively, libero Ava Chen anchored the back row with 18 digs, while Lily Philipov chipped in 11 digs and 4 kills. The Millers also found service success, with Riley Breen and Seryn Lee each tallying 3 aces. West Essex battled hard, particularly in the second set, pushing Millburn to the brink before the Millers closed out the match with timely kills and steady passing. This win marks an important divisional step for Millburn, who continue to build momentum as they push deeper into October play. With contributions coming from multiple players both at the net and in the back row, the Millers are shaping into a well-rounded squad.
Science Park (13-1) secured a dominant straight-set victory over divisional opponent West Caldwell Tech (5-7), winning 25-10 and 25-8, to remain undefeated in the SEC – Independence division at 8-0. The attack was powered by Eloah Bispo, who led the match with 9 kills and contributed 8 aces. Setter Gianna Jacho directed the offense with 16 assists and added 4 digs. At the net, Nicole Nwaejiaku tallied 5 kills and 2 blocks, while Ema Rodriguez added 2 kills and 3 digs. This efficient, overwhelming performance kept West Caldwell Tech‘s offense stifled throughout the match.
Mount St. Mary Academy showed its dominance on Friday evening, sweeping Delaware Valley 2–0 (25-11, 25-13) in Skyland Conference play. The victory improves the Lions to 9-2 overall, while Delaware Valley slips to 3-8 . The Lions wasted little time establishing control, with junior outside hitter Brienne Steinwald powering the offense. Steinwald finished with a match-high 13 kills and added an ace, consistently breaking through the Del Val defense. Setter Sophia Padin was masterful at distributing the ball, piling up 24 assists while chipping in 5 digs and an ace. Defensive specialist Aiden Steinwald steadied the back row with 12 digs and 5 aces, giving Mount St. Mary a complete all-around performance. Supporting contributions came from Julia Stempien (5 kills, 3 digs, 1 ace), Julia Kot (5 kills), and Elizabeth Mooney (4 kills, 2 digs, 1 ace). In total, the Lions tallied 27 digs, 27 service points, and 9 aces in the efficient sweep. Delaware Valley battled but was unable to slow Mount St. Mary’s balanced attack. The Lions controlled both sets from start to finish, showing the kind of consistency and depth that makes them one of the top teams in the Skyland Conference. With the win, Mount St. Mary strengthens its position as a contender.
The Bloomfield Bengals kept their strong season rolling with a straight-set victory over Watchung Hills, winning 2–0 (25-21, 25-15) on Friday evening. The win pushes Bloomfield to 10-2 overall, while Watchung Hills falls to 3-7. River Estrada was the difference-maker, leading the Bengals with 8 kills, 6 digs, and 2 aces. Chideha Osondu added an all-around performance at the net with 5 kills, 7 digs, and a block, while also delivering 7 aces from the service line. Setter Grace Belmonte directed the offense smoothly, handing out 16 assists along with 5 digs and an ace. Supporting contributions came from Anaiis Bejasa (5 digs, 2 aces) and Olanma Kalu (3 kills, 1 assist), highlighting Bloomfield’s depth across the lineup. Watchung Hills battled early and kept the first set close at 25-21, but Bloomfield’s serving pressure and balanced attack wore them down in the second frame. With this victory, Bloomfield continues to establish itself as one of the stronger squads in North Jersey and a team to watch as postseason play approaches.
The undefeated run continues for the Pinelands Wildcats, who powered past Cedar Creek in straight sets on Friday, 3–0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-20). With the win, Pinelands improved to 16-0 overall, while Cedar Creek dropped to 9-6. Junior standout Madison Wilbert once again led the way for Pinelands, racking up 14 kills to go with 6 digs and an ace. She was supported at the net by Heidi Cyphert (6 kills, 1 block, 3 aces) and Cali Peterka (6 kills, 1 block), giving the Wildcats plenty of firepower up front. The back row and setting game were equally strong. Chloe Tucker handed out 19 assists while adding 3 digs, and Riley McQuaid contributed 14 assists, 5 digs, and 2 aces to keep the offense balanced. Defensively, Cassie Gould and Jayla Kline combined for 19 digs, anchoring the floor defense and denying Cedar Creek sustained momentum. Jayda Quigley had one of her best all-around performances of the season, tallying 8 kills, 15 digs, 2 assists, and 3 aces, showcasing just how deep this Pinelands roster runs. Cedar Creek pushed hard in the third set, but Pinelands’ balance across the court proved too much to overcome. The Wildcats’ ability to pressure opponents from multiple positions has been the hallmark of their unbeaten season so far. At 16-0, Pinelands remains one of New Jersey’s top storylines this fall, an undefeated contender, Shore A South champion, with the talent and depth to make a deep postseason run.
The dominance of the Paul VI Eagles continued Friday as they swept rival Moorestown in straight sets, 2–0 (25-12, 25-12). The win keeps Paul VI perfect at 13-0 overall and 7-0 in the Olympic Patriot Division, while Moorestown slips to 12-3. The Eagles showcased their trademark balance and depth, led by Khloe Greene-Gordon, who powered down 6 kills while adding 2 blocks. Setter Maggie Carcillo was the catalyst, dishing out 11 assists, collecting 3 digs, and adding an impressive 6 aces to keep Moorestown on its heels. Megan Evans (4 kills, 6 digs, 1 ace) and Amelia Reagan (3 kills, 2 digs) provided valuable offensive support, while Brynn Casmay and Maddy Harada contributed from the service line with 2 and 1 aces, respectively. Defensively, Lyla Rossi chipped in 9 assists and Sioni Adeniran added a block, helping to anchor the net. For Moorestown, it was a tough night against a Paul VI squad firing on all cylinders. The Eagles’ serving pressure and quick transitions overwhelmed the Quakers, never allowing them to find rhythm in either set. At 13-0, Paul VI continues to establish itself as one of New Jersey’s premier undefeated teams. With Greene-Gordon dominating at the net and Carcillo steering the offense, the Eagles are shaping into a legitimate contender for both the Olympic Conference crown and a deep state tournament run.
The Bishop Eustace Crusaders kept their hot start to the season going with a convincing sweep of Rancocas Valley, 2–0 (25-15, 25-15), on Friday night. With the win, Bishop Eustace improved to 10-1 overall, while Rancocas Valley dropped to 7-7. The Crusaders were powered by standout junior Hailey Mack, who dominated at the net with 10 kills and 5 blocks while also adding 5 digs and 5 aces. Mack’s two-way impact set the tone for a balanced and efficient Eustace attack. Setter Sophie Durham spread the offense well, finishing with 8 assists and 4 kills, while also adding 2 aces from the service line. Paige Ladik was a difference-maker behind the line, serving up 7 aces to keep Rancocas Valley out of rhythm, while Tara Verratti anchored the back row with 11 digs. Additional contributions came from Luisa Bovell (2 kills, 3 digs, 1 ace) and Samantha Costello (1 kill, 1 block, 2 digs, 3 assists), showing the depth of this Eustace roster. Rancocas Valley battled but was unable to break through against Bishop Eustace’s serving pressure and front-line presence.