10/4/25

The undefeated dream came to an end for Pinelands on Saturday afternoon in one of the most electric matchups of the 2025 girls’ volleyball season. In a clash of two of New Jersey’s premier programs, Madison battled back from a set down to deliver a statement win, 2-1 (22-25, 25-19, 25-21), over the previously unbeaten Wildcats.

It was everything you’d want in an early-October showdown, power versus precision, fire versus composure, and two teams that refused to give an inch. In front of a packed gym buzzing with energy, Madison proved once again that its balanced attack and relentless defense can stand up to anyone in the state.

A Hot Start for the Wildcats

Coming in at 17-0, Pinelands had been nearly untouchable this season in the Shore Conference’s A South Division. The Wildcats relied on the lethal hitting of Jayda Quigley, the steady setting of Riley McQuaid, and the net defense of Cali Peterka to control matches from start to finish.

That same formula looked ready to continue in the opening set. Quigley wasted no time asserting herself, hammering kills from the outside and forcing Madison’s defense to scramble. Madison Wilbert added power from the right side, while McQuaid spread the offense to keep blockers guessing.

The first set was tightly contested from start to finish, with long rallies and few errors. Pinelands stayed composed in the closing points and edged Madison 25-22 to take the early lead.

Madison Answers in Set Two

Madison quickly found its rhythm in the second frame. Outside hitter Sophia Christoffers began to take over, using a combination of power and placement to pierce the Pinelands block. Her all-court play shifted momentum, and with Eva Errichetti distributing from the setter spot, Madison’s offense began to flow.

Errichetti finished the afternoon with 37 assists, steering the Dodgers’ attack with poise. Eden O’Connor and Charlotte Forrester each chipped in key swings from the wings, while O’Connor added sharp serves that tested the Wildcats’ passing lanes.

Pinelands continued to fight, led by Quigley’s consistency and Peterka’s presence at the net, but Madison’s defense and serve-receive steadied the team. The Dodgers’ back-row effort turned difficult digs into transition chances, and they closed out the set 25-19 to even the match.

A Decisive Third Set

The third set opened with both teams locked in. Every rally demanded focus as neither side could create separation. Christoffers continued to score efficiently from the left side, adding to her eventual 19-kill total, while O’Connor provided balance with 7 kills, 15 digs, and 4 aces.

Pinelands leaned again on Quigley, who finished with 15 kills and 10 digs, and McQuaid kept the offense moving with another 14 assists. Peterka anchored the front with five blocks, helping the Wildcats keep pace.

As the set wore on, Madison’s consistency in serve-receive and ball control began to make the difference. Forrester and O’Connor passed cleanly, and Errichetti continued to find Christoffers in rhythm. The Dodgers maintained a narrow edge and secured the win with a 25-21 third-set finish, handing Pinelands its first defeat of the season and improving to 11-2 overall.

Statistical Leaders

Madison (11-2 • 4-1 NJAC Freedom)

• Sophia Christoffers: 19 kills, 13 digs, 2 aces
• Eden O’Connor: 7 kills, 15 digs, 4 aces
• Charlotte Forrester: 6 kills, 12 digs, 1 block
• Eva Errichetti: 37 assists, 7 digs
• Emma de Freitas: 5 kills, 1 block, 1 ace
• Team Totals: 40 kills, 63 digs, 8 aces, 39 assists

Pinelands (17-1 • 10-0 Shore A South)

• Jayda Quigley: 15 kills, 10 digs, 2 aces
• Madison Wilbert: 10 kills, 3 digs, 2 aces
• Cali Peterka: 5 blocks, 4 kills
• Heidi Cyphert: 4 kills, 3 blocks, 2 aces
• Riley McQuaid: 14 assists, 5 digs, 1 ace
• Jayla Kline: 12 digs, 1 ace
• Team Totals: 33 kills, 44 digs, 9 blocks, 28 assists, 8 aces

Balanced Strength on Both Sides

This matchup showcased the depth and discipline that have carried both teams into the upper tier of the state rankings. Madison’s ability to absorb Pinelands’ early pressure and rebound with strong serve-receive play underscored the program’s maturity. Christoffers’ hitting efficiency and Errichetti’s distribution kept the Wildcats’ defense off balance, while the entire back row refused to let easy points fall.

Pinelands remained dangerous throughout. Quigley continued her standout season with another double-double, and McQuaid kept the offense connected despite heavy defensive attention. Peterka’s blocking and Cyphert’s two-way contributions were crucial in keeping sets tight. Even in defeat, the Wildcats demonstrated why they have been one of New Jersey’s most consistent programs over the last several years.

Broader Implications

Madison’s victory strengthens its case as one of the top contenders in the state heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The Dodgers’ combination of strong setting, multi-option hitting, and resilient defense makes them a tough out for any opponent. Their ability to handle the pressure of facing an unbeaten team and respond after dropping the first set speaks to their depth and composure.

For Pinelands, the loss marks the end of an impressive 17-match winning streak, but the Wildcats remain firmly in the conversation among New Jersey’s elite. Their power game and back-row tenacity continue to be defining traits. A single setback against a ranked opponent like Madison is unlikely to derail their momentum as they move closer to postseason play.

Looking Ahead

Madison will now turn its attention back to conference play as it eyes a strong seed in the NJSIAA tournament. With Christoffers, Errichetti, and O’Connor all producing at high levels, the Dodgers have the tools to continue climbing the rankings.

Pinelands will regroup quickly with several key Shore-A South matchups still ahead. The Wildcats’ first loss could serve as a valuable checkpoint as they prepare for tournament-level intensity in the weeks to come. Expect Quigley and McQuaid to continue anchoring an attack that has overwhelmed opponents all season.