I guess we will be getting many more Yankee fans visiting the website from this point on (maybe I spoke to early, 🙂 )… and the Phil’s may not be too far behind them. Ugh. Hockey season starts tonight too. but let’s focus on some HS volleyball. That’s what we do!!
Week 6 has been a world wind. And it’s only Tuesday.
Don’t forget to get your picture submitted this week for the NJP Action Photo Contest. We have seen some great stuff so far. But realize the cream of the crop usually comes in the last few days as the contest deadline approaches. Players… Coaches… Parents… don’t miss out on a chance to make the top 10. Make sure to include all the info requested in the post. And also please include the name of the photographer as well so we can give credit. Deadline is Friday at midnight.
50+ new faces added to the NJP “Faces of NJ Volleyball” page tonight… Are you there yet?
Have you checked out the NJP “Map of NJ High School Volleyball”? Pretty cool. LINK HERE.
Accolades:
Recap of the epic 5-set Princeton win over Southern at this LINK
Some Tuesday recaps…
In a heavyweight, non-conference battle between two undefeated teams, the #3 Old Bridge Knights (16-0, 11-0 GMC – Red) showcased their dominance by sweeping the #7 Pinelands Wildcats (17-2, 10-0 Shore – A South). Old Bridge’s offense was expertly guided by Maya Lupinski, who tallied 18 assists and contributed 13 digs to the impressive effort. The attack was driven by Ashley Markle, who led the team with 9 kills and added a notable 6 aces, demonstrating her all-around threat! The Knights’ strong serving game was key, with Markle and Weronika Malinowski (2 aces) helping to keep Pinelands out of rhythm throughout the match. Old Bridge remains perfect on the season following this major statement win.
Mount St. Mary overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Hunterdon Central 2-1 in a hard-fought Skyland Delaware Division matchup on Tuesday, improving to 10-2 overall and 6-2 in divisional play. After dropping the opening set 25-13, the Lions roared back with consecutive 25-23 and 25-21 victories to secure the win. Brienne Steinwald absolutely dominated at the net with a spectacular 24 kills while adding 11 digs for an impressive double-double performance. Setter Sophia Padin was equally outstanding, dishing out 29 assists to keep the offense humming throughout the comeback. Elizabeth Mooney contributed 6 kills and 2 blocks, while Aiden Steinwald anchored the defense with a remarkable 18 digs. Hunterdon Central (10-6, 5-3 Skyland Delaware) battled hard but couldn’t maintain their early momentum against the surging Lions.
In a closely contested match that featured two electric offenses, Wayne Valley (9-2, 6-1 Big North – Independence) secured a tight 2-0 victory over #11 Immaculate Heart (10-3, 5-0 Big North – United) in straight sets, including a thrilling 27-25 opening set win! A major story of the night was the dominant hitting on both sides. Immaculate Heart‘s Adrielle Crump earns a special accolade for her incredible 17 kills, leading all players, while Wayne Valley‘s Madison Trautz was right behind her with 16 kills. IHA setter Kristen Lee helped run her team’s powerful offense with 28 assists. However, Wayne Valley‘s grit prevailed, giving them a significant non-division victory against a top-ranked opponent. That first set was wild!
Mount Olive pulled out a gritty three-set win over Sparta (25-17, 19-25, 25-15) in a key NJAC American clash that showcased plenty of offensive fireworks. Izabella Osoria was sensational, hammering 21 kills and adding 8 digs in a performance that deserves a standing ovation. Kaitlyn Tungmun was the steady hand behind the attack, setting up 32 assists and contributing across the board with 8 digs, 3 kills, and an ace. Olivia Drucks chipped in with 10 kills while Genessa Baltazar anchored the defense with 11 digs. Sparta got strong efforts from Arielle Gomez (8 kills, 9 digs) and Hannah Dodson (24 assists), but the Marauders had the final say. With the win, Mount Olive moves to 10-4 (5-2 NJAC American) while Sparta drops to 10-5 (5-2) in a hard-fought battle that lived up to expectations.
Randolph (11-0, 7-0 NJAC – National) showcased their dominance with a swift 2-0 victory over Morris Hills (10-3, 4-3 NJAC – National) on October 7, 2025, with set scores of 25-14 and 25-15. Reese Nelson led the charge, smashing 6 kills and earning praise for her dynamic presence at the net. Klara Hindson was the backbone of the offense, dishing out an impressive 19 assists to keep the Rams’ attack humming. Viki Katsanos stood tall with 1.5 blocks, anchoring the defense with authority. Jazmine Holder and Nelson each contributed 3 aces, adding spark to Randolph’s serving game. The Rams’ balanced performance keeps their undefeated streak alive, setting the stage for more thrilling matches ahead!
Kinnelon improved to 9-5 overall and 5-1 in NJAC Liberty Division play with a decisive 2-0 victory over Hanover Park (9-6, 4-3 NJAC Liberty) on Tuesday. The Colts controlled the match from start to finish, taking the first set by comfortable margins of 25-11 and then holding off HP 25-23. Senior setter Julia Gutkin orchestrated the offense beautifully with 20 assists, while Lilyann Baldino paced the attack with 6 kills. Lea Albik provided a spark from the service line with 4 aces, and the balanced Kinnelon defense tallied 18 digs as a team. For Hanover Park, Giovanna Pignataro led with 3 kills and Genevieve Cavicchia anchored the defense with 2 blocks, but it wasn’t enough to slow down the visiting Colts.
The Secaucus Patriots (14-2, 9-0 NJIC – Colonial) delivered a dominant performance to sweep the Leonia Lions (6-11, 3-6 NJIC – Colonial) and maintain their perfect divisional record. Setter Sarah Veloz ran a smooth offense, leading all players with 21 assists in the two-set match. On the attack, Sofia Guzman powered the Patriots with 11 kills, while Isabella Pablos and Olivia Jasiczek each added 7 kills to the winning effort. #6 Secaucus also received a major contribution from the service line, thanks to Avalyn Torres, who was lethal with 4 aces. This victory solidifies Secaucus’s spot atop the Colonial Division standings as the team continues to impress this season.
#5 St. John Vianney continued their stellar season with a commanding straight-set win over Brick Memorial (25-8, 25-19). The Lancers’ offense flowed through Ayana Warren, who delivered 23 assists and 5 aces in a strong all-around performance. Taylor Sofilkanich was unstoppable at the net with 10 kills and 2 blocks to set the tone. Amelia Moro chipped in 7 kills as St. John Vianney improved to 15-1 (9-0 Shore A North) and kept its dominance rolling. Brick Memorial (5-10) showed fight in the second set but couldn’t slow the Lancers’ rhythm. Another solid day for a team that keeps proving it’s among New Jersey’s best.
The River Dell Golden Hawks (12-1) proved their strength by sweeping Bergen Tech (8-6) in a tight two-set match. River Dell’s offense was led by Marissa Petrocelli, who hammered down 10 kills and was a force at the net. The Golden Hawks had a well-distributed offense thanks to setter Kai Grebla, who dished out 24 assists and contributed 4 aces from the service line. In a testament to the team’s balance, Cara Lee also chipped in 8 kills for River Dell. Despite the loss, Bergen Tech put up a spirited fight in the second set, pushing the score to 25-22 against the tough Hawks.
Kingsway (9-2) soared to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Bishop Eustace (12-3) on Tuesday, with set scores of 25-13, 19-25, 30-28, and 25-14. Ava Patterson earned special accolades for her sensational 17 kills, powering the Kingsway offense with relentless energy. Sophie Park was the maestro of the match, dishing out a remarkable 40 assists to orchestrate the Dragons’ attack and earning high praise for her court vision. Sophie Szakal added 3 blocks to fortify the net, while Bryn Jesperson shone defensively with 15 digs. On the Bishop Eustace side, Hailey Mack delivered 15 kills, showcasing her own star power. Both teams displayed incredible heart, making this a match to remember!
Paul VI kept its perfect season alive with a strong four-set victory over Padua (DE), winning 20-25, 25-22, 25-14, 25-14 to move to 16-0 (8-0 Olympic Patriot). After dropping the opening set, the Eagles surged back behind the firepower of Megan Evans, who tallied 17 kills, 11 digs, and 5 aces to lead the offense. Setter Maggie Carcillo directed the attack with 20 assists, while also adding 10 kills and 3 aces for a balanced all-around effort. Amelia Reagan contributed 11 kills, and Anna McGrath chipped in 7, giving Paul VI a trio of effective hitters at the net. Defensively, Avery Margre led the back row with 11 digs, and Kam Wertz stood tall at the net with 3 blocks. The Eagles’ serving was sharp as well, producing 15 total aces, keeping Padua under pressure throughout the final three sets. Padua was the #1 ranked team in Delaware going into their state tournament last season before being knocked out in the semi-finals. With the win, Paul VI remains unbeaten and continues to build one of the most impressive resumes in New Jersey volleyball this season. The Eagles have two big tests that will prove their consideration for state champions. Next Tuesday, they visit Ursuline of Delaware who defeated Padua earlier in the season and then visit Princeton on the 22nd.
Much more to come tonight, stay tuned…