10/8/25
Week 6 is starting to wind down signaling that time of year when the season feels like it is slipping away. County Tournaments have started and regular season games are in their final stages. We are less than 1 month away from state sectional finals. Where did the season go? With that said, all the best of NJ Girl’s high school volleyball has yet to come. So much to look forward to as tournaments rev up and watching matches becomes a thrill a minute. Enjoy every second!!
We are only two days away from the massive tri-match between three of NJ’s undefeated teams. Princeton and Williamstown will invade Old Bridge for what is anticipated as deciding event for the 2025 season landscape. Looking at the very latest trends, Old Bridge 16-0 has lost just 1 set all season and is coming off a massive thumping of #7 Pinelands. The home court advantage will wreak havoc on both high profile opponents. Williamstown 16-0 has been on cruise mode, dismantling opponents by wide margins in recent matches. Princeton 15-0 lost their first two sets of the season in their last match against Southern. That match may work toward their advantage having a high intensity close match just prior to the weekend tri. This weekend could end up with all teams going 1-1, but we expect one of the teams will figure a way to come away with two wins. Let’s look at the order of play on Saturday. Old Bridge and Williamstown drop gloves in the first match at 9AM. Williamstown and Princeton face-off next with the last of the tri being Old Bridge vs. Princeton. Winner of the first match will hold a major advantage for a potential sweep. NJP’s ranking algorithm has Williamstown with the slightest edge in the ratings with Princeton and Old Bridge in a virtual dead heat. This few hours of NJ girl’s volleyball will showcase the top of NJ’s best players and best programs. Worth the trip!! Good luck to all players, coaches, and fans.
Please support these school team fundraisers and others that have not hit this page… great causes!
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This season flies by faster than you can imagine. One moment they’re nervous freshmen stepping onto the court, and suddenly they’re seniors playing their final matches. The NJP Action Photo Contest is your chance to freeze these fleeting moments forever: the powerful spike, the diving save, the pure joy on their face after a winning point. For seniors especially, this isn’t just about a photo contest. It’s about honoring their dedication, celebrating the athlete they’ve become, and capturing the passion that has defined their high school years. These images become more than pictures; they’re tangible memories of their strength, their team, and the countless hours of practice that brought them to this moment. Years from now, when the gym shoes are packed away and the uniform is folded in a drawer, these photos will transport you both back to the lights, the cheers, and the incredible journey of their volleyball career. Don’t let these precious senior season moments slip away uncaptured. Enter the contest and give your athlete a lasting tribute to their high school volleyball legacy. Submit to njpowerranking@gmail.com with player name, high school team, grad year, and photographer name for photo credit.
Recaps for 10/8…
The Mendham Minutemen (9-4, 4-3 NJAC – National) secured a solid 2-0 sweep against Jefferson (10-8, 3-2 NJAC – Freedom) on the road, capping off a competitive night. Mendham was powered by a strong, balanced effort, overcoming a close 25-23 victory in the first set to take the second 25-19. Jane Klosowsky led the offense with 8 kills, while setter Emma Hutchison steered the team with 10 assists. The service game was particularly effective for the Minutemen, as Alena Pfersch delivered a team-high 3 aces, helping to disrupt the Jefferson rhythm throughout the two sets. This win keeps the Mendham squad on an impressive pace as they approach the 10-win mark and excel their Morris County tourney championship hopes.
The Holy Cross Prep Lancers (11-2, 9-1 BCSL – Freedom) secured a hard-fought 2-1 divisional victory over the Pennsauken Tech Warriors (12-4, 9-3 BCSL – Freedom), assuring their grip on the Freedom Division top rank. The Lancers’ offense was driven by Carissa Garofalo, who put away 8 kills and added 2 aces in the three-set battle. Setter Isabella DePietro ran an efficient operation, leading the team with 12 assists and contributing 6 digs on defense. Defensively, Emily Cannon added 2 blocks and 3 digs to the winning effort. Key service pressure also came from Reese Murray, who chipped in 2 aces, giving Holy Cross Prep the edge in this crucial divisional matchup.
The Cherry Hill East Cougars (11-2, 6-0 Olympic – American) continued their dominant divisional run with a decisive 2-0 sweep over the Rancocas Valley Red Devils (8-8, 2-4 Olympic – American). In a demonstration of their superior execution, the Cougars claimed the first set 25-16 before closing out the match with an exhilarating 25-23 victory in the second set. Cherry Hill East victory highlights their exceptional teamwork and depth, maintaining their perfect record in Olympic – American Division play. This win brings the Cougars’ overall record to an impressive 11-2 as they continue their march through the schedule.
The Rutherford Bulldogs (13-2, 9-0 NJIC – Meadowlands) maintained their perfect divisional record with a quick and decisive 2-0 sweep over the Saddle Brook Falcons (6-11, 3-6 NJIC – Meadowlands). The offense was absolutely powered by Mackenzie Vellis, who posted a phenomenal 16 kills in the two-set match! Setter Cate Finan efficiently distributed the ball, tallying 17 assists, and also led the team in aces with 7. Strong defense was put up by Cate Metzger who recorded 2 blocks, while Cate Finan also chipped in 7 digs. The Bulldogs have now clinched the Meadowlands Division!
Livingston made quick work of Mount St. Dominic with a convincing 2-0 sweep on Wednesday, cruising to 25-16 and 25-12 victories to improve to 10-3 overall and 5-3 in SEC American play. The Lancers’ offense was firing on all cylinders behind setter Gabriella Anthony, who tallied 22 assists to guide a balanced attack. Camilla Dong led all hitters with 9 kills, while Cadence Sturt added 3 kills and Sarah Dimarsky chipped in with a kill and a block. Mount St. Dominic (7-8, 3-5 SEC American) struggled to find offensive rhythm against the stout Livingston defense, with Talia Roman leading the Lions with 5 kills and Alexci Green providing 3 blocks at the net. Skylar Dang distributed 7 assists for the Lions, but Livingston’s depth and efficiency proved too much to handle.
In a battle of 7-2 CAL American division rivals, Atlantic Tech outlasted Our Lady of Mercy 2-1 in a nail-biter on Wednesday, winning 24-26, 25-13, 25-23. Jadyn Clinkscale was absolutely sensational for the victorious Red Storm, posting 18 kills and 4 blocks while adding 11 digs for a dominant all-around performance. Setter Tyler Myronowsky was the maestro behind the offense with 25 assists, and the team’s depth showed with 29 digs as a unit. Our Lady of Mercy (12-4, 7-2 CAL American) received outstanding performances from Juliet Felicetti, who dished out 27 assists, and Kaitlyn Rambo, who pounded 12 kills to keep the Villagers competitive throughout. Despite the loss, Our Lady of Mercy proved they belong among the division’s elite, pushing Atlantic Tech (11-3, 7-2 CAL American) to the limit in a match that could have gone either way.
Roxbury advanced in the Morris County Tournament with a gritty three-set win over Hanover Park, taking the match 19-25, 25-16, 25-21. The Gaels showed poise under pressure after dropping the first set, responding with strong serving and balanced play to move on in postseason action. Mia Scalamoni led the way with 8 kills and 3 blocks, while setter Rebecca Corrado kept the offense in rhythm with 17 assists and 5 digs. Alyssa Bukosky added 6 kills and 10 digs, and Gianna Benfatti anchored the back row with 13 digs and 2 aces. Kiara Ortiz also contributed 11 assists and 3 aces, helping Roxbury close out the final two sets with energy and confidence. Hanover Park battled hard throughout, with Giovanna Pignataro recording 5 kills and 10 digs, and Ruby Marlin and Stella Roberts combining for 36 digs and 5 aces in strong defensive efforts. Though the Hornets came out fast to win the first set, Roxbury’s steady adjustments and depth proved too much as they secured their spot in the next round of the Morris County Tournament.
History was made as the Newark Data Science squad (1-5, 1-4) claimed their first win ever for the program, defeating Newark Fashion and Design (1-3, 1-2) in a thrilling 2-0 sweep! The victory was a hard-fought battle, particularly in the dramatic second set where Newark Data Science edged out a 28-26 final score. Both teams have figured ways to notch wins in their first season. We are sure its the first of many to come as these programs mature.
The Mother Seton Setters (14-2, 10-0 GMC – White) continued their dominant campaign, sweeping a tough non-divisional foe, the Monroe Falcons (10-5, 9-3 GMC – Red), 2-0. The Rams’ powerful victory was led by a pair of incredible individual performances. Hitter Faith Forenza had a standout performance, racking up 15 kills in the two-set contest! She was expertly guided by setter Madison Porter, who was the engine of the offense with a leading 27 assists. Annabelle Burns also contributed 5 kills and 3 aces to the effort.