10/9/25
County Tournaments are starting to heat up as week 6 is coming to end. Morris County is a couple of rounds in and Passaic and Bergen are starting. Always a fun and exciting time of the year for the players and fans. We will be covering most of the tourney action in our blog posts nightly.
Friday night is the deadline for the NJP Action Photo contest… make sure to submit before midnight.
We will be looking at stat leaders tonight in this blog. Going to be a late night so stay tuned…
Accolades…
Congratulations to Mother Seton’s Annabelle Burns for eclipsing 400 career kills!!!
Ramsey’s Lucy Sobel reach 1,000 career digs… congrats #8!
Please support this worthwhile team fundraiser…
Here are state stat leaders through games played 10/9/25:
Sets Played
Kills
Blocks
Digs
Assists
Aces
Player Watch Lists by Class are Coming Soon… Who are NJ’s top prospects for D1 potential. Stay Tuned.
Thursday recaps…
Westfield continued its strong play in the Union County Conference with a hard-fought three-set win over Union Catholic, taking the match 25-14, 17-25, 25-14 to improve to 15-3 on the season. The Blue Devils were powered by Ava Gaspard, who turned in another dominant performance with 15 kills, 8 digs, and 4 aces to lead the way. Vicki Morey provided steady support with 12 kills and 9 digs, while setter Abby Wilson orchestrated the attack brilliantly, recording 19 assists and 6 digs. Defensive specialist Audrey Hu was a difference-maker in the back row with 20 digs and 4 aces, and Sophia Simeone added 3 aces to round out a strong serving effort. Union Catholic, now 11-6, made things interesting by taking the second set behind the balanced play of Ayla Burke and Alyssa Kenol, who each tallied 7 kills. Setter Alex Landazabal distributed the ball efficiently with 11 assists and added 5 aces to spark the Vikings’ offense. Sabrina Capati contributed 7 assists and 2 aces, while Sienna Mabee and Maria Gialanella combined for 14 digs in a strong defensive showing. Though Union Catholic battled throughout, Westfield’s depth, serving power, and late-set execution helped secure the victory in this key UCC Watchung Division matchup.
Mendham pulled off one of the biggest wins of the NJAC season, rallying to defeat previously unbeaten Randolph in three sets, 16-25, 25-17, 25-21. The Minutemen were fueled by a phenomenal performance from Caroline Brubaker, who led the team with 8 kills and 5 blocks, delivering key points at the net to help turn the match around after a slow start. Setter Emma Hutchison was instrumental in the comeback, distributing 14 assists and adding 8 digs to keep the offense steady. Alena Pfersch anchored the defense with 21 digs and contributed 3 aces, while Jane Klosowsky and Luiza Pavan Braidatoo added 4 kills apiece to give Mendham a balanced attack. The win showcased the Minutemen’s depth and determination, as they took control late in the second set and carried the momentum through to a decisive third-set victory. Randolph, now 12-1, started strong with a dominant opening set, showing why they had been unbeaten in NJAC National Division play. The Rams continued to battle in a competitive second and third set but struggled to slow down Mendham’s offense once it found its rhythm. Despite the setback, Randolph remains one of the top teams in the conference, while Mendham’s statement win serves notice that they are a legitimate contender capable of taking down any opponent.
The Glen Rock Panthers (12-2) delivered an emphatic statement by sweeping the previously scorching-hot St. Mary (Ruth.) Gaels (14-2) in a non-division matchup. The Panthers took the match in straight sets with scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 25-15, ending the Gaels’ impressive 14-game winning streak. Glen Rock‘s strong performance across three sets suggests an all-around team effort, with consistent hitting and solid defense proving too much for the Gaels. This victory immediately vaults Glen Rock‘s resume to the top of their conference and serves as an excellent morale boost as they head into the Bergen County Tournament this weekend.
Mother Seton continued its dominant run in the GMC with a straight-set victory over Monroe, winning 25-21, 25-17 to improve to 15-2 overall. The Setters were powered by Faith Forenza, who delivered a commanding 15 kills and 5 digs to lead the offense. Setter Madison Porter was exceptional in distributing the ball, recording 27 assists, 7 digs, and an ace, while libero Isabella Matias anchored the defense with 20 digs. Annabelle Burns contributed 5 kills and 19 digs in a strong two-way performance, and Addyson Anderson added 4 kills and 7 service points to keep Mother Seton in control throughout. With crisp passing and smart play at the net, the Setters showed the composure of a championship-caliber team. Monroe, now 10-5, fought hard and kept both sets competitive behind the efforts of Adhya Mukunda, who led the Falcons with 3 kills and 6 assists. Suhani Patel added 3 kills and 3 blocks, while Dhara Patel and Kristina Nieves provided key defensive support with 17 combined digs. Despite the loss, Monroe displayed strong defensive effort and hustle against one of the GMC’s most disciplined and well-coached teams. The win keeps Mother Seton undefeated in conference play as their smart scheduling and depth continue to pay dividends late in the season.
Bloomfield continued its impressive season with a dominant straight-set victory over Nutley, winning 25-13, 25-22 to move to 13-2 overall. The Bengals were led by Chideha Osondu, who powered the offense with 11 kills and 6 digs while maintaining control at the net. River Estrada added 9 kills and 8 digs in another strong two-way effort, and setter Grace Belmonte was excellent in running the attack with 16 assists and 6 digs. Katherine Brown contributed 3 kills and a block, while Naomi Santana added 4 kills to round out a well-balanced team performance. After cruising in the first set, Bloomfield fought off a late push from Nutley in the second to close out the match. Nutley, now 6-11, showed resilience, especially in the second set, led by Sydney Tramontana with 5 kills and Sydney Bello with 8 assists and 2 aces. Olivia Miller added 8 digs to stabilize the back row, and Natalia Kit tallied 2 blocks to help slow the Bengals’ attack. Though Nutley couldn’t complete the comeback, their effort in the second set highlighted their ability to battle against one of the top teams in Essex County. Bloomfield’s victory reinforces their position as a contender in the SEC Colonial and one of the most consistent squads in North Jersey.
The Pascack Hills Cowboys (11-3, 4-3 Big North – Patriot) put on an offensive showcase to sweep the visiting Fort Lee Bridgemen (11-6, 6-0 Big North – American) in a Bergen County Tourney thriller. The night belonged to Eva Myers, who earns a well-deserved special accolade for her breathtaking 18 kills across the three sets! Guiding the high-powered attack was setter Sophia Kelly, who directed traffic with 27 assists and played solid defense with 22 digs. The entire Pascack Hills team kept the pressure on, with Melis Ture contributing 3 aces, and the defense holding Fort Lee to a final score of 16 in the third set. This impressive performance proves Pascack Hills is a force to be reckoned in the tourney.
In other BCT action, River Dell continued its hot streak with a commanding straight-set victory over Saddle River Day, winning 25-17, 25-17, 25-14 to improve to 13-1 on the season. The Golden Hawks were led by Marissa Petrocelli, who was unstoppable at the net with 12 kills and 8 digs while also adding 3 aces. Cara Lee continued her standout play with 10 kills and 9 digs, forming a dynamic attacking duo that kept the Rebels on their heels. Setter Kai Grebla orchestrated the offense beautifully, dishing out 23 assists and adding 4 digs and 3 aces, while libero Madison Pastore anchored the backcourt with 14 digs. The Hawks’ depth was on full display, as Cassidy Collins chipped in 9 kills and Odilet Encarnacion added 6 digs and 5 aces, helping River Dell control all phases of the match. Saddle River Day, now 8-6, fought to stay competitive but struggled to contain River Dell’s balanced attack and strong serving game. The Rebels showed resilience in the first two sets, keeping rallies alive and challenging the Hawks’ defense before momentum firmly shifted in the third. Despite the setback, Saddle River Day continues to demonstrate growth and grit in a challenging stretch of their schedule, while River Dell’s convincing win solidifies their status as one of Bergen County’s top programs.
Ramsey was in top form on Thursday, sweeping Dwight-Englewood in straight sets 25-17, 25-19, 25-12 to earn their 10th win of the season. The Rams’ offense was balanced and efficient, led by Haley Spierenburg, who tallied 9 kills and 3 digs, and Ava Neuenhaus, who matched her with 9 kills and 6 digs. Setter Jules Pensari ran the attack masterfully, dishing out 19 assists and adding 4 kills, while Bella Moore added 13 assists and 2 aces to keep the offense flowing. Libero EJ Mavrides and defensive specialist Lucy Sobel anchored the back row with a combined 40 digs, helping Ramsey stay composed and in control throughout the match. Dwight-Englewood, now 11-4, battled hard but struggled to overcome Ramsey’s consistency and depth. Despite their effort and solid defensive stretches early, the Bulldogs couldn’t slow down the Rams’ high-tempo attack. With this decisive win, Ramsey continues to build momentum in the Big North Patriot, showcasing the blend of discipline and precision, and will need it when they face Tenafly next in the BCT grid.
Fair Lawn put together a dominant all-around performance to sweep Bergen Tech 25-14, 25-20, 25-15 and improve to 11-5 on the season. The Cutters were firing on all cylinders behind the power of Abby Sahoury, who led the way with 11 kills and 11 service points in a complete offensive effort. Anastasia Kopchuk added 10 kills and 7 digs to bolster the attack, while Isabella Castillo was steady as ever with 9 kills and 12 digs. Setter Jeanelle Jardiolin expertly guided the offense with 18 assists and 3 aces, and Layla Pinkhas contributed 10 assists and 15 service points in a balanced playmaking display. Libero Leila Harty anchored the defense with 19 digs, ensuring Fair Lawn controlled rallies from start to finish. Bergen Tech, now 8-7, showed flashes of strong defense and grit in the second set but couldn’t sustain enough pressure to slow down Fair Lawn’s rhythm. The Cutters’ relentless serving, cohesive ball movement, and energy at the net proved too much to handle as they swept their way to another Big North victory. With their offensive depth and poise on full display, Fair Lawn continues to look like a dangerous contender but they will have their work cut out for them as they draw #1 seed Ramapo next in the tournament.
