10/10/25
Saturday morning, New Jersey volleyball fans will witness a legendary, all-time tri-match as three of the state’s undisputed titans, Williamstown, Princeton, and Old Bridge, collide in a high-stakes series of matches, carrying a combined record of 50-0 into the gym! This is more than just a set of regular-season games; it is a clash of undefeated, nationally-recognized powerhouses, with perfect seasons on the line. The action kicks off at 9:00 AM with the host Old Bridge Knights taking on the Williamstown Braves, followed by the Braves facing Princeton, and concluding with the Old Bridge vs. Princeton showdown. Every point will be amplified in what is set to be the most emotionally charged regular-season event of the year.
The level of individual talent on display is truly staggering, led by some of the state’s most decorated athletes and coaches. The Williamstown Braves, coached by the legendary Chris Sheppard (who recently achieved his 600th career win), feature a deep and disciplined roster, with junior outside hitter Peyton Wright driving the attack and sophomore setter Khloe Lynch masterfully running the offense. Facing them are the defending NJP 2024 State Champion Princeton Tigers, led by senior phenom Naomi Lygas, who just shattered the 1,000-kill milestone and broke school and state records for her 36-kill, 5-ace performance earlier this week. She is backed by the versatile senior setter Kaelin Bobetich, who contributes across the stat sheet. Both players have already committed to D1 college programs for beach volleyball. Finally, the hosting Old Bridge Knights, under Coach Andrew Hopman, are a formidable and experienced Group 4 contender, relying on the combined power of hitters like Ashley Markle and the setting and defense of Maya Lupinski to protect their home court advantage and maintain their perfect record. The Old Bridge crowd will play a big part in the outcome as this is one of the hardest places in NJ to pick up an away victory.
Prepare for a seismic shift in the state rankings, as this tri-match will not just shuffle the deck, it will entirely redefine the pecking order of New Jersey volleyball. The pressure is immense, the perfect records are fragile, and every single rally will determine which program leaves with its championship aspirations intact and which must return to the drawing board. This event is a pure, unadulterated measuring stick for three of the state’s best programs, and tomorrow morning’s volleyball will undoubtedly deliver the drama, intensity, and unforgettable moments that fans crave! Get ready for a monumental day of high school volleyball. After all the preparation, the players can have fun and show off their best performances.
For the next three weekends in Old Tappan, the Bergen County tournament will showcasing many of the best team in North Jersey. Tomorrow will be the round of 16 with some really stellar matchups. Next weekend as the group widdles down to 8 teams and quarter-finals, only 4 teams will emerge for the last weekends championship.
Tomorrow’s matches include #11 Immaculate Heart Academy (11-3) vs #40 Westwood (13-2). Who would have ever expected IHA as the #9 seed coming into a tournament they have dominated over the past decade. This should be a really excellent and close match as the Cardinals have had a great season. Glen Rock (12-2) will face host #8 Old Tappan (9-3) in what should be a real barn burner. Ramsey (10-3) vs. #23 Tenafly (8-4) and #22 Rutherford (14-2) vs. #21 Bogota (13-2) will also be feature matches in First round play. Other matches include Paramus Catholic (7-5) vs. #28 Northern Highlands (12-3), Pascack Hills (11-3) vs #9 Demarest (8-1), #26 River Dell (13-1) vs. #33 Pascack Valley (6-6), Lyndhurst (13-6) vs. Leonia (7-11), Cliffside Park (10-7) vs Midland Park (10-5) and of course the #1 seed #10 Ramapo (11-1) taking on Fair Lawn (11-5).
The Morris County tournament also has matches tomorrow as they advance toward their championship game on October 18th. #24 West Morris (11-3) plays #47 Par Hills (12-2) and Mount Olive (12-4) matches up with Morris Hills (12-3). #42 Madison (13-2) will host Mendham (10-4) and Roxbury (7-7) will entertain #1 seed #13 Randolph (12-1).
Hudson County (We have Secaucus heavily favored here) and Passaic County (NJP likes Wayne Valley to prevail) tournaments start next week.
Sunday we will announce our Top 10 finalist in the NJP Action Photo Contest. Entries are officially closed.
This weekend… watch for these updates…
New Player Rater
Updated Ranking
NJP Watch List for Players by Class
Article Recap on the “Battle at the Bridge” Tri-Match
NJP Action Photo Contest Update with voting for #1
And much more…
Did anyone catch that two sophomores are leading the state in kills right now? Izabella Osoria (Mount Olive) and Brynn Mack (Verona) have honors…
MadisonTrautz of Wayne Valley leads all freshman in kills.
MKA’s Ava Wheeler is dominating the defensive net so far this season and has already put back an amazing 69 blocks.
Junior Madison Porter of Mother Seton lead the state in assists and she has done it in less sets played than the next highest 8 players.
7 players have already eclipsed the 50 ace mark for the 2025 season… and two of them are freshman. Rylee Boyd of Ocean City and Ashley Ortega of Newark Tech are the two first year players with Katherine Heitman and Ellie Liu (New Providence), Maggie Carcillo (Paul VI), Amelia Singh (Holy Cross Prep) and Jayda Quigley (Pinelands) reaching that mark as well.
Westfield has clinched a UCC division title. Congrats to the Blue Devils.
