10/17/25
Saturday at Midnight is the deadline for the NJP Action Photo Contest. Every vote will count in a close race. Get your last votes in at https://njpowerranking.com/2025/10/12/njp-action-photo-contest-winners/
Do you have a sense of humor? Are you a volleyball player or fan? Then check this out… https://njpowerranking.com/2025/10/18/setting-up-for-laughs-a-volleyball-comedy-set/
The USA Today issued version 6 of their national high school volleyball rankings this week. Our goal is to get many more NJ teams on the list. Right now, Williamstown remains 4th in the regional ranking for our area which includes 5 east coast states. Let’s start a movement!! Send emails to USA Today… Send more to the AVCA… write your congressman… hire a lobbyist… whatever it takes to give our NJ teams more visibility on the national level. We may have to start scheduling some games with teams rated above us just to prove our worth! Here is a video on “How to start a movement”… Looks like fun!
Lots of data coming this weekend… stay tuned!
Accolades:
Just a great schedule of competitive matches tonight… let’s get to some recaps:
In one of the more competitive Olympic Conference crossover matchups of the week, Shawnee earned a gritty 2-1 victory over Bishop Eustace on Friday afternoon. The Renegades came out strong in the opening set, taking it 25-20, before the Crusaders responded with a sharp 25-18 win in the second. The deciding set saw both teams trade long rallies, but Shawnee’s composure in key moments helped secure a 25-19 clincher and the match. The win moved Shawnee to 9-8 overall, showing steady improvement against high-level competition in the Olympic Patriot Division. For Bishop Eustace (14-5), the narrow defeat snapped a strong recent stretch that included several conference wins. The Crusaders continue to stand out as one of the top defensive and balanced teams in South Jersey but will look to regroup quickly before postseason play begins.
In a tightly contested matchup on Friday, Mount St. Mary edged Kent Place in three intense sets, 31-29, 23-25, 25-18, improving to 13-5 on the season. Both teams showcased high-level play from start to finish, as long rallies and clutch serving defined the tone of the match. Pranavi Raina powered Kent Place with an impressive 17 kills and 13 digs, giving the Dragons a spark throughout the first two sets. Setter Savera Rigby added 20 assists, while Maya Hardy contributed 6 kills and 2 blocks at the net. Despite the strong effort, Kent Place came up just short after battling to a marathon opening set and splitting the first two frames. For Mount St. Mary, Brienne Steinwald led the charge with 14 kills, while setter Sophia Padin controlled the offense with 26 assists and 13 digs. Defensive standout Aiden Steinwald added 21 digs, and Julia Stempien chipped in 20 digs and a key block. The victory reflects the Mount’s balanced attack and resilience under pressure, helping them maintain momentum heading into the postseason stretch. Both teams left everything on the court in a matchup that felt postseason-ready, with Kent Place showing strong progress and Mount St. Mary demonstrating why it remains one of the top programs in Somerset County.
Science Park continued its dominant season with a 25-15, 25-22 victory over Payne Tech in the preliminary round of the Essex County Tournament on Friday. The win improved the Chargers to 20-1 overall, as they extended their unbeaten run in SEC Independence Division play to 12-0. Junior standout Eloah Bispo led the way once again, posting 14 kills, 18 digs, and 2 blocks in a powerful all-around performance. Setter Gianna Jacho fueled the attack with 26 assists, while Ema Rodriguez added 7 kills and 8 digs in support. Defensively, Ashley Quezada contributed 14 digs and Ashley Silva anchored the back row with five. Science Park controlled much of the first set behind strong serving and quick offensive tempo. Payne Tech battled back in the second, keeping things tight until late, but the Chargers’ consistency at the net proved too much. The victory sends Science Park into a match with top-seeded Verona. This will be their biggest test of the season in a true David vs. Goliath matchup. A win could put this program on the map and validate their super strong season.
In a tight Big North National matchup on Friday, Demarest held off a determined Pascack Valley squad to earn a 25-15, 15-25, 25-21 victory. The win improved the Norsewomen to 11-2 overall and 7-1 in league play, keeping them near the top of the conference standings. Pascack Valley found its rhythm in the second set, using aggressive serving and strong play at the net to even the match behind Gianna Siller’s team-high 13 kills and Celia Torres’ 21 assists. Alexa Gade added a key block to help shift momentum briefly in the Panthers’ favor. However, Demarest regained control in the decisive third set with its trademark composure and balanced offense. Consistent defense and timely execution allowed the Norsewomen to close out the match and maintain their strong midseason form as the state tournaments approach.
Ocean City continued its dominant season with a straight-set win over Donovan Catholic, taking the match 25-22, 25-22 on Friday evening. This is without a doubt, the biggest win in Ocean City program history for Head Coach Jillian Garza and the Red Raiders. The victory improved Ocean City’s record to 19-1 overall. Donovan Catholic pushed Ocean City in both sets, staying within striking distance throughout behind a strong performance from Emaleigh Alborn, who led the Griffins with 7 kills and 3 blocks. Setter Brooke George added 15 assists, keeping the offense balanced despite facing one of the state’s toughest defensive units. For Ocean City, the win showcased their depth and poise late in sets, as they capitalized on key transition points to close out each frame. With postseason play approaching, the Red Raiders continue to look like a legitimate contender for a deep tournament run, while Donovan Catholic demonstrated the competitiveness that could make them a dangerous opponent in the Shore Conference tournament.
Bridgewater-Raritan earned one of its most hard-fought wins of the season on Friday, defeating a strong Bloomfield squad in four sets 25-16, 22-25, 25-7, 29-27 to move to 18-3 overall. The match showcased the Panthers’ offensive balance and resilience, particularly in a tense fourth set that could have easily forced a fifth. Leading the way for Bridgewater-Raritan was Jahniah Bishop, who recorded 16 kills and 2 blocks, while setter Brooke Krizan orchestrated the offense brilliantly with 46 assists and 15 digs. Ava Marvuglio added 14 kills and a match-high 27 digs, giving the Panthers a steady presence in both the front and back row. The defensive effort was anchored by Camille Hilton, who tallied 25 digs and 3 aces. For Bloomfield, star hitter Chideha Osondu powered the Bengals with 14 kills and 9 digs, while setter Grace Belmonte dished out 25 assists to keep her team competitive throughout. River Estrada added 9 kills, and Anaiis Bejasa contributed 3 service aces. Despite their strong push, Bloomfield couldn’t close out the late rallies that defined the final set. The win marks another signature victory for Bridgewater-Raritan as the postseason looms. The Panthers’ depth and ability to close tight sets have established them as one of the most dangerous teams in Central Jersey, while Bloomfield continues to prove it can compete with some of the state’s best programs.
River Dell continued its impressive season with a commanding 3-0 sweep of Rutherford on Friday afternoon, taking the match 25-18, 25-18, 25-17. The Golden Hawks improved to 15-3 overall, showcasing their balance, precision, and depth against one of the NJIC’s top programs. Setter Kai Grebla was the engine behind River Dell’s offense, distributing 35 assists while adding 5 aces and 6 digs. Senior outside hitter Marissa Petrocelli led the attack with 13 kills and 9 digs, while teammate Cassidy Collins matched her with 13 kills and a team-high 2.5 blocks. Roni Jastrzebska added 6 kills and 9 digs, providing additional firepower on the wing. For Rutherford, standout hitter Mackenzie Vellis turned in a strong performance with 14 kills and 7 digs, continuing her dominant offensive season. Setter Cate Finan kept the Bulldogs in rhythm with 27 assists and 3 aces, while Tessa Davidson contributed 5 kills and 12 digs. Despite their efforts, Rutherford struggled to contain River Dell’s consistent passing and front-row execution. The win strengthens River Dell’s case as one of North Jersey’s elite teams heading into the county and state tournaments, while Rutherford remains a force in the NJIC, using this matchup as valuable preparation for postseason play.
Hudson County Tournament – Final Four Set After Friday’s Quarterfinals: The 2025 Hudson County Girls Volleyball Tournament quarterfinals wrapped up Friday night, solidifying a powerhouse Final Four lineup. Top-seeded Secaucus, defending its long-standing dominance in Hudson County, advanced with a straight-set victory over Harrison, winning 2-0 to move into the semifinals. The Patriots continue to look like the clear favorite behind their balanced attack and deep rotation. In other action, Memorial pulled off a statement win over Bayonne, sweeping the Bees 2-0 to set up a semifinal matchup with Secaucus. Meanwhile, McNair defeated a gritty Dickinson squad 2-0 to reach the semifinals, and Union City closed out the night by sweeping Hoboken 2-0, showing the kind of composure that makes them a serious title threat.
Semifinal Matchups – Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- #1 Secaucus vs #4 Memorial – at Secaucus, 4:00 PM
- #2 Union City vs #3 McNair – at Union City, 4:00 PM
Championship Match – Saturday, October 25, 2025
- 1:00 PM at County Prep
Secaucus is the heavy favorite by NJP to bring home the Gold.
Some amazing volleyball set for tomorrows schedule including numerous county tournaments, especially Bergen and Morris Counties, and feature matchups between Hackettstown/Sparta, Vianney/Millburn, Cherry Hill East/Southern, Bishop Eustace/Holy Cross, Princeton/Kingsway, IHA/Ramapo, Bogota/Demarest, and Northern Highlands/Tenafly. Enjoy.
Good night…