Bulger and Manochio Anchor Rams’ Quest for Shore Conference Glory
MANAHAWKIN – In the competitive landscape of New Jersey high school volleyball, Southern Regional has built a reputation as a perennial power. This season, that tradition continues through the stellar play of two remarkable athletes: junior outside hitter Kayden Bulger and junior libero Gianna Manochio.
Despite a 15-7 record that might suggest inconsistency, the Rams have faced one of the state’s most grueling schedules. Most of their seven losses came against top-10 opponents, including a hard-fought five-set battle against Princeton that showcased Southern’s ability to compete at the elite level.
Leading the Attack
Kayden Bulger has emerged as Southern’s offensive catalyst, leading the team with 274 kills while adding 39 aces through 64 sets played. The 5-8 outside hitter has embraced her role as a leader on a squad that graduated significant talent from last season.
“So far in the season I have been very pleasantly surprised by our ability to come together,” Bulger explained. “As the season is going on, we have just gotten closer, on and off the court. We are trusting each other more and more and it is really showing in our play.”
That trust has manifested in clutch performances throughout the season. Her 33-kill explosion against Princeton in the five-set thriller demonstrated her ability to elevate in big moments. Against Pinelands in another five-set battle, she contributed 19 kills and 21 digs, showcasing her all-around game.
What makes Bulger particularly dangerous is her mental preparation. Before every match, she has developed a unique routine that centers her focus.
“This season I have really been prioritizing my mental well being and mindset before games,” Bulger shared. “I realized that I am greater than how I play in a game. This has really been helping me stay calm during games. As someone who gets overwhelmed very easily, I prepare before every game by eating Wawa apple slices with Megan Moroney full blast in my headphones with my eyes closed. I don’t talk to anyone and I visualize how I want to play in the game. This puts me in a concentrated state of mind that transfers into the game.”
Eyes on the Next Level
For Bulger, volleyball represents more than just high school glory. Her passion for the sport has fueled dreams of playing at the collegiate level.
“I would absolutely love the opportunity to play in college,” Bulger said emphatically. “In my head it just isn’t really a possibility that next year could be my last time playing volleyball. I have played for the last 5 years and it is my favorite thing in the world.”
That commitment extends beyond the high school season. Bulger credits her development to a network of coaches who have invested in her future.
“It is very comforting knowing that both my school and club coaches push me to continue my career,” she explained. “Coach Maxwell helps me train now for different skills I need to advance my play. During club season I have amazing coaches who constantly push me to the next level. Coach Chaz, Coach Cathy, Coach Anthony, and Coach Steph have really helped me become the player I am today! Playing at the next level is a huge goal of mine so I plan to continue to improve my game!”
Defensive Anchor
While Bulger attacks from the front row, Manochio controls the back row with relentless determination. The 5-2 libero has compiled 334 digs this season, adding 32 aces and solid passing to anchor Southern’s defensive system. Her 431 career digs place her within striking distance of personal milestones.
“Life as a libero is all about grit and hard work,” Manochio explained. “At times it can be very mentally challenging to know you play a key role in the teams overall defensive play. I always have to be on my toes, and willing to dive, dig, and throw myself across the court to get every ball.”
Her acrobatic style and scrappy play have lifted spirits throughout the season. In the five-set match against Pinelands, Manochio recorded 31 digs. Against Princeton, she added 24 more, proving her ability to sustain excellence in marathon matches.
Chasing 500
Manochio has set clear objectives for herself this season, with one number standing above the rest.
“My personal goal for this season is to reach 500 career digs. As of today, I’m at 431. For the past few weeks, I’ve been ranked in the top 10 liberos in the state and I’d love to try to make it to #1! Manochio revealed. “I believe that there is always room for development, both mentally and physically, so a constant goal of mine is to improve as a player overall.”
With 334 digs already this season and several matches remaining before the postseason, that 500-dig milestone appears well within reach. But for Manochio, individual statistics serve a larger purpose in her development as a complete player.
Weighing Her Options
Unlike Bulger, whose path forward seems clear, Manochio is taking a more measured approach to her future beyond high school volleyball.
“As of right now, I am undecided if I want to continue my volleyball career after high school. I absolutely love the sport! It has enhanced my life in so many ways. I’m physically and mentally stronger because of volleyball and playing for both school and club has brought me the most amazing group of friends” Manochio shared candidly. “It’s hard to imagine not playing; it’s been my life for the past 5 years. Right now, my priority is figuring out which school best fits my future career goals. But if volleyball does work out for me post high school, I plan to give it my all and work the hardest I’ve ever worked before.”
Her pragmatic approach reflects a maturity beyond her years, balancing her love for the sport with broader academic and career considerations. Yet her competitive fire burns as bright as anyone’s on the court, suggesting that whatever path she chooses, excellence will follow.
Championship Mentality
Under the guidance of Southern head coach Eric Maxwell, Southern has maintained its championship culture. Both players spoke glowingly about their coach’s impact.
“I believe that we couldn’t have gotten luckier to have such a dedicated coach,” Bulger said. “He believes in us and wants us to win. He has a proven record of forming championship teams. Maxwell will fight for his team and he knows how to push us. I admire his commitment and enthusiasm for our team and he knows what he’s doing so I have full faith in him.”
The girl’s club experience plays a big part in their overall talent level developing skills throughout the year. Southern likes to keep it all in the family with another Maxwell running the SilverHammers club program. Manochio shared: “Charlie Maxwell is an amazing person on and off the court. From a coaching perspective, he always sees the best in everybody and coaches with a great amount of positivity. He believes that the game of volleyball is not just about winning but also having fun. Off the court, he is always our number one fan and is never more than a phone call away providing support and encouragement throughout my volleyball journey.”
Postseason Ready
With an 8-2 record in Shore Conference A South play, Southern is positioned for a strong postseason run. The team’s experience against elite competition has prepared them mentally for the challenges ahead.
“I think that we are all ready to start our post season run,” Bulger emphasized. “We have played in some big matches already. Getting exposure to big crowds and competitive teams early in the season is so important because we are mentally prepared for that pressure. We believe pressure is a privilege in our program and we are ready to step up and show who Southern Volleyball is.”
Manochio identified the challenge ahead: “We will face some tough competition in the Shore Conference Championship, mainly St. John Vianney and Pinelands. We’ve battled against both and unfortunately come up short each time. As a team, we’ve come a long way in regard to our skills and team play and I know we are ready for them. We just all need to go into it believing that we can win it!” The Rams have already faced Pinelands twice this season, splitting the series with a 2-0 loss on September 17 and a thrilling 3-2 setback on October 1. Both matches provided valuable experience and film to study as the teams potentially prepare for a third meeting with championship stakes on the line.
Building Through Adversity
Southern’s difficult schedule has served as a proving ground. Beyond the losses to Pinelands, the Rams have tested themselves against Williamstown, Paul VI, St. John Vianney, and Princeton. Each defeat provided lessons and built resilience.
The Princeton match on October 7 exemplified Southern’s fighting spirit. Despite falling 3-2, the Rams pushed one of New Jersey’s elite programs to the limit. Bulger’s 33 kills in that match represented a season-high performance when her team needed it most, while Manochio’s 24 digs kept Southern in every rally.
Support System
Both players acknowledged the crucial role their support systems play in their success, though they noted room for growth in certain areas.
“Our team parents are always there supporting us, no matter how far they have to travel,” Manochio observed. “They always come with the highest energy with their pom poms and loud cheers.”
That loyal core of supporters has traveled to away matches and packed the home gym, providing energy that fuels the Rams through tight matches and crucial moments.
Depth Makes the Difference
Beyond the individual brilliance of Bulger and Manochio, Southern’s strength lies in its depth. Lauren Ambar has distributed 321 assists while adding 163 digs, orchestrating an offense that keeps opponents guessing. Heather Henderson provides a second offensive threat with 149 kills and 29 aces. Natalie Fischer and Brooke Sutter combine for over 200 digs, reinforcing the back row alongside Manochio. Catherine Dalon adds 44 kills from the middle, giving Southern an interior presence.
“It has also been amazing to see that everyone is ready to play in big games,” Bulger observed. “We have had so many girls come off the bench in the middle of a game and really make a big difference! So it’s really nice to know that we have a whole team of girls who are ready to step up!”
That depth will prove critical as Southern navigates the final stretch of regular season play and enters the postseason tournament, where one injury or off night can derail championship aspirations.
The Road Ahead
As the Rams prepare for their remaining regular season matches against Jackson Township, Toms River South, and Cherry Hill East, they do so with their eyes fixed on the postseason prize. The combination of Bulger’s offensive firepower and Manochio’s defensive excellence gives Southern the foundation to compete for another Shore Conference championship.
For Bulger, each match represents another step toward her collegiate dreams and another opportunity to refine the skills that will carry her to the next level. For Manochio, each dig brings her closer to 500 for her career while she continues to evaluate what role volleyball will play in her future.
What’s certain is that both players have left an indelible mark on this Southern Regional season. In a program where excellence is expected and championships are the standard, Kayden Bulger and Gianna Manochio are writing the next chapter in Rams volleyball history.
They do so with different paths potentially ahead, but with the same commitment to team success, the same hunger for improvement, and the same belief that when the lights are brightest and the pressure is highest, Southern Regional volleyball will answer the call.
One dig and one kill at a time, these two juniors are proving that the future of Rams volleyball remains as bright as its storied past.
