10/18/2025
What an amazing Saturday of NJ Girl’s Volleyball!!
First let’s start off with a NJP Action Photo Contest winner… Jayda Quigley takes the honors in a super close ballot, nipping Julianna Stingle at the wire. All the results at https://njpowerranking.com/2025/10/19/njp-action-photo-contest-results/
New article posted on the junior dynamic duo leading Southern into the state tournament at https://njpowerranking.com/2025/10/18/southern-regionals-dynamic-duo-leading-championship-chase/
How many new faces were added today? Let’s just say… lots! Check them out here… https://njpowerranking.com/faces-of-new-jersey-volleyball/
Any comedians out there in the NJ volleyball community? Join us in poking some fun at high school volleyball at https://njpowerranking.com/2025/10/18/setting-up-for-laughs-a-volleyball-comedy-set/
New Ranking tomorrow from the NJP computer algorithm… stay tuned.
More Saturday recaps…
In a competitive interconference matchup, St. John Vianney improved to 19-1 overall with a four-set win over Millburn (14-5), earning the victory by scores of 25-13, 25-23, 20-25, 25-20. The Lancers, leaders of the Shore Conference A North Division, showcased both power and balance on offense to overcome the well-organized Millers from the SEC American Division. Amelia Moro led the way for St. John Vianney with 16 kills, providing steady production throughout all four sets. Setter Ayana Warren controlled the tempo with 43 assists and added 5 aces, while Taylor Sofilkanich was dominant at the net with 11 kills and a match-high 6 blocks. Giavanna Sergi contributed strong defense, tallying 21 digs and 5 aces, as Genevieve Millett added 9 kills and 3 aces to the Lancer offense. For Millburn, Sydney Grani led all players with 14 kills, continuing her standout season as the team’s primary scorer. Avika Vijayraghaven anchored the front row with 6 kills and 4 blocks, while setter Franna Hawksworth distributed 25 assists and collected 12 digs. Ava Chen recorded 15 digs and 4 aces, and Lily Philipov added 8 kills with 12 digs. After dropping the first two sets, Millburn responded with an impressive third-set victory, taking control midway through the frame to win 25-20. The Millers kept pressure on St. John Vianney in the fourth, but the Lancers’ blocking and serving depth proved too much to overcome. With the win, St. John Vianney remains among the top-ranked teams in New Jersey and continues its push toward postseason play with one of the most balanced lineups in the state. Millburn, now 14-5, remains in strong position for state tournament seeding after showing resilience against one of the Shore’s elite programs.
In one of the most competitive non-conference matchups of the weekend, Southern Regional defended its home court with a four-set victory over Cherry Hill East, winning 27-25, 27-25, 13-25, 25-22. The Rams improved to 15-7 overall while handing the Cougars (15-3) just their third loss of the season. Southern leaned heavily on standout hitter Kayden Bulger, who delivered one of the top performances in New Jersey this fall with 28 kills and 11 digs. Setter Lauren Ambar was exceptional in distribution, recording 45 assists along with 12 digs, orchestrating an attack that kept Cherry Hill East under constant pressure. Heather Henderson provided balance at the net with 12 kills and 2 blocks, while Gianna Manochio anchored the back row with 24 digs. The first two sets were thrillers, both ending 27-25 in favor of Southern after extended rallies and multiple lead changes. Cherry Hill East answered in the third, controlling momentum and spacing effectively to take a decisive 25-13 win. But Southern regrouped in the fourth, using strong serving from Natalie Fischer and timely kills from Bulger to close out the match 25-22. Southern’s ability to respond in high-pressure moments defined the outcome and continued their surge heading into the final stretch of the regular season. For Cherry Hill East, the road loss against a perennial power like Southern offered valuable experience against a deep and disciplined opponent. With Bulger’s front-row dominance and Ambar’s consistency setting the tone, Southern Regional solidified its status as one of South Jersey’s toughest teams to beat.
In a battle between two of New Jersey’s top programs, Kingsway held off Princeton in a tight three-set match, winning 26-24, 12-25, 25-13. The Dragons improved to 15-3 overall with the victory, while Princeton dropped to 17-4. The opening set set the tone for the match, featuring long rallies and elite-level play from both sides. Kingsway pulled out a 26-24 win after fending off multiple set points behind kills from Sofia Oravetz and Ava Patterson, along with steady setting from Sophie Park, who finished with 32 assists. Princeton answered with authority in the second, dominating 25-12 thanks to Naomi Lygas, who led all hitters with 15 kills, and strong back-row play from Charlotte Woods, who recorded 22 digs. In the deciding third, Kingsway’s offensive rhythm returned, sparked by Oravetz’s 12 kills and Patterson’s 12 kills and 19 digs. The Dragons controlled the tempo and limited Princeton’s second-chance opportunities, finishing the set 25-13 to seal the win. Mackenzie Agness added 9 kills and 2 blocks, while Park’s consistency kept Princeton’s defense off balance. For Princeton, Lygas once again showcased her all-around talent, combining power with precision on the outside. Setter Kaelin Bobetich contributed 22 assists and 9 digs, and libero Woods was outstanding in coverage. But the Dragons’ ability to reset after a lopsided second set and finish strong on both sides of the ball highlighted why they remain one of South Jersey’s most complete teams. The win adds another quality result to Kingsway’s résumé as the Dragons prepare for the final stretch of regular-season play and a deep postseason run.
In the Bergen County Tournament quarterfinals, Old Tappan advanced to the semifinals after defeating Pascack Valley in four sets, 25–15, 23–25, 25–17, 25–18. The Golden Knights improved to 13–3, while Pascack Valley closed the tournament at 7–9, showing strong resistance against one of the state’s top-ranked programs. Old Tappan’s balanced attack led the way, with Bianca Benasillo recording 14 kills and 4 blocks to anchor the front line. Julia Whaley added 11 kills and 2 blocks, while Eva Curko contributed 10 kills and 4 blocks of her own in one of the team’s most complete front-row efforts of the season. Setter Joley Giordano guided the offense with 32 assists, consistently feeding her hitters and maintaining control in key rallies. Pascack Valley battled hard, particularly in the second set where they rallied to even the match behind the play of Addison Demyen, who had 13 kills and 4 blocks, and setter Celia Torres, who distributed 28 assists. Libero Maddy Romero was outstanding defensively, finishing with 33 digs, while Riley Hirsch chipped in 9 kills and 11 digs. After splitting the first two sets, Old Tappan’s depth and consistency proved decisive. Strong net play from Benasillo, Curko, and Nadine Whaley, along with steady serving from Adriana Bryan and Desi Malafis, helped the Knights close out the final two frames with confidence.The victory sends Old Tappan to the Bergen County semifinals facing Tenafly, where they’ll continue their pursuit of another county championship against one of North Jersey’s elite.
In one of the most competitive matches of the Bergen County Tournament, Immaculate Heart Academy outlasted Ramapo in a dramatic five-set reverse-sweep semifinal, 23–25, 16–25, 25–16, 25–21, 15–8, to advance to the county championship. Both teams entered with strong resumes, Immaculate Heart at 15–3 and Ramapo at 14–2, and delivered the kind of high-level volleyball worthy of a late-round showdown. After dropping the first two sets, Immaculate Heart completely flipped the match behind the leadership of setter Kristen Lee, who orchestrated the offense with 45 assists and added 13 digs. Junior outside hitter Adrielle Crump powered the comeback with 17 kills and 12 digs, while middle hitter Sophia Mahon contributed 12 kills and 4 blocks to control the net in the final three frames. Defensive anchor Lilith Roman was exceptional in the back row with 28 digs, and libero Emma Fowler added 20 digs and 7 aces, keeping pressure on Ramapo with aggressive serving. For Ramapo, it was a strong start built on the outstanding play of Sara Wingfield, who finished with 23 kills and 19 digs. Setter Ella Petrevski had 35 assists, and Ellie Sanborn added 11 kills and 17 digs as the Raiders took the opening two sets with efficient hitting and crisp defense. However, as the match wore on, Immaculate Heart’s defensive adjustments began to slow Ramapo’s attack, allowing the Blue Eagles to seize control late. The decisive fifth set was all Immaculate Heart, with Lee spreading the offense between Crump and Mahon to build an early lead. Fowler’s serving run helped extend the margin, and Crump’s kill on match point sealed the victory. With the win, Immaculate Heart advances to the Bergen County Tournament final, where they’ll face Demarest. The matchup will feature two of North Jersey’s premier programs competing for county supremacy on Saturday, October 25, promising another high-caliber showcase of elite volleyball.
In a statement win at the Bergen County Tournament, Tenafly delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, defeating Northern Highlands in four sets, 25–23, 19–25, 25–21, 25–13. The victory sends the Tigers into the semifinal round, marking a significant achievement for a program that continues to show growth in one of North Jersey’s toughest volleyball landscapes. Lexi McGinty was unstoppable at the net for Tenafly, recording 21 kills and 23 digs in a dominant two-way effort. Setter Mia Bareket guided the offense with 22 assists, keeping the Northern Highlands blockers off balance throughout the match. Ryan Liles contributed both at the net and defensively, adding 5 kills and 4 blocks, while Sivan Aburus provided steady back-row coverage with 17 digs and 9 kills from the outside. After splitting the first two sets, Tenafly found its rhythm behind McGinty’s precision hitting and Bareket’s tempo control. The Tigers pulled away late in the third with a 6–1 closing run and then controlled the fourth set from the start, using strong serving and relentless defense to secure the upset. The win improves Tenafly’s record to 12–5 and earns the team a spot among the final four in Bergen County, where they will next face a powerful Immaculate Heart squad in the semifinals. For Northern Highlands (16–4), it was a rare stumble in an otherwise excellent season, as the Highlanders struggled to counter Tenafly’s balance and consistency in the closing sets. The Tigers’ performance showcased poise, depth, and determination, qualities that will be tested again when they face one of the state’s perennial powers in the next round of county tournament play.
In a commanding quarterfinal performance, Demarest continued its postseason momentum with a straight-set victory over Bogota, winning 25–21, 25–19, 25–21 in the Bergen County Tournament at Old Tappan. The Norsemen controlled the match from start to finish, using consistent serving pressure and a disciplined defensive scheme to advance to the semifinals. With the win, Demarest (12–2) adds another quality victory to its resume in a season already highlighted by strong play in the Big North National Division. Their attack proved too much for Bogota (16–4), which entered the match as one of the top programs from the NJIC Colonial Division. Each set saw Bogota make small pushes behind its trademark scrappy defense and quick offense, but Demarest’s balance across the front line and steady passing core helped them maintain control during key points. The Norsemen closed each frame efficiently, never allowing Bogota to seize momentum late. The win propels Demarest into the Bergen County semifinals, where they will join Old Tappan, Tenafly, and Immaculate Heart in what promises to be one of the most competitive final fours in recent memory. For Bogota, the loss ends its county tournament run, but the Buccaneers remain well-positioned for a deep postseason push as state tournament play approaches.