Sussex County Tournament Title

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Oct 19, 2025 GirlsVB, High School

Hackettstown, NJ – October 18, 2025

The Hackettstown Tigers completed a memorable run through the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Girls Volleyball Tournament, securing the program’s first-ever championship with consecutive wins over Sparta and North Hunterdon. The day marked a significant milestone for the Tigers, who have steadily developed into one of North Jersey’s most complete volleyball teams during the 2025 season.

Both matches were played on Hackettstown’s home court, where the Tigers have been consistently dominant throughout the fall. Their balanced combination of disciplined defense, steady setting, and diversified attacking proved decisive against two strong opponents representing two different conferences and divisions.

Semifinal Victory Over Sparta

In the semifinal round, Hackettstown faced Sparta (13-7), a perennial contender from the NJAC American Division. Sparta entered the tournament with several impressive wins of its own, including victories over Mount Olive and Pope John, but Hackettstown established control early and never allowed the Spartans to find rhythm.

The Tigers earned a 2-0 sweep, taking the match by scores of 25-19 and 25-18. Senior outside hitter Ava Fiedler (#22) powered the Hackettstown offense with 14 kills, leading all players, and moved into the top spot in all-time single season kills for the program. Setter Abbie Schlesinger (#21) orchestrated the attack with 16 assists, while also contributing 8 digs on the defensive side.

The Tigers’ supporting cast played crucial roles in keeping Sparta on the defensive. Evangelina French (#8) added 4 kills, 3 aces, and steady front-row defense. Nicole Willis served effectively, producing 5 aces to go along with 6 digs, while Hollie Ahlers anchored the back row with 15 digs.

Sparta, representing the powerful NJAC American, was led by Arielle Gomez (#18) with 8 kills, while setter Hannah Dodson (#22) tallied 14 assists. Grace Mathurin (#4) added 2 blocks, and libero Victoria Sucich contributed 9 digs. Despite the effort, Sparta was unable to slow Hackettstown’s balanced offensive approach, which produced points from multiple positions across the front line.

Hackettstown’s serving was particularly effective in the semifinal, as the team totaled 10 aces in the two sets. The Tigers maintained composure throughout extended rallies, converting defensive recoveries into quick transitions and capitalizing on open hitting lanes created by consistent passing. The result advanced Hackettstown into the championship match for the first time in program history.

Championship Battle With North Hunterdon

The final featured Hackettstown (19-4) against North Hunterdon (9-11), a program that has long been known for its volleyball tradition and has captured multiple sectional titles over the years. The Lions entered the final after a semifinal win over North Hunterdon’s Skyland Conference rival Hunterdon Central, while Hackettstown had momentum from its morning victory against Sparta.

The championship match turned into one of the most competitive finals in recent H/W/S Tournament history. North Hunterdon edged Hackettstown in the opening set 27-25, taking advantage of late errors and strong serving from Kat Wolf and Jenna McDevitt. However, the Tigers quickly regrouped, rallying to claim the next two sets 25-22 and 25-18 to seal a 2-1 match victory and the school’s first county title.

Once again, Ava Fiedler delivered a standout performance with 19 kills, marking her second double-digit effort of the day. The senior consistently found success attacking from both the left side and middle, adapting to North Hunterdon’s blocking schemes and maintaining efficiency through long rallies.

Abbie Schlesinger was again central to Hackettstown’s success, dishing out 23 assists while also leading the defense with 22 digs. Her connection with both Fiedler and French allowed the Tigers to maintain offensive balance, especially in the final set when Hackettstown pulled away with a 7-1 closing run.

Evangelina French added 6 kills and 12 digs, while Nicole Willis and Ahlers combined for over 30 defensive saves. Anna Willis recorded 3 kills and 1 block, contributing timely points that helped stabilize the Tigers in key stretches.

North Hunterdon displayed strong defensive effort throughout the match. Laine Molchan led the Lions with 9 kills, while setter Lilah Mason posted 12 assists and Eva Liu added 11. Kat Wolf contributed 5 kills and 3 aces, and Keegan Hissner anchored the back row with 21 digs.

Despite North Hunterdon’s early lead and impressive defense, Hackettstown’s consistency and depth proved decisive. The Tigers totaled 31 team assists and 34 digs in the final, limiting unforced errors in the closing set while maintaining aggressive play from the service line.

A Season of Steady Progress

Hackettstown’s journey to the championship has been marked by steady improvement. Entering the season with a roster that blended experienced seniors and emerging contributors, the Tigers developed a balanced system that relies on clean first touches, patient rally construction, and disciplined defensive structure.

With Saturday’s victories, Hackettstown improved to 19-4 overall and 6-1 in NJAC Freedom Division play. The Tigers have won their last nine matches and have won 16 of their last 17 games after starting the season 2-3. Their success against Sparta and North Hunterdon adds two quality results against respected programs that compete in higher divisions, a factor that will likely elevate Hackettstown’s standing in upcoming statewide rankings.

Defensively, the Tigers have been exceptional. In both the semifinal and final, Hackettstown’s serve receive and back-row play limited long scoring runs by their opponents. Ahlers, Willis, and French consistently turned difficult digs into playable opportunities for Schlesinger to set in system. The ability to convert defense into attack has been a defining feature of the team’s rise this season.

At the net, Hackettstown’s front line has diversified its offense. While Fiedler remains the primary option, French and the Willis sisters have become reliable secondary attackers, giving the Tigers flexibility in rotation. The team’s improved blocking, combined with consistent serving, has also allowed them to dictate tempo and momentum in key stretches.

Historic Achievement for the Program

The Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament, established in 2009, has featured several regional powerhouses over its history, including Hunterdon Central, North Hunterdon, and Delaware Valley. Hackettstown’s victory marks the first time the Tigers have claimed the title. The accomplishment reflects both program growth and sustained investment in player development.

Playing both semifinal and final matches on their home court proved beneficial for the Tigers, who fed off the support of their local crowd and maintained composure in tight sets. The energy inside Hackettstown’s gym built steadily through the morning as the team advanced, culminating in the final point that delivered the championship.

The tournament title also positions Hackettstown as a serious contender for postseason success in the upcoming NJSIAA state tournament, where the Tigers are expected to be seeded among the top programs in their group. Their combination of veteran leadership, depth, and strong defensive play has produced one of the most balanced rosters in the area.

As of October 18, Hackettstown’s record stands at 19-4, with notable victories over Madison, Sparta, and North Hunterdon.

Looking Ahead

With the county title secured, Hackettstown will shift its focus to the remaining regular-season schedule and the upcoming NJSIAA state playoffs. The Tigers will look to maintain their defensive efficiency and continue refining their offensive transitions.

The championship performance not only delivered a milestone for the program but also highlighted the balance and composure that have characterized Hackettstown’s season. Every player in the rotation contributed meaningfully across both matches, from front-row hitters to back-row specialists.

Hackettstown’s weekend sweep of Sparta and North Hunterdon will undoubtedly strengthen their position in the upcoming NJP computer rankings, where they are expected to move significantly higher due to the quality of competition and the magnitude of the victories.

The Tigers’ rise has been deliberate and consistent. Saturday’s triumph at home marked the culmination of years of development within a program that has grown from a regional competitor into a true North Jersey contender.

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