10/20/25

Week 8 is underway…

Accolades:

Recaps:

#3 Old Bridge (22-1) secured a decisive straight-set victory over Carteret (17-5), winning 25-16 and 25-19, in a battle of GMC division leaders. The dominant Old Bridge offense saw strong performances from Ashley Markle and Weronika Malinowski, who each recorded 9 kills, with Oliva Grubb adding 2 blocks. Setter Maya Lupinski ran the attack efficiently, tallying 15 assists and 12 digs. The team’s defense was anchored by the combined 24 digs from Sara Jaworuk and Jannah Khalil, complemented by 8 total aces spread across the lineup. For Carteret, Mia Lancho Calderon led the team with 8 kills and 6 digs, while Daleska Pacara Briceno contributed 5 assists and 10 digs.

Top-ranked Paul VI continued its perfect season on Monday afternoon, rolling past Shawnee in straight sets, 25–17, 25–15, to improve to 20–0 overall. The Eagles showed their trademark efficiency and balance, maintaining full control of both sets to secure their 20th consecutive victory. Megan Evans led the Paul VI offense with 7 kills and added 4 aces, keeping Shawnee on the defensive throughout the match. Setter Lyla Rossi directed the attack with 13 assists, while Kam Wertz added 2 blocks and solid presence at the net. The Eagles’ depth was again on display as Sioni Adeniran, Marlee Goings, and Amelia Reagan each contributed to a well-distributed offensive effort that kept Shawnee guessing. Shawnee, now 9–9, battled through long rallies but struggled to match Paul VI’s tempo and serve-receive pressure. The Eagles built early leads in both sets, using consistent serving runs and transition efficiency to stay in control. With this victory, #1 Paul VI remains one of two undefeated teams in New Jersey and continues to strengthen its claim to the top spot in statewide rankings fending off a hard charging Williamstown Braves team. The Eagles will look to keep their momentum going as postseason tournaments approach, entering the final stretch of the regular season with confidence and focus.

Secaucus (18-2) secured a dominant straight-set victory over Montclair (9-10) with scores of 25-10 and 25-11 at Montclair State University. The Secaucus offense was efficiently run by setter Sarah Veloz, who recorded 22 assists. The attack was led by Sofia Guzman and Olivia Jasiczek, who each tallied 7 kills, with Olivia Jasiczek also contributing 2 blocks. The team’s aggressive serving resulted in 8 aces, including a team-high 4 from Sofia Guzman and 2 from Ava D’Addetta.

St. Thomas Aquinas (1-16) defeated Timothy Christian (1-22) in straight sets, 25-14 and 25-16, to earn their first victory of the season. The St. Thomas Aquinas attack was led by Alyssa Collins with 6 kills and Olivia Guarino with 5 kills. Setter Claire Jalandoni ran the offense, recording 10 assists and 7 digs, while Leilani Wiggins added 9 digs. At the net, Alyssa Collins and Ava Viola each contributed a team-high 1 block.

In a tightly contested Essex County matchup, West Essex edged out Bloomfield in three sets, 23–25, 25–23, 25–21, on Monday evening at West Essex Regional High School. The win lifts West Essex to 13–11 overall, while Bloomfield falls to 15–4 after suffering just its fourth loss of the season. The Knights displayed resilience after dropping the opening set, turning the tide behind the strong offensive presence of Emily Greczek, who finished with 12 kills and 2 aces. Senior LeeAna Lojek provided balance at the net with 10 kills and 3 blocks, while setter Lola Halkias distributed the ball effectively, recording 16 assists and steadying the offense as the match progressed. Defensive contributions from Jennah Saffarini and Ava Santana helped contain Bloomfield’s attack in the final two sets, allowing West Essex to capitalize on extended rallies and clutch points. Ashley Henderson-Nemchick also chipped in 9 kills, giving the Knights multiple scoring options as they closed out the match. For Bloomfield, the loss marked a rare stumble in what has been a standout season in the Super Essex Conference Colonial Division. The Bengals battled throughout but were unable to reclaim momentum after narrowly dropping the second set. With this win, West Essex secures a confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the regular season and upcoming Essex County Tournament play, while Bloomfield will look to reset quickly as postseason competition looms.

Northern Highlands continued its impressive run on Monday afternoon, defeating Rutherford in straight sets (25–19, 25–18, 25–18) to improve to 17–4 overall. The Highlanders controlled the match from start to finish, using a balanced offensive effort and steady serve receive to hold off a determined Rutherford squad that entered at 16–5 and undefeated in NJIC–Meadowlands play. Senior Ava Gagliano led Northern Highlands with 8 kills, while Lexi Thompson added 5 kills and 2 blocks at the net. Setter Allie Reilly distributed the offense efficiently with 22 assists and 2 aces, while libero Lily Piccinich anchored the defense with 17 digs and a team-high 7 aces, providing consistent service pressure throughout the match. For Rutherford, Mackenzie Vellis continued her strong season, recording 12 kills and 8 digs, while setter Cate Finan contributed 16 assists and 3 aces. Juliette Sing added 5 kills and 4 blocks in the middle, but the Bulldogs struggled to find rhythm against the disciplined defense of the Highlanders. The victory strengthens Northern Highlands’ positioning heading into the final stretch of the regular season and the county tournament semifinals, where the team’s depth and serving have proven to be key advantages. Rutherford, meanwhile, remains one of the NJIC’s most consistent programs and will look to regroup as postseason play begins later this month.

Important Dates Coming up regarding state playoffs…