Central – Group 1

Central Group 1 may not feature the massive powerhouses of larger brackets, but it’s full of competitive, well-coached programs that know how to win tight sets. Madison (19-3, 29.03 NJP) leads the section, trailed by New Providence (13-8, 23.44), Hoboken (12-10, 20.39), Glen Ridge (11-8, 22.14), and Roselle Park (13-5, 20.40).

Madison has been a model of consistency this season, anchored by Sophia Christoffers, who averages 5.3 kills per set and dominates in transition play. Setter Eva Errichetti keeps the Dodgers humming with precision, while libero Eden O’Connor provides reliable serve-receive and court coverage. Hoboken’s young, athletic core brings emotion and pace, while Glen Ridge’s disciplined back-row defense often frustrates bigger lineups. Roselle Park rounds out the contenders with aggressive serving and a gritty approach that wins extended rallies.

While Madison stands as the statistical favorite, the middle of this bracket is unpredictable. New Providence (13-8, 23.44) and Dayton (9-12, 19.32) can steal sets if their offenses heat up early. NJP data suggests Madison’s ball control and side-out rate are nearly 15% higher than any other team in the section, a critical edge in best-of-three playoff pressure.

Probable semifinalists: Madison, New Providence, Glen Ridge, Hoboken, and Roselle Park.

Prediction: Madison’s all-court balance and the leadership of Christoffers make them the clear pick to take the Central Group 1 crown.

Central – Group 2

This section is bursting with balance and experience. Holmdel (20-1, 31.89) enters as one of the highest-rated teams in the entire state, followed by Cranford (17-2, 28.80), RFH (13-8, 23.90), and Voorhees (11-9, 23.72). The Hornets’ rating advantage equates to a projected 25-21 per-set win over Cranford, but both squads have the athletes and systems to make this one of the most entertaining brackets statewide.

Holmdel’s success is fueled by a deep roster. Jessica Donnelly and Victoria Ji combine for nearly 300 kills, while Brooke Lavell has quietly become one of the top setters in the Shore Conference. Gov. Livingston’s Abby Kim remains a show-stopper, among New Jersey’s elite with over 285 kills and more than 30 aces. Voorhees is anchored by the versatile Fiona Duggan, capable of scoring or setting with equal confidence, and RFH features strong two-way play from the pins with solid serve-receive.

Cranford’s discipline and Holmdel’s tempo could produce the matchup of the entire sectional tournament. The rest of the bracket features upset potential, but the two top programs appear destined to collide in the final.

Probable semifinalists: Holmdel, Cranford, Voorhees, RFH and Gov. Livingston.

Prediction: Holmdel’s consistency and superior serve efficiency make them the favorite to edge Cranford in a close four-set final.

Central – Group 3

Fans expecting fireworks will find them here. Princeton (19-5, 33.12) holds the top NJP rating in the entire Central field, with Northern Burlington (17-5, 25.19), Burlington Township (15-8, 24.03), and Brick Memorial (9-12, 23.87) filling out a loaded draw. Princeton’s advantage of roughly eight rating points (equivalent to a 25-17 set) gives them clear numerical dominance, but anything can happen in the tournament.

Princeton’s dynamic duo of Naomi Lygas (295 kills, 3.1 digs per set) and Kaelin Bobetich (458 assists, 8.3 per set) drives one of the most efficient offenses in the state. Charlotte Woods adds defense and balance, while Sioni Adeniran is a presence at the net. Burlington Township counters with Sophia Lewis, a powerful outside averaging nearly five kills per set, while Northern Burlington’s teamwork and serve consistency keep them in any match.

On paper, the semifinal pairings should produce several tight sets between evenly matched, high-IQ teams. Princeton’s serving and transition speed give it separation from the field.

Probable semifinalists: Princeton, Northern Burlington, Burlington Township, and Brick Memorial.

Prediction: Princeton’s elite chemistry and attacking balance make the Tigers the runaway pick to capture the Central Group 3 championship. This is a NJP Best Bet!

Central – Group 4

If any bracket looks like a state final preview, it’s Central Group 4. Old Bridge (25-1, 36.89), Bridgewater-Raritan (22-3, 29.80), Hunterdon Central (15-8, 28.95), and Jackson Township (17-4, 27.23) headline a stacked field where each program owns a signature win over a top-20 opponent. The Knights’ 7-point rating edge represents a projected 25-18 set average, but the field behind them is deep and battle-tested.

Old Bridge’s offense is led by Ashley Markle, one of New Jersey’s most dominant attackers (264 kills, 71 aces), supported by setter Maya Lupinski and defensive ace Weronika Malinowski. Bridgewater-Raritan’s Ava Marvuglio anchors a veteran group that has gone toe-to-toe with every major power. Hunterdon Central’s Alex Shedlock adds all-around balance, and Jackson brings physicality and pace that can disrupt even elite defenses.

This field is likely to produce heavyweight rallies from the first round through the final. All four top programs rate within 10 points of one another, meaning two-point deuce sets could decide multiple matches.

Probable semifinalists: Old Bridge, Bridgewater-Raritan, Hunterdon Central, and Jackson Township.

Prediction: Old Bridge’s depth, experience, and high-octane offense make them the projected Central Group 4 champions, edging Bridgewater-Raritan in a classic 3 set finale. The Knights are an NJP Best Bet!