North 1 – Group 1

The North 1 Group 1 bracket has that perfect blend of Bergen County grit and playoff tension. Westwood (19-4, 29.65 NJP) enters as the top seed after a brilliant Big North Patriot run, followed closely by Glen Rock (15-6, 26.82), Ramsey (15-5, 27.57), and Pascack Hills (15-5, 28.61). Those numbers tell a story of razor-thin margins, barely three points separate the top four, which means any meeting among them could come down to a single serve or block.

NJP’s algorithm gives Westwood a slight edge, predicting about a 25-22 per-set average over Ramsey. Still, the parity is real. Ramsey’s depth and precision have carried them all season, while Glen Rock’s disciplined defense has frustrated stronger attackers time and again. Pascack Hills thrives on rhythm and tempo, the kind of squad that can seize momentum and never let go.

Individual talent adds serious flair. Westwood’s front line has been anchored by strong senior leadership and a balanced attack that averages near five kills per set across multiple hitters. Jefferson’s Peyton Bradley, a 260-kill standout, brings one of the most reliable arms in the section and could help her team steal early-round attention. Expect Glen Rock’s Teresa Sapienza and Avery Schwartz to stabilize their offense with poise and efficient transitions.

Projected semifinals line up as Westwood, Pascack Hills, Ramsey, and Glen Rock, with each separated by only 2–3 rating points. Expect tight sets and raucous gyms, exactly what North Jersey volleyball is known for.

Prediction: Westwood’s superior serve-receive game and balanced scoring make them the favorite to lift the North 1 Group 1 trophy, but Ramsey’s consistency looms as the biggest threat.

North 1 – Group 2

There’s championship pedigree all over North 1 Group 2. Old Tappan (15-4, 32.85), Demarest (13-4, 32.50), and River Dell (18-3, 30.58) have spent the season among New Jersey’s top 25 overall. That’s a near-statistical tie, each within two points on NJP’s rating scale, setting up a postseason that feels more like a state final than a sectional.

Seeding aligns tightly with NJP’s view. River Dell holds the top bracket position thanks to win percentage, but Old Tappan’s analytics give them the slightest performance edge. A 2.5-point differential means a projected 25-23 finish on neutral ground. Demarest sits right in the middle, steady, powerful, and playoff-tested, while Pascack Valley (9-9, 29.65) has the tools to disrupt everything if its offense heats up.

The names here jump off the stat sheet. Joley Giordano and Julia Whaley power Old Tappan’s quick-set tempo, combining for hundreds of kills and assists this season. Demarest’s Deana Finkelstein, one of the most dominant middles in the state, brings height and timing that can change a match in a heartbeat. River Dell counters with setter Kai Grebla, whose command and consistency keep hitters like Marissa Petrocelli in rhythm.

The likely semifinal quartet: Old Tappan, Demarest, River Dell, and Pascack Valley. Expect fierce, clean volleyball with championship-level rallies.

Prediction: Old Tappan’s balance and ability to generate points from both pins make them the projected sectional champion, edging Demarest in a 5 set thriller.

North 1 – Group 3

Power, poise, and parity define this field. Ramapo (16-2, 33.10) leads a stacked lineup featuring Tenafly (13-6, 32.55), Randolph (18-1, 32.34), and Northern Highlands (18-6, 30.85). Each ranks in the state’s top 20 — a sign that every round could feel like a final. The NJP model suggests only 1.5 points per set separate Ramapo from Tenafly and Randolph, meaning there’s no room for mistakes.

Ramapo’s season has been electric. Their offense, anchored by Sara Wingfield, has produced more than 270 kills, and setter Ella Petrevski has been distributing at nearly ten assists per set. Tenafly counters with Lexi McGinty, whose 5.4 kills-per-set average makes her one of the most efficient hitters statewide. Randolph’s steady rhythm through setter Klara Hindson and the all-around control of Northern Highlands’ Allie Reilly create a deep field of challengers.

The NJP forecast expects Ramapo to win most sets by roughly 25-21 averages, but Tenafly’s block-defense combination could erase that cushion fast. Randolph’s 18-1 record underscores just how cleanly they handle pressure, while Northern Highlands’ athleticism gives them punch from both the front and back rows.

Probable semifinalists: Ramapo, Tenafly, Randolph, and Northern Highlands. Each has legitimate state-title aspirations.

Prediction: Ramapo’s precision and top-end offense make them the clear statistical favorite to capture the North 1 Group 3 championship with Tenafly the likely matchup in the final.

North 1 – Group 4

North 1 Group 4 blends athletic firepower with balanced systems. Livingston (17-5, 31.72) takes the top line, with Passaic Tech (19-3, 28.18) and Fair Lawn (19-6, 27.99) right behind — just four points apart in NJP rating, equivalent to a 25-21 per-set edge. Add Bloomfield (16-6, 25.12) and Ridgewood (9-12, 26.36) and you have five teams capable of playing spoiler.

Livingston’s success starts with its fundamentals. Camilla Dong anchors the offense with over 160 kills, while libero Cadence Sturt keeps rallies alive with elite passing and more than 140 digs. Passaic Tech leans on Gia Stipo, a 165-kill scorer who brings both energy and consistency. Fair Lawn’s Isabella Castillo provides 192 kills and serves as the team’s emotional core. Ridgewood’s Saige Rogers adds back-row toughness that keeps matches competitive deep into sets.

The margins are slim. NJP shows Livingston winning close sets, but any top-four matchup could swing with serve streaks or defensive runs.

Projected semifinalists: Livingston, Passaic Tech, Fair Lawn, and Bloomfield.

Prediction: Livingston’s polish and first-contact precision should carry the Lancers to the sectional title, narrowly topping Passaic Tech in a high-quality final.