BY MATTHEW MANGAM
Sports Editor
The boys’ volleyball team will play in the first round of states today at 4:30 pm against the winners of Colonia and Freehold Borough in the OBHS main gymnasium. The Knight’s placement as the number two seed sets the stage for a possible championship rematch with rivals St. Joseph Metuchen, the top seed.
The team reached the GMC finals on May 13 but fell to St. Joseph Metuchen. “It was rough considering it was the first time in four years that we haven’t won the GMC Red Division,” said junior Blake Krapf, who leads the team with 252 kills. “It was a good wake up call for us to work harder going into states.”
The Knights have had an impressive season thus far, boasting a 20-7 record and winning seven games in a row twice. The team also came out on top in the Livingston Tournament on April 9. With six seniors on the roster, the younger players learn a lot from the experienced athletes. “We have been working with the underclassmen and teaching them important skills such as mental toughness, setting, passing, foot work, and hand work,” said senior David Flores, who is the team’s main setter and has provided 652 assists.
The team has worked hard to prepare for states. “Old Bridge Volleyball alumni have been coming to our practices and teaching us what they have learned over the years. They make a huge difference, as they make us play better and work harder,” said captain Robert Obdyke, who leads the team with 308 digs.
Despite the team losing six games to tough opponents such as Southern and St. Joseph Metuchen, the Knights have learned from their defeats. “The most important thing we learned is that we cannot let a loss phase us. We must stay mentally tough, learn from our mistakes, and move onto the next game,” said Obdyke.
Come out and support the Knights at home today at 4:30 pm as they begin their journey for a fourth State Championship.
Posted on 5/24/22
Photos by Gabriella Master
Knight Life 