BY AVERY PERSON
Sports Page Editor
The boys’ volleyball team got off to a hot start this spring, defeating the top-ranked team in New Jersey on their way to an 11-0 record to begin the season.
The Knights beat Southern, the defending State Champions, in a 2-1 thriller on April 17. “The win felt the same as any other regular season game because we respect them the same as any other opponent,” said junior outside hitter Troy Markle. “It was good to get film on them as we may see them down the road.”
The game turned into a back-and-forth battle. After winning the first set 30-28, the boys lost the second set, the only set they have lost this season, 25-23. “It was clear that it was going to be a good game before, and we had to prove to everyone that we were the real No. 1,” said sophomore Oskar Lapinski
“Losing the second set and not losing our composure and staying connected as a team allowed us to win the third set,” said Markle. The game had a State Championship atmosphere, and, with the game tied, whoever took the next set won the match.
Oskar Lapinski came up big to score the game-winning kill and give the team the win over Southern. “It was one of the most energetic games I have played,” said Lapinski. “The whole team was filled with energy during all three sets, and, when we won the game, the whole gym went ballistic.”
The win over Southern continues an outstanding run where the team has won 11 straight matches while only losing one set. “Going into every game, we always say one thing: ‘Play Old Bridge volleyball!’” said senior middle blocker Massimo Roco. “That saying really means a lot to the guys because it motivates us to play to what we know we are capable of.”
In the first week of the season, Markle won GMC player of the week on the strength of his 66 assists and 16 digs over four games. “It feels nice to be awarded it, but there are bigger things to focus on this year,” said Markle. “The award should be represented by the entire team as they have been getting all the digs and kills.”
On Friday, April 12, the boys took down rival Monroe 2-0, with Roco contributing 10 kills and Oscar Lapinski adding eight. “Playing a town rival brought a lot of motivation to win, and I had so much adrenaline,” said Roco.
The team looks to finish the job this year and win States. “The guys have been working hard in practice to build a well-rounded team,” said Roco. “We are a very hard-hitting team that has been improving our defense day in and day out, getting better every day.”
The boys play today against South Brunswick in the Main Gym at 5:30pm, with one eye on a big faceoff with undefeated Scotch Plains-Fanwood at home on May 4.
Posted on 4/25/24
Photos by Dominic Marion
Knight Life 