BY ANGEL CHIARAVALLO
The girls’ volleyball team finished the regular season in first place in the competitive GMC Red Division with an 18-5 record. NJ.com now ranks the Knights as the number 17 team in New Jersey.
The team won 13 out of 14 matches in the Red Division. “With six seniors missing from last year, I would say we’re doing very well,” said sophomore Maya Lupinski, who leads the team with 409 assists. “A few losses so far, but with almost a full new starting lineup it’s expected.”
The girls have only had five losses this season, all to impressive teams, almost all of whom are ranked in the top twenty in the State. “I believe that every practice and game we improve and become stronger,” stated junior Weronika Malinowski, a well-rounded player who is second on the team in three major categories: kills (137), digs (122), and aces (33).
With only two seniors on the team, the girls worked hard to earn their place, first in the Red Division, second in the county, and 17 in the State. “Mental toughness is something we train all year long with and without our coach,” stated Lupinski.
On October 7, the girls won against Westfield, a team currently ranked number 20 in the State. “It was one of our more intense games of the season, and it came down to who wanted to win more, and which team maintained a better mindset,” said Gabriella Mroz, who has 52 kills this season.
After losing to Monroe 2-1on September 5, despite Old Bridge scoring more total points, the Knights came back and dominated them in straight sets on September 23. “Our best game was probably when we played at Monroe on Monday because we played to win,” said Mroz. “We had great defense and challenged ourselves to score points with aggressive serving and determination.”
Beating Old Bridge’s rival school, Monroe, marked a huge accomplishment for the team. “The team played amazingly as a whole,” said sophomore Ashley Markle, the leading scorer for the team for the second year in a row. “Everyone did their part very well, and I am extremely proud of how we played.”
With the regular season finishing, the girls plan to stay focused and make the most of their opportunities. “Last year went by so quick and I’m really trying to enjoy every second of this season,” said Markle, who has tallied 175 kills this year.
The team has improved immensely from the start of the season and to now. “We’ve grown as teammates on and off the court which is attributed to the team bonding activities we’ve done,” said freshman Jannah Khalil, who leads the team in digs (199) and aces (37).
The girls’ regular season has come to a close, and the team will now look to repeat as GMC Tournament Champions and return to the Central Jersey Group IV Finals and beyond. Come out and support the Knights as they open the post season with a home match tomorrow.
Posted on 10/21/24
Photos by Harry Denney and Naysha Montano
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