Volleyball wins Central Jersey Group IV Championship

Sophmore Maya Lupinski, who led the team with 603 assists, sets the ball for Tania Konstoshrada, who led the team with 25 blocks and added 1o1 kills.

BY DAYAMI VILORIA

On November 12, the girls varsity volleyball team won the Central Jersey Group IV Championship against number one seed Hunterdon Central. The girls dominated the game, winning 2-1.

The Knights battled in front of a hostile home crowd and their own fans who took the game bus on the road. “The game was going back and forth the entire time, but as soon as we hit game point, 24, I immediately got a burst of emotions flood my body, knowing we were so close,” said junior Weronika Malinowski, who contributed five kills.

The girls played an intense match, but they stayed focused. “The team has put so much effort and dedication this whole season, and it’s amazing to see it all come together,” said sophomore Ashely Markle, who led the game with 18 kills. “We came in very prepared and ready for whatever is to come.”

Sophmore Sara Jaworuk, who finished second on the team in assists, sets the ball for a teammate in the front line.

Last year, the Knights lost the CJG4 Championship but redeemed themselves in the Hunterdon match. “The fact that we came so far and were so close to actually winning it was also a key factor,” said Maya Lupinski.

“Our energy just kept going up every single play,” said freshman Jannah Khali. “Every time we got a kill, a good up or serve, my motivation just kept going up.” The team won the first set 25-15 and the third set 25-20, securing the victory.

Previously, on October 29, the team beat Monroe 2-0 at the GMC Championships for the third year in a row. “It felt amazing! Beating Monroe and receiving the title once again was like a dream come true,” said sophomore Lupinski, who led the game with 19 assists and two blocks.

Gabriela Mroz elevates to hit the ball while Sara Jaworuk, Tatum Jones, Jannah Khalil, and Maya Lupinski prepare to make a pay if needed.

After losing to Monroe once during the season, the Knights took back their win and dominated the GMCs. “It feels so amazing and we’re all so proud of each other and how much work was put in for this season,” said sophomore Markle.

On November 14, the Knights made it to the Group IV Semi Finals and played a tough match against Williamstown, the number 2 ranked team in the state. The match ended 2-0 but the girls came close during the second set, finishing it 25-23. Markle led the team with 12 kills, Lupinski with 25 assists, and Tetiana Kontsohrada with one block.

Though the Knights season came to a close, the girls accomplished a lot, and they plan to add to their list of accolades next year.