Knights win on a Ram-page

Freshman setter Brandon Ferrante, who earned the team nine service points during the game against Randolph, goes to jump float.

In a statement win at home Friday night, Old Bridge handed previously undefeated Randolph, a top team from the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference, its first loss. The Knights entered the matchup with a 7-1 record and won decisively, 2-0.

Old Bridge showed their ability to compete with top teams by dominating the Rams, who had only lost a single set in their previous 11 matches. “This is a very good team. A lot of people were nervous going into it, not because we didn’t think we’d win, but because they’re the 8th best team in the state,” said senior Michael Santangelo, who contributed four kills and two blocks. “We went in and we played as good as I could have hoped that we would.”

The matchup marked the first meeting between the programs since 2024, when Old Bridge won 2-0. “A lot of our players have changed, obviously, but I think our hard work has stayed the same,” said senior Oskar Lapinski, the only remaining player from that previous matchup. “We always try to keep our same style of volleyball: aggressive serves, aggressive defense, we’re trying to hunt all the balls down, defense, hitting the floor left and right, and just staying energized.”

Senior Oskar Lapinski passes the ball to the setter.

Old Bridge maintained control during key stretches of the match. out and bring it home tonight. “[We won because of] the energy and staying composed,” said Lapinski, who led the team with seven kills in the match. “When we were down, and maybe things weren’t going our way, we always stay composed.”

A strong defensive play helped shift momentum late in the match. “When we blocked their best hitter on the other team, it felt really good,” said junior Nathan Ferrer, who led the team with six digs. “Coach [Andrew Hopman] taught us to block their main hitters, and it worked.”

After the Knights finished the first set strong, the Rams stayed competitive in the opening of the second set before a timeout allowed the group to reset. “[Hopman] told us to relax and take it back a step and then just play our game,” said Santangelo.

Safija — Senior Akin Oyebode and Junior Brandon Mullins reach up to block.

Junior Brandon Ferrante contributed eight assists and nine service points in just his second varsity appearance. “It felt great because this was my second game on varsity, so it felt good going out there,” said Ferrante. “I was a little nervous, but it was great. The team helped me a lot.”

The atmosphere in the gym remained energetic throughout the match. “The game is going really, really good,” said Kamiaya Penson from the stands between sets. “We just won the first set, and the game is really, really crazy.”

The small crowd of dedicated supporters cheered the Knights on throughout the match despite the game’s delayed start due to Randolph’s late arrival. “I think Old Bridge is doing great right now,” said Christian Quizon. ‘They’re just dominating the game right now!”

A serving run by Ferrante helped extend the lead in the second set. “I went in to serve, and it was like 14-10, and then it went up to 18-13,” said Ferrante.

Lapinski leads Old Bridge with 99 kills this season. “We’re not trying to play differently,” said Lapinski. “We are just trying to keep our own game.”

Preparation leading up to the match included additional practice and film review. “We practiced hard, we stayed extra time,” said Ferrante. “We were talking as a group, preparing, watching film, and everything was great.”

The Knights can keep the momentum going when they step back on their home court for an in-season tournament tomorrow. “We plan to keep working hard and looking to improve every single day,” said Santangelo.

Senior Oskar Lapinski, who had seven kills during the game against Randolph, prepares to hit cross.
Junior Libero Nate Ferrer, who led the team in digs during the Randolph game, sets out of system.
Senior Michael Santangelo, who had four kills and two blocks in the game against Randolph, goes up to hit on the right side.
Senior Akin Oyebode, who had five kills, goes up to jump float.