Champions Crowned: Day 2 Finals of Sectional Tournament

<p>The remaining sectional finals wrapped up yesterday with high quality volleyball taking place. Half of the teams were celebrating while the other half were in agony from coming so close. The volleyball was absolutely phenomenal with individual performances that were championship worthy. Let’s look at who were victorious. </p> <p><strong>Group 1</strong></p> <p><strong><em>North 1: Bogota</em></strong></p> <p>Bogota showcased why I had them as my best team in the state in my opinion. In a battle of unbeatens, Bogota swept Midland Park 2-0 to take the crown. The duo of [player_tooltip player_id="99832" first="Amber" last="Vazquez"] and [player_tooltip player_id="128676" first="Mia" last="Pimentel"] was on display as both reached double digit assists. This team was complete being excellent in all phases. This was a team you wanted to continue to watch. </p> <p><em><strong>North 2: Verona</strong></em></p> <p>The two-headed monster of Megan Meehan and Patricia Rakova delivered on the biggest stage. Both ended up with double-digit kills and continuously pressured Lyndhurst in their 2-0 victory. In the second set, more specifically, the team showed their resilience from all-season rallying from a 20-16 deficit to score 9 of the next 10 points. </p> <p><em><strong>Central: Dayton</strong></em></p> <p>This prediction was my least confident and Dayton came out with an edge from the opening serve. They jumped on New Providence in both sets to make life difficult for New Providence to recover in their 2-0 victory. Samantha Janker led the way for Dayton finishing the match with four kills, five digs and two aces showcasing all parts of her game. </p> <p><em><strong>South: Delaware Valley</strong></em></p> <p>The most dominant showing from yesterday was from Delaware Valley. These road warriors continued their remarkable run with a dominant 2-0 victory over Highland Park. The team ended their year on a seven-match winning streak with the last six being in straight sets. Kerry Walsh was on her A-game with 17 assists and 8 digs. She had her fingerprint on the game from the start and gave Highland Park no chance. </p> <p><strong>Group 2</strong></p> <p><em><strong>North 1: Sparta</strong></em></p> <p>Sparta survived a tight opening set but actually pulled away in a non-competitive second set to my surprise as they swept Demarest 2-0. I really thought this was going to be a classic but Demarest could never recover after both squads played a brilliant opening set. [player_tooltip player_id="99815" first="Mackenzie" last="Wiggins"] was special yesterday with 18 kills and 10 digs, she willed her team to victory. </p> <p><em><strong>North 2: Cancelled</strong></em></p> <p>Unfortunately, the state tournament did not go without a hitch as COVID struck in the North 2, Group 2 final. Fort Lee vs Hackettstown was cancelled due to COVID playing a role at Hackettstown. Both team have been rewarded as sectional finalists but no one will be crowned as champion which is unfortunate. Hopefully everything is okay for the girls at Hackettstown. </p> <p><em><strong>Central: Wall</strong></em></p> <p>Wall showcased their prowess all-tournament and it didn’t subside in the final as they took down Voorhees 2-0. The Wall defense was the focal point yesterday as Katie Fletcher and Kyle Runyon each had 16+ digs. This team could beat you in a variety of ways and yesterday was no different as their defense set up their offense. </p> <p><em><strong>South: Pinelands</strong></em></p> <p>Pinelands had Jackson Liberty’s number in the regular season and that did not change yesterday as Pinelands cruised to a 2-0 victory. Usually it’s difficult to beat the same time twice in a season let alone three times but that’s exactly what Pinelands did. A three-feat over Jackson Liberty this year. Ciara Rheiner and Olivia Anderson were a brilliant one-two punch all tournament and they did not let up in the final. </p> <p><strong>Non-Public</strong></p> <p><em><strong>North A: Immaculate Heart</strong></em></p> <p>I thought this was Hudson Catholic’s best chance to finally end Immaculate Heart’s dominance but I was wrong. In the match of the day, there was high-quality volleyball throughout but Immaculate Heart showcased why they are still the top-dawg winning in a three-set thriller. A squad that continues to produce after losing seven seniors from last year’s squad. [player_tooltip player_id="99820" first="Gianna" last="Grigaliunas"] racked up 10 kills in the win and stepped-up when she was needed. </p> <p><em><strong>South A: Paul VI</strong></em></p> <p>The Cinderella Story of Paul VI ended in style with a sectional title as they took down St. John Vianney 2-0. Jaaliyah Evans was the story and led the way for Paul VI with 10 kills and 8 digs. I didn’t think Paul VI had enough left in the tank from this storybook run but I was wrong. A truly remarkable achievement from these girls taking out my two picks to be in the final (Donovan Catholic &amp; St. John Vianney) on their run. </p>