Weekend Roundup: Teams at the Top Faceoff

<p>This past weekend did not disappoint with several major conference matchups along with a surprise non-conference matchup between two state powerhouses. Let’s give a brief recap of some of the best matches. </p> <p><em><strong>Battle of Unbeatens goes to Williamstown</strong></em></p> <p>n a midseason matchup of state powerhouses, Williamstown preserved its undefeated record while handing North Hunterdon its first loss in a 2-0 (25-21, 25-15) victory on Saturday.</p> <p>Williamstown maintained comfortable leads for a majority of both sets until North Hunterdon made it tight at the end of the first but never got truly close enough to threaten. Everyone wanted to watch as two of the best setters were going face to face in Joanna Andrews and [player_tooltip player_id="152489" first="Emily" last="Wolters"]. </p> <p>Andrews delivered with the last laugh recording 24 assists while Wolters had 12 of her own in defeat. </p> <p><em><strong>Mendham Exacts Revenge on Sparta</strong></em></p> <p> <a href="https://highschoolsports.nj.com/player/poppy-skjonnemand/girlsvolleyball/season/2021-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Poppy Skjonnemand</a> tallied 8 kills to lead Mendham to a straight-set victory over Sparta, 25-10, 25-20 on Friday. With the win, Mendham avenges <a href="https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2021/09/girls-volleyball-no-14-sparta-edges-mendham-in-coach-jozefczyks-first-match-at-the-helm.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a season-opening loss </a>and makes the race for the top spot of the <a href="https://highschoolsports.nj.com/girlsvolleyball/standings/season/2021-2022?conference=NJAC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NJAC American division</a> that much more complicated.</p> <p>Mendham put Sparta on notice in the first set being absolutely dominant while Sparta struggled to find their groove. It was a much more competitive second but never truly threatened Mendham. Sparta has now lost two straight and it creates some pandemonium in a wild NJAC division between Sparta, Roxbury and Mendham.</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="128675" first="Sarah" last="Wilcock"] did a bit of everything for Mendham with 4 kills, 8 assists and 4 aces. Meanwhile, Brynn McCurry was the bright spot for Sparta with 5 kills and 6 digs. </p> <p><em><strong>River Dell puts Northern Highlands on Notice</strong></em></p> <p>After a disappointing match with Immaculate Heart last week, River Dell had another major test as they took on Northern Highlands. And did they make a statement with a dominant 2-0 victory (25-11, 25-13). River Dell never allowed Northern Highlands opportunities with an all-around performance. </p> <p>Offensively, the team was led by [player_tooltip player_id="153439" first="Alicia" last="Idiculla"] with 9 kills and the defense was led by Sophia Firneno with 9 digs. Quite a statement win. </p>