State Semifinal Previews

<p>We have reached the semifinals of the State Tournaments for the six groups of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Group 4 for public sections and Group A, Group B for the non-public sections. This is the moment all of these teams have waited for as being called a State Champion is now in sights. Let’s take a look at the matchups. </p> <p><em><strong>Group 1</strong></em></p> <p><em>Dayton vs Delaware Valley</em></p> <p>A Delaware Valley squad that has been rolling of late takes on Dayton squad who have flown under the radar. They won’t be looked over this time. First matchup between the two since 2018. </p> <p><em>Bogota vs Verona</em></p> <p>Bogota’s reign may continue but Verona will have something to say about it. These are two completely different teams since their last matchup in 2019. The offensive prowess on the outside is what you need to watch. </p> <p><em><strong>Group 2</strong></em></p> <p><em>Mendham vs Barnegat</em></p> <p>In a matchup of squads who will be facing off for the first time are highlighted by two star setters that play everywhere. [player_tooltip player_id="128675" first="Sarah" last="Wilcock"] and Patria Moreno fill the stat sheet for their squad so expect them to do whatever it takes to win. </p> <p><em>Old Tappan vs West Morris</em></p> <p>An Old Tappan squad with offensive firepower between a West Morris squad that is better than their record indicates. It’s old fashion in team offense vs team defense and seeing who will prevail. </p> <p><em><strong>Group 3</strong></em></p> <p><em>Colts Neck vs Toms River East</em></p> <p>Can Colts Neck continue their momentum as they take on Toms River East. This is the only matchup of teams of who have faced off this season. Toms River East won that one where it went the distance, will Colts Neck get the last laugh?</p> <p><em>Roxbury vs North Hunterdon</em></p> <p>Two of the top setters in the state face off in a duel of [player_tooltip player_id="128677" first="Lorie" last="Horta"] and [player_tooltip player_id="152489" first="Emily" last="Wolters"]. Whoever has the better performance and can control the match will be the ones to come out on top. If you want to watch quality setting, this is the one to tune in for. </p> <p><em><strong>Group 4</strong></em></p> <p><em>Ridgewood vs Ridge</em></p> <p>These squads have been steamrolling the competition of late with high quality complete volleyball. Ridge is a squad that goes extremely deep in their bench so it will be intriguing to see how far will they go today if it will change or stay the same. </p> <p><em>East Brunswick vs Williamstown</em></p> <p>One of the unbeaten titans will fall in this matchup of East Brunswick and Williamstown. In a matchup of two highly potent offenses, look for this one to have plenty of fireworks. Two of the best in [player_tooltip player_id="99851" first="Paige" last="Anania"] and Dajah Williams square-off. </p> <p><em><strong>Group A</strong></em></p> <p><em>Kent Place vs Immaculate Heart</em></p> <p>Can Kent Place stay unbeaten as they take on the dynasty of Immaculate Heart. Two teams that love to showcase their offensive firepower. Watch for this one to go the distance. The battle in the middle is what you want to watch in [player_tooltip player_id="99862" first="Sabrina" last="Skyers"] and [player_tooltip player_id="99886" first="Brookelyn" last="Talmadge"]. </p> <p><em>Paul VI vs Donovan Catholic</em></p> <p>A rematch from the spring as Paul VI took down Donovan Catholic in two, hard-fought sets. Both teams like to go deep into their bench to show opposing teams different looks throughout the match. Should be intriguing to see if that holds true. </p> <p><em><strong>Group B</strong></em></p> <p><em>Lodi Immaculate vs Mount St. Dominic</em></p> <p>First-ever matchup in this semifinal as Lodi Immaculate takes on Mount St. Dominic. It’s going to be one where you want to watch the middle of the court between two great middle blockers in Brianna Kirkland and Bridget Lonergan.</p> <p><em>Mother Seton vs Newark Academy</em></p> <p>Last but not least is Mother Seton taking on Newark Academy where two teams are defensive-minded. Both teams have many players racking of digs which begs the question who will be the one to take break that shell and being on the offensive. </p>