Champions Crowned: Sectional Tournaments

<p>Champions were crowned yesterday afternoon/evening. As North 1, North 2, Central and South Sections all crowned champions in all four of their groups. Half of the teams were celebrating while the other half were mourning which is always the toughest part as only one can be crowned as a champion. The volleyball was absolutely phenomenal with individual performances that were championship worthy. Let’s look at who were victorious. </p> <p><strong>North 1</strong></p> <p><em>Group 1: Bogota</em></p> <p>The streak continues for Bogota with a new coach that was not a problem as they won their 12th consecutive sectional title taking down Glen Rock in straight sets. [player_tooltip player_id="99875" first="Ashanna" last="Caviness"], led the team with 13 kills, while [player_tooltip player_id="128676" first="Mia" last="Pimentel"] had 24 assists. The duo has clicked all-season and yesterday was no different. </p> <p><em>Group 2: Old Tappan</em></p> <p>What a first set in this one as Old Tappan found a way against River Dell. Whoever came out on top in the first frame, you had a feeling would come out victorious with the loser being defeated. It finished 31-29 and the star, [player_tooltip player_id="99849" first="Jola" last="Olutiola"] found her game in the second finishing with 12 kills. This is their first crown since 2017. </p> <p><em>Group 3: Roxbury</em></p> <p>Roxbury has climbed the mountain as they took over their first-ever sectional crown taking down Wayne Valley in straight sets. Closing it out was behind an unsung-hero in Tayla O’Connor whose wicked serve helped them win 10 straight points. But the calling card yesterday was the team-defense and getting to every ball imaginable.</p> <p><em>Group 4: Ridgewood</em></p> <p>Ridgewood has gone back-to-back in being crowned sectional champions as they held off Clifton in two tight sets. It was an all-around performance with the team finishing with 30 kills, 42 digs, 26 assists, seven blocks, and five aces. They held on in the first set and then rallied late in the second to ensure victory. </p> <p><strong>North 2</strong></p> <p><em>Group 1: Verona</em></p> <p>In the final of the day, Verona rallied after losing the first set to take home the crown as they took down Rutherford. [player_tooltip player_id="153457" first="Patricia" last="Rakova"] finished with a game-high nine kills while [player_tooltip player_id="99855" first="Ashley" last="Duhaney"] had eight kills and three aces for Verona. The entire final frame was tight and tied almost throughout until Verona made the final surge. </p> <p><em>Group 2: West Morris</em></p> <p>West Morris improbable run continues as they took down Montville in straight sets to become champions. The team is still currently under .500 based on their overall record but the fourth seed has now won each of its last four matches. The team did play one of the toughest schedules this season ensuring they would be ready for this moment.  </p> <p><em>Group 3: North Hunterdon</em></p> <p>In what I mentioned as a David vs Goliath matchup, Goliath pushed aside David as North Hunterdon cruised to a sectional crown in straight sets over Colonia. North Hunterdon, which has been on a roll as of late, has only dropped only one set over the course of its last 12 matches. The team has been nothing short of dominant.</p> <p><em>Group 4: Ridge</em></p> <p>Ridge came out firing in the first set as Westfield came out flat and that was indicative of the first set helping Ridge to a straight-set victory. Ridge has been dominant of late, not even dropping a set in their last eight matches. </p> <p><strong>Central</strong></p> <p><em>Group 1: Dayton</em></p> <p>A commanding first set gave Dayton the confidence they needed as they took down Hoboken in straight sets. A very young Hoboken squad looked a bit of deer in headlights and Dayton’s tournament prowess showed off early. In the second, the match was tight but the experience of being there before again showed its importance for Dayton.</p> <p><em>Group 2: Mendham</em></p> <p>Mendham was clicking on all-cylinders yesterday as they took home their crown over Gov. Livingston in straight sets. [player_tooltip player_id="128675" first="Sarah" last="Wilcock"] recorded seven kills, five assists and two digs to lead top-seeded Mendham. The team now has 20 of their 22 victories coming in straight sets showcasing the importance of winning the first. </p> <p><em>Group 3: Colts Neck</em></p> <p>One cinderella story continues while the other ends as it was the seventh seed in Colts Neck taking down Brick Memorial in straight sets. A team that personally I believed was disrespected being 18-3 now on the season used the seeding as fuel to the fire and now went from the first round to champions. </p> <p><em>Group 4: East Brunswick</em></p> <p>Fourth time was not the charm for Old Bridge as East Brunswick’s unbeaten season continues as they won in straight sets. East Brunswick is once again a sectional champion and to beat a team four times is a massive feat. Old Bridge threw everything at them in the first but once East Brunswick found a way it was difficult for Old Bridge to come back. </p> <p><strong>South</strong></p> <p><em>Group 1: Delaware Valley</em></p> <p>The most dominant performance in their sectional final came from Delaware Valley has they ran over Point Pleasant Beach in straight sets. Delaware Valley has not lost a set in its last seven matches since being shut out by North Hunterdon in the semifinal of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex tournament. </p> <p><em>Group 2: Barnegat</em></p> <p>In the only other final that went the distance it was a Barnegat rally from a set down to home the crown over Wall. Wall came out fast and won the first but it was the motivation that Barnegat needed to win the next two in rather convincing fashion. </p> <p><em>Group 3: Toms River East</em></p> <p>The cross-town rivalry sectional final delivered. It may not have gone the distance but both sets were extremely tight and could have gone either way with Toms River East taking down Toms River South. Their calling card all-season was a balanced offense and keep opponents guessing and it continued which led them to rally from behind in both sets. </p> <p><em>Group 4: Williamstown</em></p> <p>The best team in the state in my opinion got the job done and how did they do it? They went through their nemesis in Southern. The unbeaten season continues and it took a lot of playmaking for them to take home their fifth sectional title. Southern may be younger but they showcased the will to make Williamstown earn it.</p>