On the road to championships, the Raiders played in the first round of the 2025 NJSIAA tournament on Nov. 3 facing East Brunswick High School. The Raiders dominated the first two sets (25-20, 25-18) and took the win in the fifth set (15-9).
“It was an erratic game for sure. They played well. The team had their moments and found a way to win,” said head coach Cheryl Iaione.
Hillsborough warmed up with powerful kills, towering blocks, and the kind of focus that could be felt from the stands. “I’m excited since we made it to playoffs, but at the same time nervous because the season’s over if we lose,” said senior Cynthia Lei before the game. “It’s also going to be a five-set match which can be a lot.”
The clock began and the ball was in play. Hillsborough started with the ball and were looking for an ace to be first on the scoreboard. East Brunswick came on the court and took an early lead. The Raiders’ determination helped them catch up to their opponents at 4-10.
Communication lacked in the first set as all of the girls were careful not to be the one to cost their team a point. A timeout was called from Hillsborough, and the players gathered around their coach to rethink their game plan.
Coming back, two aces from junior Darshini Wadan and a bold block by Gaspar tied the score at 10-10. The ball was flying back and forth between the players and the score stayed close, neither team wanting to lose the first set. The Raiders looked for small opportunities when they saw them. Fenton attacking with a cross-court shot and Lei finding an opening for a kill, they lead 20-19. After a few more quick rallies, Hillsborough won the first set 25-20.
The second set was faster paced with the Raiders playing strong offensively by pressuring the ball to stay on East Brunswick’s side. Defensively, they had strong recoveries and swift blocks. The team opened the gap and took the set 25-18, the Raiders just needed to win one more to make it 3-0.
East Brunswick persevered by changing their playing style in the third set which caught the Raiders by surprise. Passes between Hillsborough became more frantic and the team began falling behind. Junior Aalya Kapoor served two service points, which helped the morale on the court. Both teams played well but East Brunswick took the third set 25-17.
Starting the fourth set, Hillsborough took a strong lead with Wadan serving aces. The team was losing the stamina they started the game with and East Brunswick caught up in the next few sets. Every play was crucial for the Raiders as they only needed to win one more set. The coach for Hillsborough called a timeout after East Brunswick was holding onto their 17-19 lead.
At this point in the game, the rallies were extending. Hillsborough was closing in 20-22, after a fake out and a short run, and they had one last opportunity. A powerful play from East Brunswick ended the set 22-25. The score at 2-2 meant both teams would be playing first to 15 to win the match.
The intense set went by quickly with kills from sophomores Sophia Baraniecki and Fenton. Hillsborough had strong blocks and with a setter dump by Lei held a good lead. A kill straight down the middle by Fenton and the team won it all in the fifth set 15-9. They celebrated their awaited victory with cheers and hugs from their families as they moved on to play in the next round.
With an 18-10 record to close their season, the girls volleyball team worked exceptionally hard. Hillsborough went on to win against Bridgewater 3-2, but fell short against Hunterdon Central 3-0. Nevertheless, the girls established the foundation they need to win championships in the future.
“Through each and every game we never fell apart, and always knew how to stay together when it got rough,” said Fenton.
