Adriana Bryan of Old Tappan one of the best liberos, defensive specialists in New Jersey girls volleyball

Photo Credits: Scott Faytok NJ Advanced Media

Adriana Bryan, Old Tappan, Sr.

In her senior season, Adriana Bryan has emerged as the foundation of Old Tappan’s defense. Taking over as libero, she has totaled 92 digs and 21 aces through 15 matches, leading one of the top programs in Group 2. Her standout match came against Tenafly on Oct. 16, when she posted 15 digs in a straight-set win.

Head coach Melissa Landeck praised Bryan’s reliability and focus, saying, “She is a strong defender and passer on serve receive.” Bryan’s poise and control have helped Old Tappan dictate pace, limit errors, and thrive in extended rallies. Her leadership in the back row continues to drive the Knights’ success.

A natural reader of the game, Bryan anticipates attacks before they happen, positions herself with precision, and delivers crisp first passes that keep the offense balanced. Her combination of vision, consistency, and competitiveness has made her one of New Jersey’s elite defenders and a key reason Old Tappan remains among the state’s best.

Source Link: https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/10/meet-the-best-liberos-defensive-specialists-in-group-2-new-jersey-girls-volleyball.html

Athlete's Latest Article

Eva Curko; New Jersey’s best girls volleyball players: Top outside hitters

Oct 16, 2025

Widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s premier opposites, Eva Curko brings a consistent attack and high volleyball IQ to the court for the perennial powerhouse Golden Knights. Despite beginning the season sidelined with an injury, she has seamlessly reintegrated into the lineup. “She brings a calm and confident presence to our team and is a key ingredient to our success,” Old Tappan coach Melissa Landeck said. The Stevens Institute of Technology commit is equally dangerous from both the front and back row, making her a six-rotation threat. In her first five games of the 2025 season — she made her season debut on Oct. 3 — Curio recorded 34 kills, 26 digs, 10 assists, 6 aces and 5 blocks.

Old Tappan Rolls Past Bergen Tech 4–0 to Open County Tournament

Oct 15, 2025

Old Tappan opened the Bergen County Tournament with a dominant 4–0 win over Bergen Tech, combining sharp offense with disciplined defense to move on to the quarterfinals. First Round Recap: The Golden Knights wasted no time setting the tone. Isabella Zingarelli struck first off an assist from Caroline Ognibene, who later added a goal of her own from Elena Pothos’ setup. In the second period, Pothos scored on another Ognibene assist before Mia Colon sealed the victory with a fourth goal. Ognibene led the offense with a goal and two assists, while Pothos, Zingarelli, and Colon each contributed a score. Goalie Lea Savino stopped all five shots she faced for the shutout. Old Tappan’s back line, anchored by Nina Caunedo, Gianna Pizzella, and Lindsey Huang, was equally impressive. Caunedo’s awareness and steady positioning helped neutralize Bergen Tech’s counterattacks, keeping the Knights in control from start to finish. Next Up – Quarterfinal Preview: With the win, Old Tappan advances to face #5 Ridgewood in the quarterfinals on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Mahwah. Ridgewood brings speed and depth, but Old Tappan’s balanced lineup and defensive consistency make them a tough matchup for anyone. The Golden Knights will look to build on their momentum as they aim for a semifinal berth in the county tournament.

Old Tappan Marching Band Wins US Band Competition

Oct 14, 2025

Congratulations to the NVOT Marching Band for placing first in their division at the US Bands Wayne Valley competition this past weekend. The band scored an 82.4, more than 5 points higher than their last competition.