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Compelling girls volleyball storylines to follow in 2024

Big North

No Shortage in Talent: Year-in and year-out, the Big North Conference never fails to disappoint when it comes to churning Top 20-level teams.

In 2024, look out for “under-the-radar” teams in Cliffside Park, Fort Lee, Northern Highlands, Pascack Hills, Pascack Valley and Ramapo to take a step forward after having solid performances one year ago.

Immaculate Heart and Old Tappan are early favorites to be the top teams in the conference once again after meeting in the county championship in 2023. IHA’s coach Michelle Yoo saw a successful rookie campaign after winning the county and state trophy and will look to returners in Eve Roman and Julia Sobilo. At Old Tappan, coach Melissa Landeck returns Samantha Kranzler, Brenna Delaney Addison Gioffre and Eva Curko to lead the way.

Perennial contenders in Demarest and River Dell will be interesting squads to keep an eye on. Demarest loses reigning Player of the Year Taylor Miller to graduation while wishing legendary coach Beth Powell into retirement. It’s the beginning of a new chapter at Demarest to say the least.

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By PJ Potter | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Group 2 favorites and contenders for the 2024-25 season

The 2024 girls volleyball season is right around the corner. As defending champions prepare for another run in their respective sections, new teams look to the opportunity of a clean slate. Let’s delve into each group – section by section – and see which squads are early contenders on the hardwood.

Have a look below at the favorites and contenders in Group 2.

North 1

Favorite

Old Tappan: Reaching the Bergen County final and the sectional semis a year ago, Old Tappan consistently finds themselves towards the top when it comes to best teams in the state.

North 1 Group 2 is likely the overall toughest section in New Jersey and the trophy is anyone’s for the taking. The Golden Knights provide a solid case as to why they would be the favorite this fall, however. Samantha Kranzler (106 kills), an All-Group player two years ago, will return after missing some time in 2023. Old Tappan, finishing with a 20-4 record, will see key returners in Brenna Delaney (96 kills, 83 digs), Addison Gioffre (366 assists, 72 digs) and Eva Curko (192 assists, 69 digs, 50 kills).

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By PJ Potter | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Source Link: https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2024/08/compelling-girls-volleyball-storylines-to-follow-in-2024.html

Athlete's Latest Article

Old Tappan takes down another undefeated team.

Jan 24, 2026

Old Tappan defeated previously undefeated New Providence 45 to 40 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The win handed New Providence its first loss of the season. Defense drove the result. Old Tappan held New Providence to one of its lowest point totals of the season and forced tough shots throughout the game. Old Tappan led 12 to 9 after the first quarter and took a 23 to 12 lead into halftime. New Providence rallied in the fourth quarter, but Old Tappan stayed composed and finished the game at the line and with stops on defense. Sienna Drullinsky led Old Tappan with 19 points, including 11 made free throws. Alexa Caunedo scored 12 points. Alivia Badurina added six points. Sadie Murphy finished with five points. Nina Caunedo hit a three pointer for three points. Mauimi Quiros, Christina D’Andrea, Katie Degennaro, and Joley Giordano all played and helped on the defensive end as Old Tappan protected the lead late. Old Tappan improved to 10 and 3. New Providence dropped to 15 and 1 after its first loss of the season.

Old Tappan too much for Eastside

Jan 10, 2026

Old Tappan beat Paterson Eastside 58 to 48 on Saturday at the Showdown in the 6ix Showcase at Teaneck High School. Old Tappan set the tone with rebounding and steady free throw shooting. The Golden Knights finished with 25 rebounds and made 23 of 28 foul shots. Old Tappan led 33 to 22 at halftime and widened the gap in the third quarter. Paterson Eastside made a late push behind Alexis Chambers and cut the margin to 11 points. Old Tappan stayed composed at the line and closed out the win.Alexa Caunedo led Old Tappan with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Drullinsky finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds and went 13 for 16 from the free throw line. Alivia Badurina scored 9 points and added 2 rebounds. Quiros finished with 7 points. Nina Caunedo added 5 points and 3 rebounds. Sadie Murphy grabbed 3 rebounds. Joley Giordano pulled down 1 rebound and had a bunch of steals. Christina D’Andrea finished with 2 rebounds.For Paterson Eastside, Chambers scored 17 points with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. Jade Bethea had 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Keyrie Rodriguez scored 8 points with 1 assist and 1 block. Khori Muckle added 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal. Aubrey Newell finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Emely Jimenez Abreu scored 3 points with 2 rebounds and 1 block.

Big win at home for Old Tappan Girls Basketball

Jan 06, 2026

Old Tappan dominated from the opening tip and rolled past Tenafly 57 to 18 on Tuesday afternoon at home. Old Tappan jumped out to a 23 to 2 first quarter lead and controlled the pace for all four quarters to move to 6 and 1 on the season. Sienna Drullinsky led all scorers with 16 points and set the tone early with strong finishes inside and trips to the free throw line. Christina D’Andrea added 9 points with three made threes, while Alexa Caunedo scored 8 points and consistently pressured the defense. Sadie Murphy contributed 6 points and brought steady energy on both ends. Lea Savino and Alivia Badurina each scored 6 points, both knocking down multiple threes. Nina Caunedo and Olivia Richards chipped in 3 points apiece with timely perimeter shots. Joley Giordano coming off the bench, anchored the lineup with strong defensive focus, ball movement, and physical presence throughout her minutes. Giuliana Foschino, Mauimi Quiros, Madison Plescia, Farrah Ibrahim, Katie Degennaro, Sophia Kang, and Alivia Badurina all saw action and helped maintain intensity, spacing, and communication as Old Tappan rotated through the bench. Old Tappan outscored Tenafly in every quarter and showed depth, balance, and discipline on both ends of the floor.

Old Tappan early favorite for the 2024 season