Jun 06, 2024
Photo John Jones | For NJ Advance MediaThe journey for Old Bridge began during the summer. The goal was laid out -- get back to the top of the state.In 2023, the Knights had a streak of four consecutive state titles snapped with a loss in the South, Group 4 final. An experienced team returned with a chip on their shoulder and went to work doing what they love.“I never met a group of guys that love volleyball so much and it’s good because you’re never going to play to your full potential without loving what you do,” senior Massimo Roco said.On Monday, the Knights returned to the sectional final looking to avenge a loss from last season. they advanced and got a chance to play for the Group 4 title against North, Group 4 champion Bridgewater-Raritan.“In the preseason, there was a lot of talk about whether we were going to do this or not,” sophomore Oskar Lapinski said. “I think that really motivated the team to get it done in the end.”Lapinski led the attack for Old Bridge, No. 1 in NJ.com’s Top 20, with 11 kills as it defeated No. 5 Bridgewater-Raritan 25-10, 25-20 to win the Group 4 title at South Brunswick High School.The Knights have now completed an undefeated season and lost just three sets all year long.“We’re far from perfect but 32-0, that’s something special,” Old Bridge head coach Andrew Hopman said.Old Bridge put on a show from the early moments of the match in front of a full-throated crowd of Knights’ fans that made the short trip out to South Brunswick. This includes alumni who returned to watch the team look to win its fifth state title in six years.“We wanted to do it for ourselves but also for our alumni,” Roco said. “They’re very important to us. We wanted to take back what’s ours.”Not only do alumni show up on game day to cheer on the Knights but they are involved in the gym during practice to give the current team a run.“We have practice of an All-Star team from 2018 and up of kids that have been to the state tournament, that know what it’s like to win and know what it’s like to lose,” Hopman said. “They come in and they push the team.”This extra work helped Old Bridge prepare for any opponent. On Thursday, it jumped out quick and scored the first six points in the first set. The lead would quickly balloon to double-digits using speed and athleticism.Lapinski got going early with five kills in the first nine points. This quickly became a theme for the offense during the state tournament.“Having my team have that trust in me to put the ball down, it really feels amazing,” Lapinski said.“His power, back in March, it was unbelievable to see it up close,” Hopman said. “He definitely grew up in states. We started setting him more in the state tournament and he loved it. He looked like a senior out there who’s been there before.”After closing out the first set, 25-10, Old Bridge was back out quick in the second. Roco totaled seven kills while Troy Markle dished out 22 assists.The Panthers made one final push trailing 22-13 with seven consecutive points, sparking two timeouts from the Knights during the run.“It looked like all was lost and we went on that run to get to 20 points, it really showed the resiliency of the team,” Bridgewater-Raritan head coach Corey Romanak said.“Every single point, play your best. We started blocking and playing better. A team like Old Bridge, they’re eventually going to get out of that funk but we played well.”Old Bridge rebounded to halt the run before an Adrian Market kill closed out the match.As powerful as the Knights are, it was a strong defensive performance that stood out. Ali Chaudary finished with eight digs and six service points.“We work really hard on defense,” Hopman said. “We were putting up the blocks in the right place. There’s plenty of games where we’re not reading the attacker right. We practice really hard at that and keeping the ball off the floor. I’ve said in states that putting the ball down isn’t the only thing that matters. We have to defend.”Old Bridge, which approached 200 blocks as a team this season, attempted to slow down setter Sean Marvuglio and the attack of Harry Fromberg and Cam Williams.“We knew the setter was aggressive and we practiced to kind of shut him down a little today,” Roco said. “We wanted to know where the primary hitters were at all times and just play our game.”Bridgewater-Raritan, who has a history of success with seven state titles, logged its second consecutive sectional title this season. The Panthers will return plenty of experience next season and will work to return to this game.“It’s been a phenomenal season,” Romanak said. “You have to give credit to Old Bridge. They proved they’re the best team in the state. You hate to say it but when you’re in the state finals, somebody has to lose.”“If you’re going to lose to the No. 1 team in the state and you’re one of the last teams standing, yeah it hurts, but don’t lose perspective on the season.”For Old Bridge, the job is officially done here in 2024. Just like last year, the team will get back to work soon with the goal of adding to the trophy case once again next season.“Now I’m starving for another ring,” Lapinski said.“Now they have to learn what it’s like to have a target on your back,” Hopman said. “It’s harder to stay on top than it is to get there. We’ll definitely be pounding that message into their heads.”
