The Woodbridge Barrons girls volleyball team has had a great season up to this point. The team carries a record of 22-5 with some very competitive losses to some of the best teams in the state.
After becoming the Greater Middlesex Conference White Division champions, the team felt unstoppable and their division record showed it finishing the year with zero division losses. Their resume was bolstered even more with impressive underdog wins against out of division opponents.
Heading into the GMC tournament, the team was firing on all cylinders and the entire team had hopes of making their finals appearance. It looked as if they might get their wish as they easily cruised through the first round against North Brunswick.
The team headed to their crosstown rival Colonia in the quarterfinals. With Colonia coming out on top in 3 sets by a score of 22-25 in the previous match, Woodbridge was out for revenge.
With Woodbridge taking the first set with ease, it put Colonia with their backs against the wall. Colonia responded by taking the second set, forcing a third and final set. With Woodbridge losing momentum the team needed a spark. As the team looked to their captains, they delivered.
With the set tied at 32-32, Kadence Mastrola served an ace to put the team up 33-32. With the match on the line, the next serve was returned by Colonia. With a chance to seal the match, Sara Wolicki put junior captain Ashley Torok in a spot to end it, which is just what she did. She added to her 17 kills performance and kill lead in the state.
Woodbridge defeated Colonia in a three set thriller, setting up to play Old Bridge in the GMC semifinals, where their tournament came to an unfortunate end. Despite being eliminated from the GMC tournament, this is not the end for the Barrons season. There are still state championship hopes alive as they go into the bracket as the 2 seed.
Although the loss to Old Bridge stings, the team is still confident heading into the state tournament. Coach Jacovinich knows that his girls will be ready to play no matter the circumstances.
“We exceeded expectations by a lot,” said Coach Jacovinich. “We had one returning player and won the division for the first time in four years. The team made the semi finals in the GMC for the first time ever. We have won the third most games in the school’s history.”
These girls truly had a season to remember so far and continue their state tournament journey on Halloween. Come out and support the volleyball team as they take on Burlington Township!
