Story by Mike Byrne of NJ.com
Top-seeded Westfield, No. 7 in NJ.com’s Top 20, finally won a state sectional championship by defeating a tough, 11th-seeded Watchung Hills, 25-17, 25-14, in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 playoff in Westfield.
Westfield (22-1) will play at Livingston in the Group 4 state playoffs on Thursday.
Westfield was led by Ally Muller and Caterina Carayannopoulos who had five kills apiece while the defense got settled after a shaky start to stifle Watchung Hills (10-13).
The defense was led by Guiliana Gallo with 11 digs and eight service points, and by Chloe Wideman and Caitlin Cabrales who each finished with five digs.
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11/8 – 4:30 PM Girls Volleyball Final Watchung Hills 0 Westfield 2
Setter Carly Rodrigues served very strong with 11 assists and eight service points while setter Olivia Calandra held her own with six assists and four service points
Coach Beverly Torok said, “We were a little tight when we started but we finally got into a rhythm.”
Westfield had made it to the sectional final several times before but this was the first win for the school since the state tournament was restructured and sections were created, she said
Watchung Hills won three straight games on the road in the tournament without losing a set until today.
“I’m so proud and happy for the girls. They played tough,” said coach Jens Madsen. His team fielded nine seniors this year
Grace Guo and Mya Chun played extremely well today, he said.
