MONTCLAIR — The Montclair State women’s volleyball team held strong at home as they claimed a swift 3-1 victory over Rutgers-Camden on Tuesday during their NJAC matchup at the Panzer Athletic Center.
Rutgers-Camden took the first point of the game and immediately began to showcase its strength in blocking. Though she didn’t score any points yet, freshman Asha Pensa Johnson blocked some of their opponent’s strongest hits to give her team the motivation to fight early on. The Raptors took an early lead of 5-2 before picking up to eight points in rapid succession. The first set was full of middle blockers jumping above the net on both ends, with Red Hawks’ Lily Thomas single-handedly blocking a strong hit and sending two kills over the net, securing multiple points for her team and getting them up 11-8. Being a force to be reckoned with, sophomore Camryn Muuss took her first few kills in the first set alone alongside Thomas. Montclair State took the first set win of 25-15.
The second set started a little rough when Raptors’ Libero Ella Carmen Truitt hit the ball out of bounds, but the referee tried to give them the point, claiming it was tipped by blockers Thomas and Bryn Bautista. Red Hawk coach Eduardo Stawinski argued the call, and after careful consideration, his team was awarded the fifth point of the match. Camden’s slight setback continued momentarily when Johnson hit the pole, sending another point straight to the Hawks. Muuss showcased her physical prowess with devastating kills alongside junior right side, Sofia DiProfio, leaving Rutgers-Camden behind five points. The home team won the second set with a similar score of 25-14.
Montclair State freshman setter Lucy Cornelius displayed her quick instincts and cleverness during the third set with a setter dump that led to a point. She led the team in assists, having 47 of the 52. The Red Hawks were up six points, maintaining an 18-12 lead, but became a bit too comfortable. Rutgers-Camden fought back hard with senior setter Avery Ang stepping up to block multiple hits and Gabby Gbolahan racking up kills for her team. They were cutting close as they were down by one, 19-18. With a few more kills from Muuss, Bautista, and DiProfio of the Red Hawks, they reached 23 points. Unfortunately for them, the Raptors made it there as well. Mia Owens had 18 digs and even took a ball to her neck. The Raptors surpassed the Red Hawks to get 24 points, but Montclair State tied it up. The back-and-forth set concluded with Rutgers-Camden taking it and forcing a fourth set.
The fourth set proved to be the final one, as the Red Hawks started strong, dominating with a 10-4 lead. Cornelius took over with three service aces. The Red Hawks built a considerable lead, leading 17-5 and then a whopping 20-6. By the end, Montclair State snatched the victory with a score of 25-10, ending the game with a 3-1 win overall.
Head Coach Eduardo Stawinski on key factors that contributed to the team’s success
“I think we did a really good job attacking and not getting frustrated at their defense. They did a really good job defensively; they kept the ball live. I think when that happens, hitters can get easily frustrated, but our hitting percentage was almost 300, 55 kills, 12 errors. That’s really good to stay in the moment and not get frustrated with them making some plays.”
Stawinski on moments when the team’s chemistry helped turn the tide
“The first two sets, we had a really good thing going, everything was cooking in the right areas. In the third set, where we lost, we got a little comfortable, and I think what really showed up in the fourth set was we just regrouped and we did a really good job at just taking it play-by-play. And I think that’s what happens with a young team, you could see losing a set and getting a little frantic and nervous, and in the fourth set that didn’t show. We were just in the moment, making every play just one step at a time, and they were doing a better job communicating. When we get quiet, we get hesitant; when we over-communicate, we get a little more confident out there.”
Setter Lucy Cornelius, #3 on her team’s performance
“I think I was really proud of the fact that even though we had a rough stretch in the third set, we were able to calm down as a team. We went back in the hallway and figured it out. I think the first two sets show how we play together as a team, and that’s how we play volleyball. I’m really proud we got back to that at some point, even after the downhill a little bit.”
Cornelius on when there is a lot of pressure and challenging situations
“I’m one of those people who thrive under pressure. I like when there’s a lot of things going on at the same time; that’s my favorite part of the game. That’s my job as a setter, how can I incorporate everybody? How can I calm everyone down? How can I better the ball every time? Just remembering that that’s my role on the team. I like how our team handles pressure; we’re able to come together from the bench to the court and play together as a program, which is really nice. It’s really welcoming, especially as a freshman to come into that culture of a team. It’s really exciting to see.”
Right Side Sofia DiProfio, #33 on staying focused when the momentum shifts
“I think it’s very important we stay disciplined as a team and we’re able to work together and not as individuals. That’s kind of when we fall down. It’s important to stick together and not play by ourselves.”
DiProfio on bouncing back mentally when making a mistake during a match
“It’s really important to keep my head up. My teammates are always surrounding me and picking me up. They always give me positive words, they give me good feedback. If I hit to the wrong spot, they’ll tell me where to go next. I really just rely on my teammates for being able to pick myself back up after a mistake.”
The Red Hawks head to Wilkes-Barre, PA, for a tri-match on Saturday. They will face Elizabethtown at 2:00 p.m. before a match against the hosting team, Wilkes, at 4:00 p.m.
