State Semifinals: Reaction and Analysis
The State Semifinals took place this past weekend between the four sectional champions: Old Bridge, Fair Lawn St. Peter’s Prep and Southern. In my eyes, I could’ve seen three of the four teams in this situation. The outlier is the…
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Continue ReadingThe State Semifinals took place this past weekend between the four sectional champions: Old Bridge, Fair Lawn St. Peter’s Prep and Southern. In my eyes, I could’ve seen three of the four teams in this situation. The outlier is the tremendous run St. Peter’s Prep has put together, very cinderella-like. Old Bridge took on St. Peter’s Prep while Fair Lawn faced Southern. Let’s see who made the championship.
St. Peter’s Prep miracle-run comes to an End
St. Peter’s Prep had the odds stacked against them as soon as they opened up postseason play but the team found something and it led them on a miracle run through their conference tournament and sectional tournament to come out on top. The team in their way: the two-time reigning champs in Old Bridge.
Old Bridge showcased their championship pedigree and made quick work of St. Peter’s Prep in two sets (25-15, 25-16). The difference was Nick Schon, the senior setter, spreading the ball all over the court making Old Bridge remain balanced offensively. It gave St. Peter’s Prep nightmares all-match long and it did not give them much of a chance.
Now Old Bridge is on the brink of history as they will be going for a three-peat. From the opening serve, this team was dialed in and wasn’t ready to let its hopes of a third consecutive state title slip away. The Knights didn’t trail for a single point in the entire match.
Southern Rallies Past Fair Lawn
In the other match, all can be said was that it was must-watch! Fair Lawn and Southern gave us a brilliant three-setter with Southern rallying from a set down to take down Fair Lawn (19-25, 25-16, 25-16). For the fourth time this season, the squad rallied from behind to win. It was the third win in as many tilts against Fair Lawn this season.
Fair Lawn jumped out early in all three sets to be in front but in the latter two sets, Southern went on monumental runs to ensure victory. Tommy Deakyne led the way with 16 kills. Along with the emergence of Lucas Kean as a dynamic second option has opened the door for Deakyne to be come even more of a threat.
Now, Southern has to dispose of the team that took away their chance to 3-peat in 2018 in Old Bridge. How will it all unfold?