It looks like West Morris Central will be returning to the State finals this Saturday, after another well-earned 2-game win (25-13, 25-18) against Demarest High School tonight. Last year, Central was unable to win in the Finals against Northern Highlands with a disappointing lost that stuck with them throughout this season. However, with the same match up taking place this weekend, the Lady Highlanders will have the opportunity to redeem themselves as they take on Northern Highlands.

The Semi Finals game between Central and Demarest was, needless to say, another astounding effort by both teams. West Morris began the first match with a 6-0 run (served by Alisa Ryncarz) that gave the team potential for a sweep. However, Demarest fought back with a 5-0 serve run by Helena Riede that brought her team within range of taking the lead. Both teams fought with persistence throughout the match, but it was ultimately Central who came out on top, a notorious kill by Kelly Maguire ending the game. Kelly had 21 hits (6 kills) 9 blocks, and 8 digs.

The second game proved to be more challenging for both teams, where sets by captain Elena Holodny and hits by Rachel Binder forced Central to step up their game. Binder had 6 kills. West Morris Central was able to maintain a lead throughout the match, with outstanding efforts by Elissa Mulcahy (13 hits (2 kills) and 9 digs) and Jessica Uphoff (3 hits, 2 blocks, and 10 digs). Morgan Blair secured the Lady Highlander’s win with consecutive kills, ending with 6 kills and 2 blocks.

With another “W” for their playoff record, West Morris Central looks forward to their rematch against Northern Highlands this Saturday. Both teams are highly anticipating this match up, which will determine the winner of the State Finals for Group III. The winning team will go on to compete in the Tournament of Champions that will take place on Saturday, November 21.