They danced all night and let the good times roll the rest of the weekend.
The Paul VI High School girls volleyball team concluded its record-breaking season Nov. 21 in the Tournament of Champions final at Franklin High School in Somerset.
Paul VI and undefeated Williamstown – the last two remaining teams in the entire state – duked it out over a hard-fought two sets. Though the Eagles fell two points short in both 26-24 sets in the best-of-three matchup between the two powerhouses, the players wouldn’t trade a thing after making history this fall.
“This season was one to remember, from underdogs to state champs,” junior setter Ella Pobre said. “We’re not done yet, you’ll see us again soon.”
On Nov. 13, Paul VI defeated 13-time defending state champ Immaculate Heart Academy in the Non-Public A State Championship game to win its first title in school history. It led to an automatic entry into the Tournament of Champions, which determines the overall best team in New Jersey among its six state champions.
Paul VI defeated Non-Public B champ Newark Academy on Nov. 18 before an eventful weekend at school. Paul VI’s homecoming dance was the next evening.
“We spent homecoming together and danced all night,” outside hitter Sadie Arasim said. Of course, they were a little tired on the two-hour ride to the Nov. 20 semifinal round, “but it was a good tired. We were … laughing all the way up to Franklin.”
They celebrated on the way home, too, as the Eagles defeated Group 3 champion North Hunterdon in two sets in the semifinal, avenging one of their only losses of the season.
Paul VI had to go right back to Franklin 24 hours later to face Group 4 winner Williamstown, which finished the season with a 37-0 record. The Eagles gave it everything they had, including libero Meggan Bischoff, who suffered an injury in the opening set but returned in the second frame.
Arasim, the only senior on the Paul VI roster, finished with a team-leading eight kills, giving her 429 for her career.
“I’m incredibly proud,” Arasim said. “It’s just so amazing to see how resilient the team has been, and I know they’re going to do many great things next year.”
Paul VI ended up with a 28-3 record, setting a new team record.
“I’m going to miss this team immensely,” Arasim said. “I’ve never been on a team with such great chemistry, and I truly attribute a great deal of that to our success.”
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