With blue-and-gold decorations and music blasting throughout the Hutch Gym, the Del Val volleyball team had one thing on their mind: to win the finals.
On Nov. 11, Del Val Volleyball defeated Raritan High School in the NJSIAA Volleyball South Group 1 Finals round. The team won 3-0, with a score of 25-18 the first set, 25-10 the second and 25-15 the last set.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Head Volleyball Coach Amy Simpson said. “We’ve been up against Raritan two other times, they beat us at home, they beat us last year [away].”
Del Val lost to Raritan 3-0 the previous year, ending the team’s season with an overall record of 5-19.
“It was our turn to take this [win],” Amy Simpson said. “I’m really happy with the girls and we took it by storm.”
Junior Captain Maci Little led the game with ten kills, Senior Julia Hirsch with three blocks and Senior Captain Abbie Simpson with 19 assists and four aces. At this game, Abbie Simpson achieved a career record of 500 assist.
“I think it’s the connection between this team,” Amy Simpson said. “The things I ask [the team] to do, they’re doing, and we’ve built on it every single practice and every single game.”
The team has made significant achievements this year, with an overall record of 24-5, as well as becoming co-champions of the Skyland Conference- Valley and now champions of NJSIAA South Group I.
“The team is special,” Amy Simpson said. “I’m really proud to be their coach.”
The team will be playing their final game in the NJSIAA Group 1 tournament at a neutral location, Franklin High School, at 11am. They will go against Verona High School, who the team last played in 2023 and lost 2-0.
“I’m looking forward to walking into Franklin gym,” Amy Simpson said. “We’ve got goals, we’ve got to get a W.”
