Mount Olive volleyball outlasts Toms River South in Group 3 final

In a thrilling NJSIAA Group 3 volleyball final, Mount Olive volleyball outlasted Toms River South to claim their first-ever Group title. The Marauders faced off against Toms River South in a hard-fought three-set match at Franklin High School.

Mount Olive began strong, using the Cha-Cha Slide to energize the crowd and shaking off early nerves. After a tight first set, the Marauders surged to victory with scores of 25-23, 25-10, and 25-14. Senior opposite Angelina Keenan credited the team's newfound unity, stating, "We all really looked at each other and said, 'We really want this.'"

Junior opposite Bella Osoria and sophomore Olivia Drucks formed a dynamic duo, serving and hitting their way to the win. Madelyn Marone's three straight aces sparked the first-set comeback, and Osoria and Drucks contributed seven combined points in the second set. Osoria, wearing glasses and excelling both on and off the court, dominated with 17 kills, seven blocks, 11 digs, 15 assists, and an ace.

Assistant coach Lee Clowers introduced a modified 6-2 serve strategy, which proved successful. Drucks, a sophomore previously unfamiliar with serving, excelled with 17 kills and 15 assists. Senior libero Ava Diaz added 12 digs, five assists, and two aces.

Senior libero Ava Diaz's 12 digs, 15 assists, and two aces proved crucial to Mount Olive's victory. Osoria echoed the team's sentiment, acknowledging the emotional weight of the moment. "It's such an experience. All the seniors are leaving this year. It's really sad, a sentimental kind of moment. But it shows how hard we worked to get to this moment."

Toms River South, making their first appearance in the Group final since 2016, fell short in their quest for back-to-back sectional titles. Head coach Kimberly Williams emphasized the team's growth and the significance of the achievement. The article originally ran on the Morristown Daily Record.