Scotch Plains-Fanwood Girls Volleyball Clinches Division Title Over Rahway

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood girls volleyball team clinched a division title on Wednesday, Oct. 14, by sweeping Rahway 25-17 and 25-19. Union County Life is reporting the result, which capped an undefeated run in division play. The Raiders improved to 16-5 overall, a major step for a team that won nine matches last season.

Coach Jennifer Carvalho said the goal went beyond the trophy. “More than winning the trophy, just being undefeated in our division, especially after our record last year, was really important,” Carvalho told TAPinto SPF after the game. “Not only was the goal to exceed that, but to make sure that we won our conference and that we were competitors in the county.”

Carvalho said the team’s progress has been most noticeable on defense, with improvements in digging, blocking, and reading opponents’ attacks. Against Rahway, the Raiders relied on placement rather than trying to hit past the other team’s block. “It was about placement, so tipping to a certain place, swiping the ball to a certain place, pushing to a certain place, serving to a certain place,” Carvalho said. “Placement is key, and we definitely showed our volleyball IQ today.”

Senior captain Brynn Cardenas, No. 2, had eight kills and six digs in the two set win. Carvalho praised her consistency. “She’s phenomenal. Brynn has amazing ball control, and always comes in the clutch whenever we need her,” Carvalho said. Isabelle Stewart, No. 5, and Meghan Afir, No. 16, each had seven service points, and Stewart added nine assists. Jacklyn Choi, No. 7, led the team with 18 digs.

The Raiders now turn to the Union County Tournament, where they face Dayton. Scotch Plains-Fanwood beat Dayton twice during the regular season, but Carvalho warned that another win will not come easily. “They touch every single ball, and they’re primarily a passing team,” she said.

The team also hopes its success will help it move up to the Watchung Division next season.

The match also served as a breast cancer awareness game. The girls team, families, and community partners raised more than $1,200 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation at the first Dig Pink game. The team thanked Connors Wings of Courage for pink bows, Fabio’s Bistro for donating pizza, and Individual Physical Therapy for sponsoring pink socks. Carvalho made chocolate covered pretzels and other treats that were sold at the game. “I think it’s very important for the girls to do something that’s bigger than just volleyball,” she said. “Yes, we love volleyball, we breathe volleyball, but life is bigger than that.”

Find more Scotch Plains and Fanwood sports, school news, and local updates on Union County Life.

Q: Did Scotch Plains-Fanwood win the division title?
A: Yes. The girls volleyball team clinched the division title by sweeping Rahway 25-17 and 25-19 on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Q: What is the team’s record?
A: The Raiders are 16-5 overall after the win, and they finished division play undefeated.

Q: Who led the team in the match?
A: Brynn Cardenas had eight kills and six digs. Jacklyn Choi had 18 digs, and Isabelle Stewart had nine assists.

Q: Who does the team face next?
A: The Raiders face Dayton in the Union County Tournament. Scotch Plains-Fanwood beat Dayton twice during the regular season.