Scotch Plains' Union Catholic Tops Rahway in Bella Kind Match Oct. 17
Maria Torres · Union County Life
According to Union Catholic's post on October 20, 2026.
According to Union Catholic Athletics' recap on October 19, 2026.
A Saturday volleyball match in Rahway was about more than the score.
Union Catholic's girls volleyball team, from Scotch Plains, beat Rahway 25-16, 25-11 on Saturday, Oct. 17, in a match held in memory of former Union Catholic player Annabella "Bella" Marie Giacobbe. The match was played in Rahway, and Union County Life is sharing the school's recap.
Bella, a 2018 Union Catholic graduate and a Rahway resident, passed away in September 2022. The match served as the Volley For Kindness Scholarship Fundraiser in her memory.
The fundraiser supports the Bella Kind Foundation, founded by her mother, Laura Giacobbe, and Laura's husband, Ray Giacobbe, the mayor of Rahway. Proceeds will help fund Bella Kind Scholarships.
The school said the day let the Union Catholic volleyball family celebrate Bella's life and carry on the kindness and compassion that defined her legacy. The two schools played the first Volley for Kindness match in October 2023, when the program retired the No. 8 Bella wore.
On the court, Ayla Burke had seven kills, three aces and a block, and Sabrina Capati added 13 assists, three kills, three digs and two aces. Sienna Mabee had six digs, three aces and two assists, and Union Catholic finished with 12 aces as a team.
The win was the fifth straight for the Vikings, ranked No. 17, who moved to 15-4 overall and 9-3 in the Union County Conference's Watchung Division. Their only loss in their last 13 matches came against top ranked Westfield.
The recap does not say how much the match raised or how the other match in the tri match turned out. Questions can go to Union Catholic Regional High School at (908) 889-1600.
The Vikings also swept Roselle Catholic on Oct. 19 before opening Union County Tournament play, according to the school's schedule. Find more Scotch Plains events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.
What to do
When: Played Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, noon (past event)
Where: Rahway High School, Rahway
Contact: Union Catholic Regional High School, 1600 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, (908) 889-1600
Source: Union Catholic Athletics
Source: Union Catholic Athletics, Oct. 9, 2023
Photo: Critical Smith / Pexels
What to do
- When
- Played Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, noon (past event)
- Where
- Rahway High School, Rahway
- Contact
- Union Catholic Regional High School, 1600 Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, (908) 889-1600
Frequently asked questions
What was the Bella Kind volleyball match?
The Volley For Kindness Scholarship Fundraiser, a match in memory of former Union Catholic player Bella Giacobbe. Proceeds support Bella Kind Scholarships through the Bella Kind Foundation.
Where was the Union Catholic and Rahway Bella Kind match played?
At Rahway High School on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, as part of a tri match, according to Union Catholic's schedule.
Who won the Bella Kind match?
Union Catholic won 25-16, 25-11, its fifth straight win, to move to 15-4 overall.
Related articles
SportsFootball: Summit Tops Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Falls to Summit
Summit beat Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Friday night at Tyson Field, with Gavin Schnall rushing for 161 yards and three touchdowns in the Homecoming loss.
SportsGoogle Alerts — Fanwood NJScotch Plains-Fanwood Girls Volleyball Clinches Division Title Over Rahway
Scotch Plains-Fanwood girls volleyball swept Rahway 25-17, 25-19 to win the division title. The team finished division play undefeated and improved to 16-5.
SportsScotch Plains-Fanwood PAL Football Week 5 Results Against Bridgewater
Scotch Plains-Fanwood PAL football teams played Bridgewater in Week 5 at Tyson Field on Oct. 10. The B and D teams won, while the A, C and E teams lost.
Get Union County news in your inbox
Subscribe for local headlines, town updates, and community stories from across Union County.
Sign up for the newsletter