Sam Kranzler (left) and Brenna Delaney, two of NV/Old Tappan's four seniors, after the two-set sweep of IHA that gave the Golden Knights the Bergen County title.
OLD TAPPAN – Northern Valley/Old Tappan junior setter/opposite hitter Eva Curko broke a 21-21 second set tie with a pair of thunderous kills sandwiched around an attack error to propel the Golden Knights to a 2-0 (25-16, 25-22) victory over Immaculate Heart Academy in the 2024 Bergen County Women Coaches Association Tournament championship match on Saturday afternoon.
The victory avenged the 3-set loss NV/Old Tappan suffered at the hands of IHA in the 2023 tournament.
“It’s surreal - I have no words,” said Knights senior outside hitter Samantha Kranzler. “It’s amazing. Last year we played IHA (without the injured Kranzler) and were so close to beating them. Being able to do it this year is amazing for all of us. Everyone does their part - we have so many key factors - everyone gave their all and we were able to win in two [sets].”
“It means the world,” said OT senior setter Addison Gioffre. “Last year we didn’t have much luck with that so this year we were looking to enjoy it more. Last year I was a junior and I was pretty stressed. It was my first county championship so obviously it was a huge day. This year I focused on enjoying it.”
Curko’s heroics gave Old Tappan its first match point, 24-21. What happened next was the longest point of the match, as players on both teams pounded the ball for scoring plays that were saved by players on the other side of the net diving to make spectacular digs. Back and forth and over the net went the ball a dozen or more times until an Old Tappan kill attempt just missed the sideline and IHA cut its deficit to 24-22.
On OT’s second match point the ball went back and forth over the net a few more times until a hit by Gioffre found an open spot on the IHA side of the net and Old Tappan began its championship celebration.
“It helps the hitters out when I get involved with the offense,” Gioffre said. “It keeps the block honest and takes a little pressure off the hitters. It keeps the defense on their toes. Sometimes I think about it beforehand but most of the time I just kind of do it. If the ball is taking me inward I try to redirect it with a dump.”
The score was tied 10 times in the second set. Blue Eagles senior S/Opp Julia Sobilo hammered 6 of her team-high 9 kills to keep IHA close. Kranzler, who led Old Tappan with 9 kills, played superb defense as well, scooping 10 digs in the match. Kranzler said she has been working on varying her shots to keep the defense off balance.
“In practice I’ve been working on mixing my shots,” she said. “When I see that the block is not there I just pound it. When I see that the set is a little bit off or I’m too late I’ll decide to tip it. If I see an open spot on the court I’ll hit it there.”
IHA had 5 players who tallied at least one point in the match, while Old Tappan had 6 different scorers, which is nice for Gioffre, who distributed 28 assists to go along with her 2 kills, 1 block and 2 digs.
“It feels amazing - it’s the best feeling in the world,” Gioffre said of setting up players for a kill. “It’s not that I set the ball well. It’s that they got the kill and I’m so proud of them. The fact that I have hitters that can do that is amazing.”
“We’re really lucky - we have a lot of different options on offense and different grade levels,” added Old Tappan coach Melissa Landeck. “As the season has gone on more people have risen to the occasion and improved. It’s the kids coming into this gym and working hard for 2, 2-½ hours every day that has given Addison so many options to work with. She has the acumen, the volleyball IQ and the skill. She is outstanding as the quarterback of our offense. We know we can put the ball in anyone’s hands and we have an opportunity to score.”
The first set was tied 4 times and IHA led by 2 points a couple of times but the Knights controlled play most of the way. They took the lead for good, 8-7, on a service ace by junior Adriana Bryan. Junior MB/OH Julia Whaley had 4 of her 6 kills of the match in that first set. She also blocked a shot in the second set. Curko finished the match with 7 kills and 5 digs.
But credit goes to the whole team - not just the players on the floor - for the success they have enjoyed this season.
“You see the six or eight kids that rotated on the court in games,” said Landeck, “but what you don’t see is the entire team playing every day in practice - pushing each other. This is a special group. The entire roster is special and the entire roster contributed to this championship. That’s been something special for this team this year - they show up every day to work and compete and push each other and it’s making us better.”
“Everyone works hard in practice - pushes us - and we do a lot of 6-for-6, so everyone is playing,” Kranzler added. “Everyone contributes - if they’re on the court or cheering on the bench - it’s a full team effort.”
Old Tappan improved to 20-0 and with the state playoffs on the horizon they will continue the philosophy that has worked so far this season.
“It’s one day at a time,” said Landeck. “That’s been the mindset of this team and it’s been serving us well. We just worry about the opponent in front of us, the game in front of us and prepare. This team has bought into preparing for what’s in front of them and it’s working.”
“We like to focus on each opponent and give respect to each opponent,” Gioffre added. “We’ve had a very successful season but you can’t let your guard down at any moment. You want to respect each opponent the same way. Even in the games just taking it one point at a time, focusing on ‘what can I do right now’ to get the point or side out?”
Since they have only lost one set all season, one day at a time seems to be working out well for the Golden Knights in 2024.
“It’s my senior year and it’s a great team,” Gioffre said. “I just wanted to have fun with my teammates. We played amazing so just to be out on the court playing with them was a privilege - especially to win.”
“[This is] for everyone who played last season - and especially for me since I couldn’t contribute last year,” Kranzler said. “But this year I gave it my all. We have great leaders on this team and everyone wants it. It’s a great feeling.”
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