Old Tappan predicted winner in state tournament

PJ Potter | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com • Oct 31, 2025

Photo Credits: High School Sports Elite

Girls volleyball: 2025 Group 2 state tournament previews

The NJSIAA/Wilson girls volleyball state tournament starts on Monday, Nov. 3. Ahead of the most exciting time of the season, have a look below at NJ Advance Media’s section-by-section preview of the Group 2 tournament.

North 1 | Bracket

Defending champion: Old Tappan

Favorite: Old Tappan

Sectional finals prediction

  • 2-Old Tappan at 1-River Dell

Old Tappan may have not received the top seed in this year’s tournament, but their quest to a third straight Bergen County championship makes them the favorite in the N1G2 bracket.

They will vie for a second consecutive title on Sat., Nov. 1 against IHA in one final match before the playoffs.

At 16-4, NVOT has a bit of a new look on the court, but they have still played like one of the best teams in the state. Julia Whaley (175 kills) has elevated herself into the conversation as a top player in Bergen County. Bianca Benasillo (101 kills), Eva Curko (86 kills), and Nadine Whaley (80 kills, 50 blocks) make up the rest of a superb offense, which has gone through the next great Giordano sister.

Junior Joley Giordano has taken over as the team’s setter, logging 402 assists along with 96 digs and 41 kills. The Golden Knights pride themselves on staunch defense, and this season they have been anchored by Adriana Bryan (154 digs) and Desi Malafis (131).

The N1G2 bracket is always an unpredictable one, as statewide powerhouses Demarest, River Dell, and Sparta await for their opportunity to pounce.

Contenders

  • Demarest
  • River Dell
  • Sparta

Dark Horse

  • Pascack Valley


Best 1st round matchup

  • 12-Lakeland at 5-Paramus


Players to watch from each team 


Source Link: https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/10/girls-volleyball-2025-group-2-state-tournament-previews.htmlh

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Old Tappan defeated previously undefeated New Providence 45 to 40 on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The win handed New Providence its first loss of the season. Defense drove the result. Old Tappan held New Providence to one of its lowest point totals of the season and forced tough shots throughout the game. Old Tappan led 12 to 9 after the first quarter and took a 23 to 12 lead into halftime. New Providence rallied in the fourth quarter, but Old Tappan stayed composed and finished the game at the line and with stops on defense. Sienna Drullinsky led Old Tappan with 19 points, including 11 made free throws. Alexa Caunedo scored 12 points. Alivia Badurina added six points. Sadie Murphy finished with five points. Nina Caunedo hit a three pointer for three points. Mauimi Quiros, Christina D’Andrea, Katie Degennaro, and Joley Giordano all played and helped on the defensive end as Old Tappan protected the lead late. Old Tappan improved to 10 and 3. New Providence dropped to 15 and 1 after its first loss of the season.

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Old Tappan too much for Eastside

Jan 10, 2026

Old Tappan beat Paterson Eastside 58 to 48 on Saturday at the Showdown in the 6ix Showcase at Teaneck High School. Old Tappan set the tone with rebounding and steady free throw shooting. The Golden Knights finished with 25 rebounds and made 23 of 28 foul shots. Old Tappan led 33 to 22 at halftime and widened the gap in the third quarter. Paterson Eastside made a late push behind Alexis Chambers and cut the margin to 11 points. Old Tappan stayed composed at the line and closed out the win.Alexa Caunedo led Old Tappan with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Drullinsky finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds and went 13 for 16 from the free throw line. Alivia Badurina scored 9 points and added 2 rebounds. Quiros finished with 7 points. Nina Caunedo added 5 points and 3 rebounds. Sadie Murphy grabbed 3 rebounds. Joley Giordano pulled down 1 rebound and had a bunch of steals. Christina D’Andrea finished with 2 rebounds.For Paterson Eastside, Chambers scored 17 points with 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. Jade Bethea had 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Keyrie Rodriguez scored 8 points with 1 assist and 1 block. Khori Muckle added 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, and 1 steal. Aubrey Newell finished with 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. Emely Jimenez Abreu scored 3 points with 2 rebounds and 1 block.

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Old Tappan dominated from the opening tip and rolled past Tenafly 57 to 18 on Tuesday afternoon at home. Old Tappan jumped out to a 23 to 2 first quarter lead and controlled the pace for all four quarters to move to 6 and 1 on the season. Sienna Drullinsky led all scorers with 16 points and set the tone early with strong finishes inside and trips to the free throw line. Christina D’Andrea added 9 points with three made threes, while Alexa Caunedo scored 8 points and consistently pressured the defense. Sadie Murphy contributed 6 points and brought steady energy on both ends. Lea Savino and Alivia Badurina each scored 6 points, both knocking down multiple threes. Nina Caunedo and Olivia Richards chipped in 3 points apiece with timely perimeter shots. Joley Giordano coming off the bench, anchored the lineup with strong defensive focus, ball movement, and physical presence throughout her minutes. Giuliana Foschino, Mauimi Quiros, Madison Plescia, Farrah Ibrahim, Katie Degennaro, Sophia Kang, and Alivia Badurina all saw action and helped maintain intensity, spacing, and communication as Old Tappan rotated through the bench. Old Tappan outscored Tenafly in every quarter and showed depth, balance, and discipline on both ends of the floor.