National Ranking Does Not Faze Hillsborough Boys Volleyball

Todd Sudol and the Hillsborough High School boys volleyball team have a very simple philosophy.

 “We want to build on the previous year’s success,” he says.

If the Raiders want to build upon this year’s success, they’re going to have a heck of a time doing it.

In just its seventh season as a program, Hillsborough is 20-1, and have been ranked as high as No. 43 in the nation, according to ESPN Rise. The Raiders won the Skyland Conference for the fourth straight year, and are the top-seed in the Central Jersey playoffs.

However, being nationally ranked has not impacted Hillsborough. The Raiders are more interested in being No. 1.

 “I don’t think all of the kids know,” Sudol said of being nationally ranked. “It is a nice compliment, but it is not a motivating factor for us.”

The team’s oblivion of the ranking is perfectly fine with Sudol. His team does not view such an honor as anything to get anxious about.

“It does not add any pressure,” Sudol said. “These boys are true competitors and want to perform and win.”

Hillsborough will not have a cakewalk to the state finals, however. Lurking in the semifinals will likely be Piscataway, who handed the Raiders their lone loss of this year, a three-setter on April 21.

If Hillsborough can navigate through the Chiefs, it will likely see defending Central Jersey champion St. Joseph High School (Metuchen) in the final. The Falcons eliminated the Raiders a year ago in the Central Jersey semifinals.

Yet, Sudol and his team believe that, despite the tough road ahead, the regular season has prepared his squad for a shot at a championship this spring.

 “The title has been the goal since the end of last season,” Sudol said. “We’ve had a very challenging schedule, which is why the boys look at the state title as a reality.”