Ramapo Volleyball Cruises Past Hanover Park in First Round of States

After a disappointing in the Bergen County volleyball finals over the weekend, the Lady Raiders showed Wednesday that they're ready to make another title run, this time in the state tournament. Ramapo easily handled Hanover Park, winning 25-10, 25-10 in the first round of the Group 2 playoffs.

Coach Dave Van Hook said he was proud of the girls, despite the title loss. "There was nothing to be ashamed of. Our girls played awesome over the weekend; they played great."

They continued that great play Wednesday, and it earned them a trip to the second round of the tournament.

The 15^th-seeded Hornets were a bit overmatched against the Raiders, who were rested and ready.

After a much-needed day off, Ramapo practiced Tuesday and was raring to go come game day. "I think it's good just to get on the court," said Van Hook.  

Once they were there it was all Green Raiders, led by the usual suspects: Nicole Kincade, Erin O'Hagan and Sarah Giegerich. Each added to their team-high totals with game highs in kills (Kincade, 12), assists (O'Hagan, 20), and digs (Giegerich, 5).

However, it wasn't just the starters but also the bench players that helped down the Hornets. Van Hook cycled in his bench players frequently, and they delivered when they got their chance. It was truly a total team effort.

"Girls come in day in and day out, practicing and not getting a lot of time," said Van Hook. "I think it's important to get them in. They're a part of the team, they're a part of the program, they work hard, and they come, and they make us better."

The Raiders went down 3-0 to start the game, but the Hornets would quickly lose the lead and would never get it back. When Kincade, Giegerich and Kasey Woetzel weren't spiking it down on the opposition, it was the Raiders' servers who racked up the points. Ramapo continuously spotted their serves in excellent locations, giving the Hornets lots of trouble returning the ball.

Ramapo appeared to be having fun out on the court, too. "They were just relaxed today; they enjoyed it. They had a good time and enjoyed seeing some of their friends play, some of the non-starters," Van Hook said.

For the second-seeded Raiders this game was only a warm-up for what they'd like to accomplish. But for now, they are just happy to be in the next round. "Just to get it (first round) under our belt is really nice," Van Hook said.

The Lady Raiders will next face the winner of the 7 vs. 10 match-up between Demarest and Ridgefield Park. "We got some real good competition on Friday," said Van Hook, whose girls will host that game, as well.