Girls volleyball: Hunterdon Central captures third-straight Group IV title

WAYNE - Hunterdon Central girls volleyball coach Stephen Fenton says his coaching philosophy is built on four letters, “L.O.V.E.” The Red Devils love the grind, love their teammates and love to compete.

The love for the game helped third-seeded Hunterdon Central (23-4) capture its third straight NJSIAA Group IV title as the Red Devils defeated No. 1 Bridgewater-Raritan, 25-17, 25-18, in straight sets on Saturday at William Paterson University.

“I call my gym my home away from home,” Fenton said as spoke of the hard work that comes with winning three consecutive state titles. “The philosophy is built by being able to take risks, and being vulnerable to do that, and allow us to have to no fear to takes those risks.”

The fearless Red Devils came out attacking as they took a 3-0 lead in the opening set and caught a break following the point as Bridgewater-Raritan’s middle blocker Kirsten Murphey twisted her ankle and couldn’t return to the game. Without the prolific senior, who entered the finals game with 133 kills, the Red Devils were able to control the net the entire game.

“It broke my heart I was sincerely upset to watch that happen,” Fenton said about the Murphey’s injury. “It breaks my heart to see that poor kid go through that but we had to maintain our side of the net and do our job.”

The Red Devils were able to maintain the lead throughout the entire first set as the closest the Panthers were able to get was within three points. Each time it seemed the Panthers were ready to make a run the Red Devils players would gather themselves and execute.

In the second set, the Red Devils got out to an early lead as well. But Bridgewater-Raritan (22-7) was able to stay within striking distance and were able to grab its’ first lead of the game with a huge kill by Talea Farrell to give the Panthers an 11-10 lead. Bridgewater-Raritan would take a 13-12 lead but the Red Devils were able to rattle off seven consecutive points to put the Red Devils up 19-13 in the second set. With the great run, the Red Devils would stroll to capture its third straight title.

“This means so much to everyone on this team and the program in general,” said Hunterdon Central junior Samantha Heller, who finished the contest with six kills and seven digs. “It just shows how hard we worked together especially since the beginning of the season when we weren’t always playing together.”

In the beginning of the season, the Panthers bested the Red Devils in in straight sets but Hunterdon Central exacted revenge less than a month with a 25-22, 25-20 victory.

The two powerhouse teams have a tremendous amount of respect for each other and that stems from the great relationship the two coaches have with one another.

“We love the rivalry, we love playing Hunterdon Central,” said Bridgewater-Raritan coach Corey Romanak.  “Steve and I have a great relationship on and off the court. The fact that they got to win, I am really happy they got to win, they definitely deserve it.”