The Randolph Rams Boys Volleyball team opened the season with a perfect 7-0 record, remaining undefeated after the first two-and-a-half weeks of play. Under the successful leadership of head coach Erik Novack, the team recently earned the No. 15 spot in the NJ.com Top 20 ranking.
“The main focus coming into this season was finding out our identity as a team,” junior Austin Powell said, “then sending a message to the NJAC that we are a force to be reckoned with.”
Here’s a round-up of the team’s first seven games.
Game 1: Randolph wins @ Dover 2-0 in season opener on Monday, March 24
Randolph opened the season on the road with a conference matchup against Dover on Monday, March 24. The Rams dominated the match with the help of junior Gabe Sherwood’s aggressive serve, earning the Rams four aces. Randolph won the opening day match 2-0, scoring 25-9 in the first set and 25-14 in the second set.
Game 2: Randolph wins @ Sparta 2-0 on Wednesday, March 26
Two days later on March 26, the Rams hit the road again to face Sparta, another conference opponent. The boys came out firing on all cylinders, winning the first set 25-10. Sparta was not going to be put away easily, however, as the Spartans were able to keep the score close. Despite this, Rams sophomore Jan Rostek was able to close the door on Sparta and secure both the sweep and the second set at 25-23 with eight kills.
Week two was a true test for Randolph, beating out top, out-of-conference opponents while pushing through a stretch of three games in a row.
“It’s all about staying locked in,” junior Cole Cantada said. “Once we find our rhythm, we don’t let up. Each game builds off the last, energy stays high, focus stays sharp. We know what’s on the line, so we keep pushing, no matter how many games come our way.”
Game 3: Randolph beats Wayne Valley 2-1 on Tuesday, April 1
The Rams started the three-game stretch against Wayne Valley on April 1. The boys were all gas, no breaks in the first set, winning it 25-13. Wayne Valley battled back in the second set, however, stealing it in the late stages to secure a 25-21 second set win. The second set loss woke up the Rams, who dominated the third and secured the home-opener win with the help of Cantada’s 22 digs and junior Ben Barninger’s 10 kills.
Game 4: Randolph wins @ Montclair 2-0 on Wednesday, April 2
On April 2, the Rams traveled the distance to face an unfamiliar face, Montclair, a previously Top 20 team in the state. The Rams’ energy throughout the game carried the boys to a thrilling, two-set win. In the first set, the Rams made a late push with Sherwood’s service run, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead. In the second set, it was senior captain Kevin Tinio who propelled the team to the finish line with his sets and leadership.
Game 5: Randolph wins @ Jefferson 2-0 on Thursday, April 3
Randolph took on Jefferson next, on Thursday, April 3. This game was highly personal for Randolph as the Falcons had sent home the Rams early in last year’s NJAC semis. The Rams made their objective clear from the start, as they jumped on the Falcons 25-10. Randolph’s back line of defense, consisting of junior co-captain Aedan Perez, Cantada and Tinio, was relentless, giving the Rams plenty of scoring opportunities. In the second set, Barninger and Rostek dominated the net, securing the 2-0 sweep for the Rams.
“We carry the momentum by locking in one set at a time, one point at a time,” Rostek said. “We control what we can, bring the energy and come out swinging every game.”
Game 6: Randolph beats Clifton 2-0 on Monday, April 7
Randolph delivered a dominant performance against Clifton, winning 2-0 in straight sets, on Monday, April 7. The first set ended with a 25-17 win, and the second set ended with an even stronger 25-14 win.
“We started off shaky against Clifton, playing down to their level, but we found our rhythm and didn’t look back the rest of the match and got the job done at home,” Perez said.
Barninger led the charge at the net with nine kills and four blocks. Tinio controlled the pace of the game with 17 assists, helping his teammates get it over the net.
The Rams played with unity and determination, working hard on every point and supporting each other through the match. Their energy was strong, and teamwork was key to securing this win.
“I’m proud of how our guys competed; they stayed composed, played for each other, unselfishly, and earned each win they have so far,” Novack said.
Game 7: Randolph beats Chatham 2-0 on Tuesday, April 8
At the most recent game, the boys powered through to a dominant 2-0 victory against Chatham, securing set wins of 25-18 and 25-20 on Tuesday, April 8.
“The mindset against Chatham is to set the tone from the first whistle and send a message to all teams in the NJAC and leave no doubt,” Perez said.
In the first set, the team came out strong; their serves were on point, and they executed quick, effective plays to keep Chatham on its heels.
“Our team kept our heads in the game and limited our errors in order to achieve another victory,” Barninger said.
The second set saw a more determined Chatham team, but Randolph maintained its composure with kills and consistent defense, closing it 25-20.
The Rams have been playing at an exceptional level, maintaining an impressive, undefeated seven-game streak. Their chemistry on the court is undeniable, with every player contributing to the wins.
“Although being undefeated is nice, we’re not focused on that; we’re focused on improving every day and representing our program the right way,” Novack said.
The Rams will look to carry this 7-0 winning streak into the coming days and weeks as they play several top opponents in the state. Next on the schedule, the boys take to the road to face Vernon, on Thursday, April 10, at 4 p.m.
