The Randolph Boys Volleyball team had a strong week, securing two victories over Passaic Charter and Sparta on April 22 and 23, and remaining undefeated at 15-0.
On Tuesday, April 22, Randolph triumphed over Passaic Charter with set scores of 25-23 and 25-17.
After falling behind 19-14 in the first set, the Rams showed serious grit, regrouping and storming back thanks to a clutch six-point service run by junior Benjamin Barninger, turning the momentum in Randolph’s favor. “The ability to deliver under pressure has become a trademark of this team,” head coach Justin Novack commented.
Junior Co-Captain Aeden Perez led the defensive effort with 10 digs, while Barninger contributed seven kills, playing a crucial role in the team’s success.
Their composure showed as they stayed focused and executed smart plays down the stretch. “The boys have found success all season by staying consistent and stepping up in the biggest moments, especially in a tough matchup against Passaic Charter,” Novack added.
Just a day later, on Wednesday, April 23, the boys continued their momentum with a decisive win over Sparta. They took the first set 25-18 and closed out the match in the second set with a 25-21 victory.
“We all knew that Sparta is a good team with a dominant offense, but we also knew our own capabilities, and this confidence is what drives us to show up and play our game every time,” sophomore Jan Rostek said.
This game held a special meaning for the team as it marked Senior Night for co-captain Kevin Tinio, who was honored for his leadership, dedication and all-around impact on the program.
“Kevin has been the heart of this program,” Perez said. “He’s not just a great player; he’s the kind of leader that makes everyone around him better.”
The team played with confidence and intensity as their serves were aggressive and clean and the players’ communication was on point.
Perez continued to impress with 12 digs and four assists. Junior Cole Cantada also stood out, racking up 11 service points and eight digs. Sophomore Jan Rostek added six kills to the team’s offense, and Tinio showcased his playmaking skills with 20 assists.
Tinio’s performance didn’t stop there; he was named NJAC Player of the Week after a dominant stretch where he racked up 259 assists, 31 kills, 21 aces and 31 digs. His ability to impact every aspect of the game has been a driving force behind Randolph’s recent success.
“It feels good being NJAC Player of the Week, knowing that my hard work is paying off, and I’m excited to see what else I can do,” Tinio commented.
With strong leadership and standout individual performances, the team is proving to be a serious contender as the season progresses with a winning streak of 15-0.
The boys next take on Summit at home on Monday, April 28.
