Randolph Boys Volleyball opened the 2025-26 season in dominant fashion, winning six consecutive matches. The team’s early success is not surprising after last year’s historic 25-5 record, which set a program best. The 2024-25 squad also won the NJAC Conference title and was crowned Group 2 North Sectional champions.  

This season, however, the boys face their hardest schedule yet, against highly ranked opponents including No. 1 Old Bridge, No. 5 Monroe, No. 8 Hillsborough, No. 12 West Caldwell Tech, No. 26 Hunterdon Central and Jefferson. 

Randolph returned a strong core of seniors: Aedan Perez (captain), Cole Cantada (captain), Ben Barninger, Gabe Sherwood, Steven Nostrame, Alex Henriques and Austin Powell; juniors Jan Rostek, Matas Covalesky, Nathan Li, Ellis Reiber, Jeremy Campeau and James Ward; and sophomore Evan Li. 

The coaching staff also saw a change in the offseason. Following the departure of longtime assistant Bryan Mate, the Rams welcomed Rob Reiber as the new assistant coach. 

Barninger noted that the new additions to the varsity squad will positively impact the varsity squad. “The new guys add depth and energy, helping the team grow and compete more effectively,” he said.

Team preparation for the season went beyond practice to include team bonding. “It really helped us elevate our level of play, facing very high competition,” Powell said. “This gives us an advantage going into the season with team chemistry” 

The boys come into this season motivated. The heartbreak of last year’s semi-final upset loss to Jefferson in the NJAC tournament and defeat in the Group 2 Final to St. Joseph (Metuchen) still lingers.

“It’s going to come down to poise, and the team trusting each other and leaning on each other in hard moments,” head coach Eric Novack said when asked what it will take to succeed with such a rigorous schedule.

Here are some highlights from this year’s season-opening games.

March 25 Home Opener v. Morristown 

The boys kicked off their home season with a 2-0 victory over NJAC conference rival Morristown. The Rams did not let the competition stop them, however, as they took an early lead during the first set.  

“I felt our team chemistry and communication during the game allowed us to take advantage of key opportunities to help us come out victorious,” game MVP Powell said.  

During the second set, Randolph started to lose a bit of stamina. In the first few minutes of the game, Morristown was in the lead. 

The Rams did not let Morristown’s lead discourage them. Instead, they put their best foot forward and won the set.  

March 27 v. Mount Olive 

The Rams welcomed Mount Olive to their first varsity season with a clean 2-0 sweep. The game was quick, and the victory was simple for the team.  

“It’s our first season as a varsity team, and we are trying to set a program for the future while making a good impact for its start,” Mount Olive captain Ryan Bause said.  

The Rams showcased the team’s experience, dominating both sets. A. Perez led with 15 digs defensively. 

March 28 v. Passaic Charter 

Randolph stayed undefeated with a tight 2-0 win over Passaic Charter, taking both sets 25-23. The Rams handled the pressure well late in each set, staying composed and finishing strong. 

“We didn’t panic when it got close,” Barninger said. “We just trusted each other and made plays.” 

Randolph’s consistency and teamwork helped the team close out another win early out of conference in the season. 

April 1 v. Hillsborough 

In a high-stakes top 10 matchup, No. 10 Randolph battled back to defeat No. 6 Hillsborough in three sets 

Hillsborough opened the first set with a 6-0 run causing the Rams to call a timeout. The Rams battled back, but could not close the gap, losing the first set 25-20 

Randolph responded in the second set, playing with more energy and tightening up defensively. In a back-and-forth battle, the Rams stayed composed late and edged out a 25-23 win to even the match. 

The third set was another tight fight, with both teams trading points throughout. Randolph once again executed in the biggest moments, closing out the set 25-23 to secure the upset. 

“The biggest factor in winning this game was definitely our poise under pressure,” A. Perez said. “Staying calm in high stake situations shows the team’s experience and leadership.” 

April 2 v. Jefferson 

Because this game was played during break, the Rams were down a few players. Campeau reported that people had to switch around positions.  

“It felt good to get back at them after last year,” game MVP Ward said. “Even though we had some guys out, everyone stepped up to their role, and all together played a great game.”