With the win, the Rams improved to 26-4 on the season with set scores of 25-11, 25-18 and 25-16, through staying disciplined on the offensive and defensive side of the game. 

“We took it one step at a time on our way to the peak,” said senior Ben Barninger on the team’s mentality going into the game. 

Randolph came out hot from the opening serve, winning the first five points, quickly setting the tone. Barninger led the offense with a match-high 16 kills while adding eight digs, helping the Rams control the action throughout all three sets. Junior Jan Rostek added 11 kills and eight digs, giving Garfield another weapon to defend as the Rams steadily pulled away. 

“As long as everyone on the team did our jobs the win was inevitable,” senior Austin Powell said.

The offense flowed through setter and senior captain Cole Cantada, who finished with 23 assists and 14 service points. Defensively, libero and senior captain Aedan Perez anchored the back row with 23 digs, helping Randolph turn defense into offense and extend rallies. Powell contributed three blocks at the net, while junior Matas Covalesky chipped in four kills and three aces. 

“We will watch film to prepare mentally, and most importantly, practice the little things and perfect our synergy,” said Cantada on how the team will prepare for the sectional finals vs. Ramapo. 

Randolph finished the match with 38 kills, 35 assists and 52 digs in one of the team’s most complete performances of the postseason. The Rams controlled the pace from start to finish and never allowed Garfield to build momentum.

With the win, Randolph advances to the sectional championship match against No. 2 seed Ramapo, with a chance to bring home the team’s second straight sectional title, on Friday, June 5.