The William Paterson women’s volleyball team will face a major test this week when it takes on NJAC powerhouse Kean on Tuesday, September 30.

Last season, the Pioneers finished with an impressive 22-10 record (7–1 NJAC) and claimed a 3-1 victory over Kean in a tightly contested four-set battle. The Cougars, meanwhile, went 17–14 (5–3 NJAC). However, history has not been kind to the Pioneers in this matchup—since 2006, WP has managed only six wins against Kean, compared to 17 Cougar victories. Their triumph last season broke a daunting 16-match losing streak that dated back to 2011.

This year, both teams are rolling. Kean enters the matchup with a 13-2 record, while WP stands at 9-5. Both squads are red-hot—Kean winning 10 out of their last 11, the Pioneers surging with seven straight of their own.

The NJAC’s 2025 Preseason Poll slotted William Paterson second overall, with Kean ranked fourth and tabbed as the league’s “dark horse.” Both sides have showcased their talent early. Kean has produced multiple NJAC Players of the Week, highlighted by Aspen O’Brien and Ashley Torok sweeping Player and Rookie of the Week honors in week four. WP counters with standout sophomore Bella Demers, who has already earned Defensive Player of the Week twice in just four weeks.

With both teams brimming with momentum and firepower, Tuesday night’s showdown promises to be a must-watch conference battle—one that could go down to the wire.