The postseason has arrived for William Paterson University women’s volleyball, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Pioneers will take on Montclair State University in the opening round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) playoffs, a rematch of a regular-season meeting that went decisively in William Paterson’s favor.
Back in September, the Pioneers swept Montclair State in three straight sets (25-22, 25-16, 26-24), setting the tone for one of their strongest NJAC campaigns in recent years.
William Paterson finished the regular season 18-11, 5-3 in conference, matching the Redhawks’ 5-3, as the Pioneers look to defend their NJAC title.
“Last game we swept them, and pretty solidly, so I think we’re pretty confident going into the game,” said freshman outside hitter Korrine Bakken.
That confidence is not misplaced. The Pioneers have built their success on balanced offense and strong defense consistency, averaging more than 12 kills per set while holding opponents to a hitting percentage under .080 in conference play.
Montclair, however, brings power of its own, ranking among the NJAC’s top teams with a .214 hitting percentage and nearly 13 kills per set.
“I think we are pretty equal teams when it comes to standings in the NJAC,” Bakken said. “It will all come down to who wants it more.”
That balance sets the stage for a tense first-round matchup. Montclair State enters the postseason with a 26-5 record and a national ranking inside the Division 3 top 50, powered by a deep offensive lineup and disciplined back-row defense.
William Paterson, meanwhile, has thrived when executing clean, aggressive play at home, where their serve game has been a major weapon.
The winner of Tuesday night’s match will advance to the NJAC semifinals and move one step closer to the conference title.
For the Pioneers, it’s an opportunity to prove that their regular-season sweep wasn’t a fluke and to show that their confidence is grounded in more than just past results.
First serve is set for November 11, 7:00 pm at the Sports and Recreation Facility. Fans are encouraged to pack the stands and rally behind the Pioneers as they open their postseason run.
