No. 2 East Brunswick defeats No. 4 Old Bridge

By Fred Siegle

EAST BRUNSWICK – It may be better known for its floor defense, but East Brunswick’s volleyball team can also put up a pretty decent block when it’s necessary.

The Bears, ranked No. 2 in the Powerzonevb.com state rankings, registered five blocks in the second game as they beat No. 4 Old Bridge 25-22, 25-19 in the season opener for both teams.

Of course, floor defense and their control on serve receive – East Brunswick had a quality pass on nearly every Old Bridge serve - also played a big part in the Bears’ win.

“I think our passing and defense were the key to the win,’’ said senior right side Travis Heilman, who led the Bears with eight kills and combined with teammates on three of the blocks. “We were a little sloppy today, but it wasn’t bad for the first match of the season.’’

Two of the blocks came late in the second game against Lance Rogers, Old Bridge’s 6-8 go-to hitter who finished with 9 kills. John McLaughlin and Eric Corpus teamed for the first, stopping a 10-ball attack by Rogers to give East Brunswick a 20-13 lead. Alex Rigley and Heilman combined for the second, which put the Bears on the verge of victory at 24-19.

While Old Bridge - which also features 6-5 middle Elvis Obi (5 kills), 6-2 middle Joe Nemeth (3 kills), and 6-2 outside Tom Mullan along with Rogers - is one of the taller teams in the state, East Brunswick is relatively undersized, with four starters 6-foot or under.

“We knew the ball was going to Lance more than the other hitters, especially at the end of the game, we just had to wait patiently and time it well,’’ Heilman said. “We’re small, but athletic. Defense is a big part of our game.’’

Sameer Sood finished off the win with his 7th kill after another of the Bears’ many defensive plays. Eric Corpus had 6 kills and McLaughlin and Rigley each had 3 for East Brunswick.

It doesn’t get any easier for Old Bridge, which next plays against No. 1 St. Joseph in a home match on Thursday.

“I thought we were a little confused about our assignments on back-row defense,’’ coach Andrew Hopman said. “We’re trying a different offense and defense than we used last year, so these things are going to happen at the beginning of the season. I know it’s going to take time. Hopefully, we’ll be better at the end of the season.’’