UPDATE: In a historic showdown, the Hackettstown volleyball team has clinched their first-ever Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex (H/W/S) Tournament title, defeating North Hunterdon in a nail-biting final on October 18, 2025. After years of watching other teams celebrate on their home court, the Tigers finally broke through, winning the championship with scores of 27-25, 25-22, 25-18.
The fourth-seeded Tigers faced a grueling path to victory, overcoming the defending champions, Sparta, in the semifinals before battling the second-seeded North Hunterdon team in the finale. Coach Jeannie Tagliareni expressed her pride, saying, “I’m so proud of these girls. North Hunterdon and Sparta are tremendous programs to get by in the same day. I am just ecstatic for the way we played and handled ourselves.”
Hackettstown’s journey began with uncertainty on the morning of the final, but the team was fueled by the desire to rewrite history. The championship match tested their resolve as they dropped the first set in heartbreak fashion. However, senior captain Ava Fiedler led the charge with a staggering 19 kills, ultimately driving the team to victory.
In a dramatic second set, Hackettstown found themselves five points away from elimination at 20-18. Fueled by determination, they rallied to tie the set at 20, thanks to a crucial kill from Eva French. The Tigers maintained their composure, and Anna Willis closed the set with a decisive kill, forcing a thrilling overtime.
The final set saw Hackettstown claim their first lead at 8-7, following a powerful ace from Nicole Willis. They never looked back, sealing the match with a spike from French that sent their fans into a frenzy.
Fiedler’s performance not only secured her the title of Most Valuable Player but also highlighted her remarkable season, where she recorded 44 kills in the tournament alone. She has shattered the school record for career kills, now at 549, and set a new record for single-match kills with 20 against Phillipsburg earlier this month.
Freshman Abbie Schlesinger, stepping into a setter role for the first time this season, delivered an impressive performance with 22 assists. “This was always my dream. I love to set, and I’m just so happy to do it for a great team like this one,” she stated.
North Hunterdon, despite their loss, showcased their talent with standout performances from Keegan Hissner and Kat Wolf, who contributed significantly to the match. Hissner closed the first set with an ace, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
This victory not only marks a milestone for Hackettstown but also sets a new standard for future competitions. The Tigers (19-4) are now poised to build on this success as they head into the rest of the season with renewed confidence and momentum.
As fans and players celebrate this historic win, the Hackettstown volleyball program has established itself as a formidable contender in New Jersey athletics. Keep an eye on this team as they continue to make waves in the sport.
