The Montclair State University volleyball team had an impressive 2024 season with a 19-6 overall record and 7-1 in their conference. The Red Hawks are on a current 11-game winning streak and have secured the second seed in the New Jersey Athletic Conference [NJAC] tournament as they defeated their conference rivals, Kean University, in a 3-2 five set match up on Tuesday night.
As the playoffs loom, veteran head coach Eduardo Stawinski braces for the mental and physical challenges ahead of the postseason.
‘’Mentally, there’s a lot more film available now, and there’s a lot more we can study,’’ Stawinski said. ‘’Physically, we’ve had little rest here and there, so we have quality days to recover”.
Montclair State's first playoff match will be played at home. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
The Red Hawks look to avenge last year’s disappointing playoff exit as Montclair fell to Kean in the first round of the NJAC tournament with to a score of 3-1. Coach Stawinski credits a new sense of confidence as a key difference in this year’s team success.
‘’It’s just a sense of confidence,’’ Stawinski said. ‘’The biggest thing is that we’re going into every match knowing we can compete, and we can beat anybody.’’
This mindset has been evident throughout the season, as the Red Hawks have consistently shown that they can compete against tougher opponents.
For the volleyball team to achieve their postseason goals they will need their team leaders to continue to step up and deliver standout performances.
Freshman outside hitter Camryn Muuss has had an outstanding and consistent first year for the Red Hawks – leading the team with 317 kills. Muuss has shown a knack for stepping up in crucial moments and will need to continue to do so in order for the team to make a deep playoff run.
Junior setter Emily Carcich has been another crucial part of the team’s success as she leads the team in assists. Carcich has shown the ability to distribute the ball effectively, as she has been very consistent all season.
Defensively, senior defensive specialist Katie Rodman has been a standout as she leads the team in both digs and aces. Rodman’s court awareness has been crucial for the Red Hawks in keeping rallies alive.
Sophomore middle blocker Lily Thomas has also been an anchor for the Red Hawks defense as she leads the team in blocks with her ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Thomas’ defensive presence will be crucial as Montclair faces tougher competition in the playoffs.
After receiving a first-round bye, the Red Hawks will host Stockton University on Thursday at 7 p.m. to determine who will play in the championship.
The Red Hawks secured the #2 seed in the NJAC Tournament. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
This playoff run represents an opportunity for a new chapter in the Red Hawks’ program history considering the last time the team won the volleyball championship was about eight years ago in 2016.
With a title opportunity in sight, the journey won’t be easy. The NJAC is one of the most competitive volleyball conferences that feature highly skilled teams.
Stockton is a formidable opponent that has a balanced and skilled roster that will test the Red Hawks in all facets of the game. With that being said, the Red Hawks will need to execute a strong game plan in hopes of achieving a championship worthy season.
This will include aggressive serving and consistent passing to set up scoring opportunities and strong blocking in order to disrupt Stockton’s offense.
Ultimately, Montclair’s success in the postseason will depend on their ability to stay composed in high pressure moments as playoff volleyball is often decided by little margins and the team that executes better in clutch situations.
The Red Hawks are on a current 11-game winning streak. | Photo Courtesy of Montclair State Athletics
Players such as Camryn Muuss, Emily Carcich, Katie Rodman and Lily Thomas will need to lead by example, but the Red Hawks will need contributions from the entire roster whether that is a key serve, a crucial dig, or a timely block.
Regardless of how the playoffs unfold, the 2024 season has been a memorable season from thrilling victories, to outstanding individual performances as the team is determined to add another chapter to their story.
