Hopewell Valley Central High School
The Hopewell Valley Boys Volleyball team had a challenging week, last week, playing two tough matches and losing both of them. First, the Bulldogs lost 2-0 to Rancocas Valley on Tuesday in the first round of the BCSL Tournament. The boys played a close but frustrating game, losing the first set 25-23 and the second set 27-25. Larry Kennedy tallied three kills and four digs, while Armaan Desai played very well with ten kills and three blocks. Saahith Kusupudi had twenty one assists and three kills, Eli Miller had one block and two digs, Emantis Srogis had seven kills and two blocks, Nick Lange had one kill and five digs, and Vincent Huang had ten digs for the Bulldogs.
Hopewell Valley played Hunterdon Central on Thursday for their senior night, but the Bulldogs lost in two sets (25-15 and 25-19) to one of the best teams in the state. Larry Kennedy had six kills and two digs, while Saahith Kusupudi recorded fifteen assists and seven digs. Connor Plarre tallied two kills, Leo Huang had nine digs, Christopher Sawicki recorded three kills, Eli Miller had two kills, and Paul Warznak had 2 digs. – Christopher Sawicki
Photo above – Varsity Seniors: Connor Plarre, Christopher Sawicki, Larry Kennedy, Eli Miller, Paul Warznak, Nick Lange, Vincent Huang, Saahith Kusupudi
On Saturday, the Hopewell Valley Boys Lacrosse team hosted the Somerville Pioneers. With the air temperatures around 90 degrees, there was even more heat on the field, as the Bulldogs won 15-5. In the NJSIAA South 2 group, Hopewell Valley has outscored its opponents 35-5. Earlier in the week, Hopewell Valley defeated Seneca 20-0.
The game started out with the hosts taking a 4-2 lead. In the next quarter, the Bulldogs began flexing their muscle by taking a 10-3 advantage. In the second half, Hopewell defense clamped down on the Pioneers. Cutter Swanson was the stalwart in goal allowing only two second half goals.
Leading the offense was Louis Azara with five goals and an assist. Lucas Gaissert followed 3 goals and 2 assists and Jacob Sanderson followed with two goals and three assists. Luke Long had three goals. Next up, the #4 Bulldogs will travel to #1 Rumson-Fair Haven on Wednesday for the Group Semi-final. The winner of that game will advance to take on the winner of the Wall/Manasquan game. -Paul Domboski
Also on Saturday, the Hopewell Township Police Department and HVCHS staff competed in the inaugural Police vs. Teachers Charity Softball Game. The Bulldogs were ultimately victorious, but both teams are looking forward to making the game an annual competition. The event raised money to support Pennington Adult Living Services (PALS), which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “help individuals with developmental disabilities achieve more productive, independent, and happy lives.” – Patricia Riley (photos by Paul Domboski)
