Cougars Dominate on the Court and Field: Volleyball Sweeps Del Val, Field Hockey Blanks Hunterdon 7–0
Nicholas Mistretta
MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent
Montgomery Sweeps Delaware Valley Behind Balanced Attack
The Montgomery Cougars girls varsity volleyball team picked up their second win of the season in dominant fashion, sweeping Delaware Valley 2–0 (25–17, 25–21) at home on Wednesday night.
From the opening serve, Montgomery controlled the pace with a mix of strong defense and timely hitting. Meredith Shore powered the attack with five kills, while Polar Zacherau chipped in three kills, a block, and four aces, keeping Delaware Valley’s back line under pressure.
Setter Ritisha Mungi kept the offense moving with 13 assists, distributing the ball evenly across Montgomery’s hitters. Defensively, Maya Flores led with 11 digs, while Lois Oppong added seven digs to deny Delaware Valley any chance at a run.
Isabella Barber sparked the Cougars at the service line with three aces, while also contributing four digs. Anna Braem and Anshika Verma combined for five kills in support of the balanced offensive effort.
The win lifts Montgomery to 2–1 on the season, as the Cougars continue to build momentum in the early part of their schedule.
Cougars Blank Hunterdon Central in 7–0 Statement Win
The Montgomery Cougars girls varsity field hockey team turned in their most dominant performance of the season Tuesday, shutting out Hunterdon Central 7–0 on the road to even their record at 2–2.
Ella Garrison led the charge with a hat trick, striking twice in the third quarter and adding her third in the final frame off an assist from Sophia Soron. Soron also opened the scoring in the second quarter, setting the tone for a relentless Montgomery attack that tallied 26 shots on goal and converted two penalty corners.
Maddie Gomez and Maya Shah each added goals for the Cougars, while Ella DeBruin found the back of the cage in the fourth quarter on a feed from Carson Benedict. Elli Pizzuli picked up an assist as well, highlighting Montgomery’s balanced offensive effort.
On the defensive end, goalie Phoebe Rounds was sharp with five saves, securing the clean sheet against Hunterdon Central’s five attempts.
Despite an impressive 21-save performance from Red Devils keeper Julianna Kaecker, Hunterdon Central (1–3) couldn’t keep pace with Montgomery’s pressure and depth.
The victory marks Montgomery’s second shutout of the season and a clear sign of momentum as the Cougars look ahead to their next matchup.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/Headlinenewsmontgomery.com