Montgomery Volleyball Falls to Rutgers Prep in Season Opener

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

Cougars show promise despite straight-set loss

MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery High School girls’ volleyball team opened its 2024 season on Thursday, falling in straight sets to a strong Rutgers Prep squad, 25–20, 25–14. The loss drops the Cougars to 0–1, but the match featured several bright spots as the young team looks to build momentum early in the season.

Montgomery came out energetic in the opening set, trading points with Rutgers Prep behind the steady defensive play of Maya Flores, who collected 11 digs and added three service aces to keep the Cougars within striking distance. Anna Braem and Polar Zacherau provided offensive sparks with three kills apiece, but Rutgers Prep’s balanced attack eventually pushed them to a 25–20 win.

The second set saw Rutgers Prep’s experience shine, with standout Aubrey Franz leading the way with nine kills. Montgomery worked hard defensively, highlighted by Ritisha Mungi’s six assists and six digs, but Rutgers Prep pulled away for a 25–14 victory to seal the match.

In total, Montgomery finished with 16 digs, seven kills, and three aces, showing flashes of potential on both sides of the ball. Rutgers Prep, however, was too strong across the board, compiling 17 kills, 28 digs, and 13 aces in the win.

Daly, Oliu Power Montgomery Boys’ Soccer Past Phillipsburg, 4–1

MONTGOMERY — The Montgomery High School boys’ soccer team notched its first victory of the season in convincing fashion, defeating Phillipsburg 4–1 on Wednesday afternoon.

Forward Lachlan Daly led the way with a two-goal performance, striking once in each half to keep the Cougars firmly in control. Midfielder Luke Oliu turned in a standout showing of his own, contributing one goal and two assists to fuel the Cougars’ attack.

Montgomery wasted no time, jumping out to a 2–0 halftime lead behind Daly and Oliu. In the second half, Christian Truppi added a goal off an assist from Oliu, while Alex Frank also chipped in with an assist on Daly’s second tally.

Phillipsburg’s lone goal came from Caden Heaney, assisted by Djafar Holjigitov, but Montgomery goalkeeper Alex Acot stood tall with four saves to deny any further damage.

The Cougars controlled possession throughout, generating 12 shots on goal compared to just five for the Stateliners. The win evens Montgomery’s record at 1–1, giving the squad momentum heading into the heart of its schedule.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/Headlinenewsmontgomery.com