Written by: Eric Kautz '27

Published- June 5th 2026

The Saint Joe’s volleyball team, among New Jersey's top programs, is looking to make history on Friday, June 5th, in the Maglio Gymnasium, seeking its fourth consecutive state sectional title in the South Jersey, Group 2 bracket. 

The Falcons, standing at a 26-4 record on the year, have been dominant so far in the state sectional tournament, having not lost a single set. The boys have taken down St. Augustine, Absegami, and Hopewell Valley so far in their tournament run. The team is ranked number five in the state on the NJ.com most recent rankings. 

The Falcons, the tournament's top seed, are set to face off against second seed Barnegat for the sectional title in a best-of-five sets matchup. The boys are currently on a six-game winning streak. The winner of the matchup will move on to the state final, playing the winner of the North Jersey, Group 2 bracket. Barnegat stands at a 22-6 record. 

Saint Joe’s is led by Dominic Nycz ‘26, one of the state's top players. Nycz is ninth in the state in kills with over 300 on the season, racking up more than 1,000 in his career. The senior also leads the team in aces. Alongside Nycz is fellow senior Jayden Dela Plaza ‘26, who is ninth in the state in assists. The team also homes one of the state's most impressive and bound for success young players, outside hitter Saizo Takenaga ‘28, who, as a sophomore, has recorded over 100 kills and digs. Other key contributors include Brendan Kane ‘27, Noah Cruz ‘27, Kelley Pearson ‘27, and Carter Tarpley ‘26. The Raiders are well prepared for the high-stakes tournament, having faced five top-20 teams in the state, some of which played several times, posting a 4-4 record in those clashes. 

With a fourth straight sectional championship on the line, the Falcons will look to continue their dominance and add another title to their growing legacy. First serve is set for Friday, June 5th, at Maglio Gymnasium.

The match will be streamed live on Saint Joe's Media