Roselle Catholic girls’ volleyball advances in states; Lions will next host Paul VI Tuesday night

Ousted Wardlaw-Hartridge on Seniors Day

The Roselle Catholic volleyball team’s season continues.

The Lions, who survived a tough match at home against Mount St. Dominic on Friday, will play Pope Paul VI of Haddonfield on Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Non-Public Tournament. Tentative game time in The Lions’ Den is 6 p.m.

On Seniors Day, fourth-seeded Roselle Catholic defeated Wardlaw-Hartridge in the tournament’s opening round on Thursday. It was the Lions’ first match since their UCT championship victory against Westfield on Oct. 26 at Kean University.

Seniors Chrissy Campanelli, Brianna Fleming, Danielle Franklin and Melissa Sporer were recognized with their parents prior to the match against Wardlaw. The girls received a teddy bear, who sported an RC volleyball uniform, and their parents were presented with flowers.

RC defeated Mount St. Dominic in the first game, 26-24, but, despite holding a 24-19 lead in game two, dropped a 26-24 decision. RC won the decisive game, 25-20.

Melissa Sporer and Calli Scheuermann both spiked nine kills and Jessica Ciandella and Melissa Sheehean added seven digs apiece. Libero Keyarah Newton registered 10 kills and five service points.

Paul VI, the 12th seed, defeated Union Catholic on Saturday in three games in Scotch Plains.

The RC-Paul VI winner advances to the semifinals, where top-seeded IHA is expected to be waiting.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROSELLE CATHOLIC:

Team and sign on top of hill:
Back row: Chrissy Campanelli, Calli Scheuermann, Melissa Sheehan, Keyarah Newton and coach Jason Davila.
Front: Danielle Franklin, Brianna Fleming, Melissa Sporer, Sue Riley, Ally Mroczek, Jessica Ciandella and Amanda Coccia.

Team holding championship sign/banner in bleachers:
Front row: Danielle Franklin, Melissa Sporer, Brianna Fleming and Chrissy Campanelli. Second row: Sue Riley, Keyarah Newton, Ally Mroczek. Third row: Melissa Sheehan, Jess Ciandella, Calli Scheuermann and Amanda Coccia.
Last row: Coach Jason Davila.

Seniors and parents on Seniors Day:

RC players from left: Danielle Franklin, Melissa Sporer, Chrissy Campanelli and Brianna Fleming.

RC coach with seniors and trophy:

From left: Coach Jason Davila, Chrissy Campanelli, Brianna Fleming, Melissa Sporer and Danielle Franklin.