November 8, 2005 – NJSIAA Group 4 Quarter Finals – East Brunswick upset Southern Regional 12-25, 25-18, 25-14
East Brunswick got off to a very shaky start, quickly falling behind 11-1 in the first game. After that, East Brunswick managed to play nearly even with Southern Regional for the remainder of the game and that seemed to calm their nerves. Huddled up before the start of the second game, Anna Chesnakova seemed to be taking charge. Seconds later Anna smashed the ball past the blockers for the first point of the second game. Andrea Temkin served up two more winners before Southern Regional scored. With the score 5-3, Marissa Nadeau made a wicked kill which sent Kristen Semeniak up to serve. After Kristen fired off three quick winners. Southern Regional called time which set off quite a celebration on East Brunswick’s bench. The Bears stretched the lead to 14-6 with some tremendous rallies during which both teams made saves that seemed impossible. Jen Strapko not only was making wonderful passes, but she even had to fire a few over the net from the back of the court. When Southern closed the gap to 17-15, it was East Brunswick’s turn to call time. The next few points were a struggle, but the Bears increased their lead with some great team play and some dominating play at the net by Anna Chesnakova. Both teams came out ready to play in the third game. Southern Regional scored the first two, but the Bears quickly caught up. They went back and forth for awhile, but with Southern was up 9-6, Marissa Nadeau made a kill and then served an Ace to bring the Bears within 1. Michelle Sempkowski made several nice shots to save points and keep the Bears close. The game was tied at 14 when East Brunswick won the point and send Kristen Semeniak up to serve. Kristen served the next 10 winners, most of which were the result of blocks or kills applied by Marissa Nadeau who took her game to the point of amazing. East Brunswick will move on to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV Semifinals on Thursday at South Brunswick. Come out to cheer on our Lady Bears. East Brunswick is now an amazing 25-1 for the season.
