2026 VARSITY OUTLOOK IS OPTIMISTIC BUT A LOT YET TO BE PROVEN

 The 2025 season saw the Top struggle to string together wins on all levels as a rebuild was underway and despite having impact returners at key positions,  injuries, youth and a gauntlet of a schedule (6 matches vs top 20 teams in NJ) early set the Top on a very arduous season.  But there were some key highlights which set the team up for a possible run in the state sectional tourney.   The Team repeated as Healing the Children Champions, reached the semis at the Millburn Classic and had much improved performances vs. Governor Livingston and Westfield 2nd time around the schedule but still struggled with Rahway, Dayton and Madison, teams of the caliber they would need to beat in states.

The state playoff run saw SHS upset the #3 team on the road from the 14th ranked position on the road in a 3-0 win and then traveled in the Quarter-Finals to #11 seed Belleville who had upset the #6 seed for a spot in the Semis.  Unfortunately, Summit's inconsistency reared its head again and key errors and average serve receive did the squad in at the QF spot.

In the final analysis of the season,  there were some strengths and areas which will need to improve in 2026 to change the squad's fortunes.

Serving

Serve is a consistent weapon, averaging 2.71 aces per set and scoring on 47.9% of service attempts. The aggressive serving approach is working—the serve-to-error ratio of roughly 1:1 reflects a team willing to take calculated risks. Opponents are siding out at 52.1%, which indicates your serve is creating enough pressure to disrupt their transition game. Continue leveraging this strength to force difficult first-contact situations.

SHS 2026 - The team has put together a squad which could be dangerous in all 6 rotations from the service line and if they are anywhere close to the Covid Spring 2021 season in terms of numbers, the squad could see a tremendous upswing in their record

Receive

Receiving is an area where consistency needs improvement. A pass rating of 1.63 is acceptable, but receiving errors at 3.48 per set are pushing above the ideal threshold of 3.0. These errors directly limit your ability to run your offense and convert side-outs. Tightening up first-contact consistency will unlock more transition opportunities and improve your overall side-out percentage of 44.1%.

SHS 2026 - The team put the focus of tryouts to find the best serve receivers at all levels and this was to address the area which was a key factor in last year's record.  SHS is carrying 4 DS to address the defensive and serve receiving needs of the squad and all athletes will need to contribute every match for a successful season.

Attacking

The offense is generating opportunities but leaving points on the table through execution errors. Hitting efficiency of 0.096 is within range, yet attack errors at 5.29 per set are at the win threshold. This suggests your hitters are being aggressive and taking chances, but precision and decision-making need refinement. Reducing unforced errors while maintaining offensive aggression will improve your conversion rate and overall match control.

SHS 2026 - The team's youth showed itself in this category as the squad featured sophomores, a 9th grader and a senior with no varsity experience at the pins at the start of the season and needed their all-county setter to step into the role of oh to help produce offense.  However the 5+ attack error rate prevented the squad from ever getting comfortable in any match as the team would often get many offensive attempts but would not be able to score and cost themselves points with unforced errors.

Defense

DEFENSE

Defensive effort is solid overall. Dig errors at 3.31 per set are well-managed and below the win threshold of 4.0, showing your back-row players are making plays and keeping balls alive. This foundation allows your team to extend rallies and create counterattack opportunities. Maintaining this defensive discipline while working to reduce receiving errors will strengthen your overall transition game.

SHS 2026 - The team has selected a squad which should be able to improve in their dig output and create more opportunities for transition defense as well as eliminating serve receive errors.  This should help the squad be more competitive and a tougher team to play against...

Blocking

BLOCKING

Blocking is a clear strength for your team. With only 0.75 errors per set—well below the win threshold of 1.5—your front row is executing disciplined, efficient blocks. This low error rate reflects good positioning and decision-making at the net. Continue to build on this foundation as a key component of your defensive identity.

SHS 2026 - The team did not hurt itself with the blocking as the combination of seniors with experience and some youth at the position led to a good balance when it came to limiting errors.  However, injuries weakened this position during the season both offensively and defensively.  Despite the low error rate, the team also did not generate very many blocks or block touches during the season which was a reflection of the squad's inconsistencies due to injuries throughout the year.

CONCLUSION

Tryouts were designed to address current and future issues as they pertained to the Watch Items and improving on our strengths.  Scrimmage Season will give us some answers and will show us what we can be happy about and what we still need to work on this season.  One thing is certain though,  there is a lot of talent across all levels and there is a different vibe this year and a lot of excitement top to bottom.