HACKETTSTOWN — For three years, Hackettstown senior outside hitters Eva French and Ava Fiedler have had to watch other teams celebrate the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex volleyball title on their home court. French and Fiedler have even had to help break down the net and other equipment afterward.

But finally, they got a chance to experience that joy for themselves. Upstart Hackettstown captured its first HWS volleyball championship, toppling North Hunterdon, 25-27, 25-22, 25-18 on Oct. 18.

The fourth-seeded Tigers were able to dance and cheer and cry on their own court for the first time. They upset top seed and two-time defending HWS champion Sparta in the morning semi, and then the second-seeded Lions to take the title.

It is Hackettstown's first time in the HWS volleyball final.

The Tiger

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