Governor Livingston's girls volleyball team opens the 2026 season Monday, Aug. 31, carrying last year's playoff momentum and the task of replacing its top hitter.
The Highlanders reached the Central Jersey, Group 2 final in 2025 before falling to Holmdel in five sets. That near-miss left Berkeley Heights one set short of a sectional title.
The biggest gap on the roster belongs to Abby Kim, the team's leading hitter, who won the 2025 Heart of the Highlander award for volleyball. The Governor Livingston athletic department recognized Kim for character, leadership and sportsmanship.
The returning core gives the Highlanders reason for optimism. Setter Sierra Isbirian is back after recording 592 assists in 2025. Mya Joseph, who tallied 95 kills last season, returns alongside Olivia Ho and Calista Chrysanthopoulos. NJ.com listed Governor Livingston as a contender in the Central Jersey, Group 2 championship picture for 2026.
The section returns several strong programs. Holmdel, which finished 24-3 and captured its first sectional title last fall, is back as the favorite. Cranford, which went 19-4 and reached the sectional semifinals before losing to Governor Livingston, is also in the mix.
The Highlanders open at Mount St. Dominic on Monday, Aug. 31, then host back-to-back home matches: Scotch Plains-Fanwood on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 5:30 p.m. and New Providence on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 4 p.m., according to TAPinto Berkeley Heights. Three matches in four days.
