When critical points were needed, Sophia Villani was there to provide them.

“Personally, I brought up my level, especially during practices, as we got into the state tournament, and I believe the coaches have seen that,” said the Southern Regional junior hitter after she smashed a career-high 15 kills and added 13 digs and two aces to help the girls volleyball squad defeat Howell, 25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals on Nov. 5.