Image source:https://njpowerranking.com/2025/05/06/devon-fernandez-the-meteoric-ascent-of-oratory-prep-volleyball/
Most people would expect a team of first year players on a brand new program to struggle at first. However, the Oratory Prep Volleyball team has proved all doubters wrong. Not only has this group won a significant amount of games, they have defeated boys volleyball powerhouses, and even competed for a Mountain Division Title. After going 5-15 in their inaugural season, the boys have notched a 15-7 record. With statement wins against Plainfield, Westfield, Chatham, and St. Peter’s Prep, the Rams have proven that they are a top team in Union County for years to come.
The Rams got a slow start to the season, starting 0-3. The Rams first win came against Hillside, winning 2-0. Devon Fernadez led with 13 kills and three blocks. This was aided by Miles Williamson’s 20 assists. This has been Miles’ strong point this season, as he led the team with 390 assists. After defeating Hillside, the Rams fell to Union 0-2. Devon Fernadez led the team with 8 kills followed by Jeremy Yeager’s 5. At this point, the guys sat at 1-4, an even worse start than the season before. However, after this game something clicked, and from here on out the Rams would roll through their opponents, going on a 7 game winning streak. From April 7th to May 7th the Rams were unstoppable, going 11-3. They won more than double as many games in this one month span than they did all of last season. One particularly notable win was against Plainfield, where they won 2-1. This was a huge matchup, as OP sat at second in the division just behind Plainfield. OP lost the first set 21-25, but battled back and won the second set 25-21. With the game tied up 1-1, the Rams prevailed and won 26-24. Devon Fernandez led the fight, with a remarkable 23 kills. Miles Williamson also had a big game, netting 35 assists. This hot streak came to a close with a 2-0 loss to Scotch Plains Fanwood, one of the top teams in the state, and Union County Champions. However, the Rams bounced back with a win against Westfield, one of the best teams in the county. This win really put the Rams on the map, and proved their ability to compete with any team they faced. The Rams then demolished Roselle in the Union County Tournament, but ultimately fell to Elizabeth. Most recently, the team traveled to Chatham and St. Benedicts, winning 2-0 on both occasions.
As mentioned earlier, star player and Junior OH Devon Fernandez has been a huge piece for this team. While being a major piece of last season’s success, he took major leaps in his game over the offseason. He has a team high 229 kills, 16 blocks, 57 digs, and leads the team with 32 aces. Fernadez already has interest from Princeton University. More notable contributors come from the team’s first year players Malec Malki, Hayden Flynn, Andrew Hipolet, and Brandon Lissade. The success of this young and inexperienced team is also a testament to their second year coach, Darek Libucha. Coach Libucha used his remarkable coaching skills to turn a group of mainly first year players into a top team in the conference. In addition, this team is extremely young, with 8 juniors, and a few freshmen and sophomores. This means this entire team will be back next year, where they will be stronger, smarter, and more skilled. Next year, the team will be in close contention with powerhouse team Plainfield. Plainfield is a senior heavy team, as they will lose 10 seniors at the end of this year. With hard work and dedication, Oratory should have a clear shot at the 2026 Mountain Division title.
