June 2, 2012

Bayonne (seen after the HCT), added another championship after defeating Livingston. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)

Memorial at Bayonne Boys Volleyball Photo Gallery

Bayonne has played with a motto of "unfinished business" all season. Yesterday the Bees completed their unfinished business and did it in eye-opening fashion.

Bayonne, ranked No. 9 in the state, completely dismantled No.7 Livingston 25-11, 25-9 in the NJSIAA North 2 final. It is the Bees' first ever sectional title. Bayonne will now face Southern Regional in the semifinals of the Tournament of Champions on Tuesday in Old Bridge.

"They just were so focused and Livingston just didn't have an answer for anything we did," Bayonne coach Pat Longo said. "They really played well and I'm really proud of them.

"Today they just totally dominated the match. It has to be one of their finest performances as a team this year. They were just very focused, they were very up for the game. They had unfinished business, they weren't happy last year with what happened so they weren't going to let that happen again. They really took care of business."

Livingston defeated Bayonne in the semifinals a year ago. This time would be different as the top-seeded Bees (29-5) dominated from the start and never trailed.

Kris Kucza had the championship-winning point with one of his six kills to go with six digs. Hojairy Peralta added six kills and Konrad Budny had 20 assists. Elijah Egalite had nine digs and four kills with Damian Bargielski cadding four kills, three digs and three aces. Jordan Elam had four blocks while Steve Granados and Kraige Tobias chipped in with five and four digs respectively.

Yesterday's win also marked the first ever sectional title for Longo after multiple near misses in recent years. The coach has run Bayonne's girls team since 1984 and the boys team since 1989.

"It's just a great feeling and these guys have just worked so hard all year long," Longo said. "I've been there several times and have just always come short. This one was just a tremendous win today. I'm really proud of the way they performed. It wasn't just one or two, this was a total team effort."

Pat Longo (center) has coached Bayonne to five county titles over the last seven years. (Photo: Jason Bernstein)