1/27/2026
Efficiency is the hallmark of a championship contender. On Tuesday night at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center, New Jersey City University (NJCU) provided a masterclass in offensive precision. The Gothic Knights extended their unblemished record to 4-0 and opened conference play with a resounding straight-sets victory over NJAC rival Ramapo College (25-15, 25-21, 25-20).
While early season matchups often feature teams still searching for their identity, NJCU appeared fully formed. The Knights operated with a clinical edge, finishing the night with a .328 team hitting percentage. That efficiency reached a crescendo in the final frame when NJCU posted a staggering .733 clip, a statistical rarity that speaks to the elite connection between the passers and the playmaker.
The Engine of the Attack
Senior setter Alex Casais was the architect of the victory. Distributing the ball with vision and poise, Casais tallied 27 assists while orchestrating an attack that kept the Ramapo blockers consistently out of system. His ability to find the hot hand ensured that the Knights never remained stagnant.
The primary beneficiary of this distribution was junior Marcus Pardasie. The Paramus native was nearly unstoppable, pacing the offense with eight kills on a .467 hitting percentage. Pardasie proved to be a multi-dimensional threat, contributing four digs and three blocks to bolster the defensive front. Alongside him, Victor De Souza was a model of consistency. De Souza hammered home seven kills on a scorching .700 hitting percentage, adding four block assists to anchor the middle.
Resilience and Runs
The match began as a sprint. NJCU roared out of the gates with an 8-0 run in the first set, fueled by the veteran presence of Mike McGehee and the rising talent of sophomore Matt Peralta. Peralta, who finished with six kills, provided a physical presence that Ramapo struggled to contain. Though the Roadrunners attempted to claw back into the set, the initial deficit proved insurmountable as NJCU cruised to a 25-15 opening win.
Ramapo showed their resolve in the second set, utilizing a 5-1 lead to challenge the Knights’ composure. However, NJCU responded with a 7-0 run of their own. It was a testament to the Gothic Knights’ maturity; they did not panic when trailing, instead relying on defensive discipline. Sophomore Nas Paige stabilized the back row with a team-high six digs, providing the platform for the transition game.
Roadrunner Resistance
Despite the sweep, Ramapo displayed flashes of the grit that has defined their program. Xavier Fabre led the Roadrunners with six kills and three blocks, providing a spark at the net. Setter Joseph Duca worked tirelessly to keep the offense moving, recording 18 assists and two kills.
In the third set, Trevor Van Valkenburgh and Jake Farley attempted to swing the momentum back toward the visitors. The set remained tightly contested until an 11-10 deadlock was broken by NJCU’s depth. The emergence of Alaittim De Leon, who provided late-match energy with several key kills, helped the Knights pull away. NJCU’s superiority at the net was ultimately the difference, as they out-blocked Ramapo 7 to 3.
Looking Ahead
With a 4-0 start and a 1-0 mark in the NJAC, the Gothic Knights have signaled that they are the team to beat in the CUNYAC in their first season in the conference. Their balance of veteran leadership and emerging underclassman talent creates a daunting matchup for any opponent. As the final whistle blew against Ramapo, the scoreboard reflected more than just a win. It reflected a program that has undergone a fundamental shift in philosophy. This NJCU team doesn’t just wait for their opponents to make mistakes; they create conditions where mistakes are inevitable.
The Gothic Knights now look toward a January 31 clash at Hobart College. If they continue to marry this level of offensive intelligence with their defensive grit, the 2026 season could be a historic one for Jersey City. NJCU sets their sights on the next NJAC matchup against Kean on 2/3