This week, the postseason came knocking — and the Bears answered with heart. From five-set battles to overtime heartbreaks, EB athletes showed that sometimes grit outshines the scoreboard. Every game was a test of composure, pride, and pure effort.
This wasn’t the week for trophies. It was the week they proved what East Brunswick pride looks like under pressure.
🏐 Girls Volleyball (8–14) — “Five Sets of Fight”
Storyline: The Bears nearly flipped the script on Hillsborough in the opening round of the Central Jersey Group 4 Tournament. After dropping the first two sets, EB stormed back behind Smitha Srinivasan’s 14 kills and 14 digs, with Zoe Holeman directing the offense for 20 assists. The match went the distance — a fifth-set thriller that ended 15–9 — but not before the Bears reminded everyone they belong in the big moments.
Results
Mon, Nov 3 (CJG4 1st Rd): Hillsborough 3, EB 2
Kills: Srinivasan 14 • Assists: Holeman 20
Parents’ brag line: “We didn’t fold — we fought like family.”
🏑 Field Hockey (14–5–1) — “The One That Got Away”
Storyline: EB field hockey’s postseason ended earlier than hoped, but not for lack of effort. Facing Scotch Plains-Fanwood, the Bears fell 1–0 despite five clutch saves from Ella Balsamo. The lone goal came off a penalty corner in the second quarter, but this team’s 14-win season tells the real story — unity, leadership, and belief.
Results
Tue, Nov 4 (NJG4 1st Rd): SPF 1, EB 0
Saves: Balsamo 5
Parents’ brag line: “We didn’t just play a season — we built a legacy.”
⚽ Boys Soccer (12–10) — “One Goal, Then One Heartbreak”
Storyline: The boys opened states with composure, as Andrew Lima’s goal and Sean Enda’s assist lifted EB past Sayreville, 1–0. Keeper Aiden Hanas shut the door with three saves. Three days later, the Bears took Hunterdon Central into a penalty-kick marathon after a scoreless draw — falling just short in the shootout. Two games that captured every ounce of heart this squad has.
Results
Tue, Nov 4 (CJG4 1st Rd): EB 1, Sayreville 0
Goal: Lima • Assist: Enda
Fri, Nov 7 (CJG4 QF): Hunterdon Central 1 (SO), EB 0
Parents’ brag line: “We might’ve lost the shootout — but we never lost our edge.”
⚽ Girls Soccer (10–8) — “The Last Stand in Princeton”
Storyline: EB girls soccer hit the road for the state opener and battled hard against a sharp Princeton side. Despite six shots on goal, the Bears couldn’t convert and fell 2–0. It wasn’t the finish they wanted, but it capped a strong 10-win season that showcased depth, determination, and growth across every position.
Results
Wed, Nov 5 (CJG4 1st Rd): Princeton 2, EB 0
Parents’ brag line: “We grew stronger every game — even in the last one.”
💚 Not every week ends with wins. But for East Brunswick, this one ended with heart, hustle, and belief.
The grind continues — and the pride never fades
