Attleboro junior setter Natalie Brojek dishes out one of her 28 assists to lead the Bombardiers to their first playoff win in over a decade. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
ATTLEBORO, Mass. – It has been a remarkable season for the Attleboro volleyball program. The Bombardiers opened their new gym by winning 16 games in the regular season, one of the best records in program history, and won a share of its first Kelley-Rex division title. On Thursday night, Attleboro added a couple more milestones to this fall to remember.
The seventh-seeded Bombardiers had little trouble sweeping No. 26 seed Westford Academy 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-17) to record their first playoff win in over a decade. During the victory, junior captain Natalie Brojek celebrated a personal accomplishment when she dished out her 1,000th career assist.
“She’s only a junior but I don’t know what I’m going to do without her,” said Attleboro coach Mary Katherine Runey. “It’s so much more than the assists. She is everything and so much more because she knows when to focus and she knows how to be a leader. Without her leadership this year, I don’t know that we could have been as successful.”
After the match, Brojek said, “It’s such a big accomplishment to me, especially since I got it as a junior, but it really means just running my offense. Numbers and stats can be important but what means most to me is playing with Attleboro, playing with my team. I love setting. I love this team.”
While Attleboro knew that it was a significant favorite coming into the playoff opener, and that it had faced some of the state’s best to win the league title, there is a different energy level in the tournament, especially for a team that had so few players who experienced it before.
Getting off to a good start to the match was critical and Attleboro did just that, jumping out to an 8-1 lead. Ellie Shelton and Addison Shelton (seven kills) helped the Bombardiers take the early lead in the set with strong service games. An ace from Ellie Shelton made it 13-3. Brojek showed off her all-around game, diving forward to dig a Westford hit and set up Julia Leonardo for a kill that increased the lead to 15-5.
“We love to drop a first set,” Runey joked when asked about the importance of starting quickly to not give the underdogs any momentum. “I kept emphasizing how important it was to come out strong. We can’t alter the way that we play dependent on who’s on the other end. I’m really happy that we were able to stay consistent and then also celebrate [Natalie] tonight.”
Leonardo smacked one off the block and Addison Shelton followed with a kill of her own. After back-to-back Westford points, Brojek took matters into her own hands with a kill. Ellie Shelton (six aces) added a kill and an ace and Leonardo fired in another spike to put Attleboro on the brink of a lead in the match. Brojek finished off the first set with a push shot that dropped into the middle of the Westford defense.
After a dominant opening set, Attleboro had a let-off at the start of the second. The Grey Ghosts were able to pull ahead early. Leonardo got into the swing with back-to-back points to even things at five apiece and then snuck an ace inside the back line for a 7-6 lead. Attleboro’s lead was as much as six (17-11), but Westford kept coming back.
The Ghosts went on an 8-1 run and regained the lead at 19-18. Middle hitter Alanna Sanders was giving the Bombardiers issues and Katherine Crane was finding space on the outside. Ellie Shelton pulled Attleboro level with a block for a point and then delivered an ace to restore the lead.
Attleboro would win the final five points of the second to put themselves in control of the match. Tigin Bombardier had a crucial block for a point and Leonardo (14 kills) caught fire with three kills over those final five points, including strong swings on the last two points.
“We’ve been trying to focus when we allow a team to get two or three points, I want them to have that volleyball IQ to know what to address, what can we on the court fix, prioritize a side out, and put the ball back on our side,” Runey said.
Brojek went into the final set needing just one more assist to reach 1,000. She made it quick, delivering a pass to Ellie Shelton for the milestone assist.
Leonardo was proving to be too much for the Westford defense. She had three more kills at the start of the set, helping the Bombardiers push out to a 7-2 lead, then three more as Attleboro made it 10-5. Westford got back within three at 13-10 but it would be as close as the Ghosts would get in the third.
Brojek (28 assists) fired in a pair of aces, then Leonardo had consecutive kills and it was 19-13. Two aces from Julia Mondiello and more strong defense from libero Sadie Whitmarsh kept Westford out of reach, as Attleboro cruised into the next round.
“Walking in, I was a little bit nervous,” Brojek explained. “It was definitely a different level of energy, especially knowing we have something to prove. We’ve already proven that we could make the playoffs, so making it farther and beating more and more teams was really important to us. I’m so excited for the next game.”
Runey admitted, “We needed to get this under our belt. We have shown in practice and in our scrimmage this week that we were showing some nerves. Tonight was not our best performance, we have a lot to fix before we face our next round, but I’m proud of the way that we played.”
Attleboro (17-2) will host the winner of Needham and Boston Latin in the Sweet Sixteen on Monday night.
Sophomore hitter Addison Shelton rises up for a swing against Canton. Attleboro had to come from behind in all four sets to pull out a 3-1 win. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)
CANTON, Mass. – Coming off the program’s first win at perennial Hockomock power Canton and continuing one of the program’s best ever starts to a season, Attleboro coach Mary Katherine Runey was left with a feeling that her team still had another level to reach.
Attleboro trailed in all four sets of Tuesday night’s crossover clash at the Masciarelli Gym, including 18-12 in the first and 10-1 in the second, but managed to rally three times and take the match 3-1 (25-22, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22). Julia Leonardo was once again the standout for the Bombardiers, recording 27 kills to lead the attack.
“It’s a crucial win for us, but I know we can play better,” Runey explained. “It is really difficult to play these tough teams early in the week. It takes a mental mindset to step onto the court and be ready to play and we didn’t do that today.”
She added, “I am very happy. We have shown the mental toughness to come from behind, but we shouldn’t put ourselves in that position.”
Canton coach Pat Cawley has seen her young team overcome adversity through the opening month of the season and remain in playoff contention. She was proud of the way her team battled but admitted that they let slip a chance to upset the Kelley-Rex co-leaders.
“I’m really proud of the way we played,” she said. “We’ve had a tough year. We only have a couple of people who are back from last year and it’s taken us a while to get up to speed. I think that this was one of the best matches we’ve played but we just don’t have the fortitude to finish.”
The Bulldogs got off to a good start in the opening set, building a 13-7 lead. Attleboro was struggling early with its serve-receive and Canton took advantage. Liana Lamparelli and Fatima Sidibay (five blocks and five kills) combined for a big block in the middle and Kaitlin Bigham served an ace to help create a little separation. Leonardo (15 digs and three aces) quickly brought the Bombardiers back with a tip and back-to-back kills, including one that clipped the top of the net.
Canton quickly regained the upper hand through scrappy defense, keeping plays alive to give the hitters multiple chances to swing. A block by Jess Wright put the Bulldogs up 18-12 and forced a timeout. Attleboro showed its resiliency to fight back. Setter Natalie Brojek (43 assists and four aces) won a pair of service points to pull within three.
Leonardo smashed a shot down the line, Tigin Bombardier had a kill in the middle, and Leonardo had consecutive aces to pull the visitors into a 19-19 tie. Addison Shelton (10 kills) and Brianna Frissora (five kills) put Attleboro in front for the first time since it was 6-5. Wright twice got Canton back within one with good swings but Shelton closed out the first with a pair of kills, including the final one that officials ruled got a touch at the net.
Attleboro carried over no momentum from its first-set comeback. Canton jumped all over the Bombardiers in the second, winning the first eight points and leading 10-1. Libero Zoe Scibelli (14 digs and four aces) served up a pair of aces and Wright and Bigham got good points at the net. Freshman setter Erin Bigham (27 assists) looked comfortable getting the Bulldogs into their offense.
The visitors crept back into the set by going to a familiar strategy, feed the ball to Leonardo on the outside as often as possible. She had three kills and Bombardier had a block and a kill to get back within four. Sidibay followed with another block and then a nicely placed tip to extend the lead.
With libero Sadie Whitmarsh chasing down several shots on the back line and keeping plays alive, Attleboro again rallied. An ace from Julia Mondello cut the lead to one and Leonardo stepped up to fire in a winner that tied the set at 19 apiece. Following a kill from Sally Hoban, Leonardo answered with a hit off the block and an ace that clipped the top of the net. Ellie Shelton (seven kills) closed out the second with a big block for a point.
“That has been a game changer for us the balance that we can have in the front row,” Runey said. “That has really been what’s crucial for our offense. Yes, Julia is a power hitter, she knows where to put the ball at the right time, but it’s all about mixing it up. We’ve got to shift the momentum of the game.”
For the first time in the match, Attleboro actually took an early lead in the third, but it was short-lived. A pair of aces from Scibelli put the Bulldogs in front 12-6. After a long rally, Wright would find some room in the Attleboro defense with a well-placed tip and Hoban added another to make it 15-11. The duo combined for 22 kills and 16 digs.
Attleboro would not make it easy on the Bulldogs. Frissora’s tip cut the lead back down to just one but Sidibay came up with another clutch play in the middle. Hoban smashed a shot off the block for a point, Leonardo followed with a kill on the other side, and Sidibay watched her bump drop in to make it 19-17.
Bombardier’s block cut the lead to one again and gave Attleboro fans hope of a sweep, but Wright answered back with a kill. After Erin Bigham dropped a bump in for a point, Wright kept the match going for another set with a big swing.
The energy and momentum was definitely with the home side heading into the fourth and Canton jumped out, again, to an early lead. Hoban and Wright went back-to-back on the outside to make it 10-6 and Sidibay was able to fire a shot off the block for another point.
As usual, Attleboro came right back behind Leonardo. The sophomore fired in a shot from the back row and then added another on the outside. An ace from Ellie Shelton and a Leonardo kill that ended a long rally tied it at 13-13. Leonardo kept swinging for the Bombardiers, going down the line to put them up 17-14.
This time it was Canton that showed resiliency, as Scibelli’s ace dropped in to tie it at 18-18. Addison Shelton had a kill, followed by a Whitmarsh ace to put the Bombardiers up by two. An ace from Brojek extended the lead to 23-19.
“We missed some key serves in that fourth set, the tips we couldn’t dig, just the miscommunications down the end,” Cawley said. “I think it’s a lack of confidence. We’re getting there but I think we could’ve won that match.”
Wright got one back, but there was going to be no comeback and no fifth set, as Attleboro served out the win to remain in a first-place tie with Franklin and King Philip in the Kelley-Rex division.
“They show up the next play, we make the adjustments, and we’re ready to move on from it,” Runey said. “We’re really trying to focus on some mental toughness. Volleyball is a game of momentum, but we can control our mindset and that’s what we’re working on.”
Attleboro (12-1) will try to keep things rolling when it hosts Milford on Thursday. Canton (6-6) will try to avenge an earlier loss when it makes a first visit to Sharon’s new gym.
Franklin will be looking for another league title this fall. Check out our team-by-team breakdown of the upcoming Hockomock League volleyball season. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com) By HockomockSports.com Staff
2021 Record: 9-10 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Mary Katherine Runey
For the first time in more than a decade, Attleboro got the taste of playoff volleyball and the Bombardiers have younger players stepping into leadership positions that will give them a solid foundation for another tournament run. There is excitement around the program and opening the new gym has added another layer to the fall.
One of the reasons for the energy in the team is sophomore outside hitter Julia Leonardo, who jumped in as a freshman and became one of the most dynamic hitters in the league. Junior setter Natalie Brojek has been an all-around standout for the past two seasons and makes the team click. Senior Tigin Bombardier will give Attleboro experience in the middle.
Those are the only three returning players from last year, but there are several new faces that could make an instant impact. Sophomores Addison and Ellie Shelton are new hitters that will give depth on the outside. Juniors Sadie Whitmarsh and Julia Mondello will provide defensive solidity to the back line.
“The level of success we achieved last season certainly changed the tone of our entire program, and I believe our future is bright,” said Attleboro coach Mary Katherine Runey. “As a young team, we have spent the past two weeks learning how to play together and in the next few weeks, we will need to learn how to win together. As we progress through the season, our goal is to minimize errors in order to efficiently run our offense and showcase the talent within our team.”
2021 Record: 15-7 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Pat Cawley
Canton has established itself as one of the perennial powers year in and year out, and one thing that comes with that territory is graduating a handful of talented seniors each year. Last year was no exception, but Hall of Fame coach Pat Cawley has shown time and time again she will have a competitive squad that’s much better by the end of the season than the start.
The Bulldogs graduated all but two starters, bringing back juniors Jess Wright at outside hitter and Fatima Sidibay at middle blocker. Cawley will be leaning heavily on them for their guidance of a young and inexperienced squad. Wright isn’t just one of the best outside hitters, she can play just about anywhere on the court and showed tremendous growth throughout last season. After showing off some great blocking skills last year, the Dogs will look for some more offensive production on swings from the middle from Sidibay. Senior captain Liana Lamparelli and sophomore Sally Hoban will provide depth offensively.
Defensively, Canton is looking at sophomore defensive specialist Zoe Scibelli, who saw meaningful minutes in the back row a year ago. Haley Duhaime, Liz Beale, Neveah Osborne, and Riley Costa round out the senior class and will contribute valuable minutes for Canton this year.
“We have many moving parts at this point but the young, inexperienced group is willing to work hard and anxious to learn,” Cawley said. “Three setters and several defensive players are vying for time on the court. The growth potential is exponential and it will be fun to watch the progression. The extremely competitive Hock will help accelerate the learning curve!”
2021 Record: 4-17 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 3 Round of 32 Coach: Vicki Santana
With 11 seniors returning to the roster this year, Foxboro is looking to have a bounce-back year and return to the state tournament with an improved rating in the MIAA’s statewide system.
The Warriors have key pieces back at all spots on the court and head coach Vicki Santana is optimistic about the season after a strong showing so far this preseason. Sami Sloan led the squad with 111 kills last season and is back as one of the outside hitters along with Juliana Pettigrew (88 kills) and Ava Hill. Foxboro also has both of its middles back with Mallorie Meyer, a Hock all star a year ago with 80 kills and 46 aces, and Ava Kirk both returning.
Defensively, the Warriors have their libero back in the lineup in senior Shannon McElhinney, who had 157 digs last year and was a Hock honorable mention selection.
“All of these players bring a love for the sport and determination to win,” Santana said. “We only graduated two seniors last year so we are hoping that with most of the team being returning varsity players we will have a very competitive season. So far the team has been playing great at our preseason scrimmages so hopefully, we carry that energy into our first game vs Milford!”
2021 Record: 18-2 (Kelley-Rex co-champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Final Four Coach: Samantha Redmond
Although Franklin only graduated a small number of seniors from last year’s team that made the Division 1 state semifinals, the Panthers lost a lot of production.
Gone are Caitlyn Mackintosh, last year’s HockomockSports Player of the Year, Lindsey Tarantola, a league all star that led the league in blocks, and Brigid Earley, one of the top middles in the Hock. But this isn’t the first time the Panthers have lost a talented senior class, multiple all stars, or even an MVP – and they’ve always found a way to come back and compete as a top team in the league.
Three-year starter Taylor Lacerda returns to pace the offense, leading the Panthers in kills a year ago as a sophomore with 155. She’s the lone six rotation returner in the group so head coach Samantha Redmond – who picked up a boost on the bench with the addition of former head coach Kelsey Weymouth as an assistant – will be looking for new faces to step into key roles at the net.
There will be some changes along the backline as senior Meghan Linkkila will move from the libero position to take over as the setter, and classmate and fellow captain Georgia Harvey, who was a defensive specialist last year, will take on the libero role.
“Franklin volleyball is really excited to continue our hard work this year,” Redmond said. “We lost a strong four seniors last year but we are confident that this new class of players will bring a lot of diversity to our offense and defense. We look forward to proving ourselves in the Hockomock once again!”
2021 Record: 22-2 (Kelley-Rex co-champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Final Four Coach: Kristen Geuss
King Philip has shared the Kelley-Rex title for the past three seasons and with a senior-laden roster, the Warriors look ready to make a push for another division crown. After a run to the Div. 2 state semifinal. KP has the experience and the depth at the net to be a threat for another deep tournament run.
The Warriors will be strong up front. Senior middle Emily Sawyer made her varsity debut as a junior and immediately became one of the best hitters in the league. The Sacred Heart-commit is an impact player on both sides of the net. Senior Sami Shore gives KP the most dynamic middle pairing in the league and can dominate a match. If teams try to bottle up the middle of the net, then senior Ahunna James can take over on the outside, giving KP great attacking balance. Seniors Olivia O’Neil and Missy Canning add depth at hitter and senior setter Kiera Hagen will run the offense this year.
In addition to the seniors, KP can count on junior right-side Kate O’Neil and juniors Ryann O’Sullivan, Emily Zappala, and Fiona Bailey on the outside. On the back line, juniors Shea Mellman, Ava Kelley, and Meghan Sullivan provide strong defensive play. Sophomore setter Madison Asprelli is a newcomer who could step into a bigger role over the course of the season.
“We are working hard to build on our success from last year,” said KP coach Kristen Geuss. “We have good chemistry and the girls are looking forward to the season.”
2021 Record: 9-8 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Tara DeGirolamo
Making the switch to the Davenport division this season, Mansfield is looking to ride a mix of veterans and new players to some success on the court this year.
Second-year head coach Tara DeGirolamo is excited for the season to get underway as she tries to fit all the right pieces together for her squad. Junior Elyssa Buchanan burst onto the scene as an attacking option last year and will be one of the Hornets’ go-to hitters on the outside along with senior Ella Mahoney. In the middle, Lexie Scibilia will be looking to build on her big season last year (48 blocks) along with senior Lily Campbell.
There are a lot of options at setter with senior captain Isabella Flint (132 assists) back as one of the primary ball handlers with junior Kiera Fitzpatrick and freshman Tessa Blaqueir both in the mix as well. The setters will also have options on the right side with senior captain Lilly Verheggan and junior Anna Goulet taking swings from the opposite side, with senior Savannah Carey and juniors Sophia Capaolupo and Elena O’Keefe providing depth.
Defensively, DeGirolamo will lean on senior libero Jackie Zelic to anchor the defense along with junior defensive specialists Lauren Rubicine and Jocelyn Gibson.
“Our setters have great court awareness and mesh very well with our diverse group of hitters,” DeGirolamo said. “We’re excited for the season.”
2021 Record: 8-11 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Tammy Webber
Between a handful of varsity returners and a group of eager new faces ready to make their mark, Milford is looking to challenge in the Kelley-Rex and book a spot in the state tournament.
The heart of the Hawks will be in the middle of the lineup with the team’s leader in kills from a year ago Aliza Syed back to anchor both the offense and the defense. She had a breakout season with 187 kills, 61 aces, and 34 blocks, which were all first on the team. She will be flanked by junior Maeve Driscoll on the outside, who jumps into the starting lineup this year and will play in the back row as well. Senior Molly Hartman provides depth at the outside hitter spot.
“[Aliza] will be counted on to carry us in those categories once again this season,” said Milford head coach Tammy Webber. “She is strong and athletic with a tough serve and can hit with power.”
Milford also returns its starting setter in senior captain Emily Croteau, who finished inside the top five in the league in assists last season. Having a year of experience under her belt, the Hawks will lean on her confidence and skill to spread the ball around and run the offense. Senior defensive specialist Carley Haley will anchor the backline.
2021 Record: 9-10 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Rachel Gould
After making a push for a playoff spot last season, North Attleboro will make a change on the sidelines as Rachel Gould takes over this fall. The Rocketeers will also be returning to the ultra-competitive Kelley-Rex division and with five varsity players back in the lineup North will be looking to fight for another tournament spot.
The senior class will need to provide leadership for the new faces in this year’s squad. Senior Avery Bitar will give the team a defensive solidity as the libero. Senior Grace Dirschel is the returning setter from last season and senior Sarah Kayata is another strong backline player that should help North keep points alive.
Up front, seniors Haley Carr and Mariah Barbosa are returning middle hitters that can step in and swing and also make an impact on the block. Freshman Lincoln Abramaitys will get the chance to shine right from the start as the team’s main outside hitter. Abramaitys is the only underclassman on the roster this year.
“I have a great group of hard-working talented athletes and I think we are going to have a competitive season this year,” Gould explained.
2021 Record: 16-5 (Davenport champion) 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 16 Coach: Chelsea Cunningham
Oliver Ames is ready to get on the court and defend its Davenport division title.
The Tigers know they’ll be challenged by perennial powerhouse Canton, division newcomer Mansfield, a veteran-filled Foxboro squad, and the rest of the division, and they’ll have to overcome the graduation of the versatile Hadley Rhodes, but OA has some top talent returning at almost every position.
Senior Maddie Homer is back for yet another season as the libero to anchor the back line. An All-State selection a year ago, Homer will be joined by junior Rachel Fleischman, another returner, in the back row to give the Tigers an experienced defensive duo.
Offensively, there will be more familiar faces taking swings at the net. Senior captain Courtney Raymond (56 kills, 18 blocks) is back in the middle as one of OA’s primary attackers and she’ll be complemented by a pair of terrific outside hitters in junior Sarah Hilliard (272 kills) and Claire O’Rourke (156 kills). Sophomore Addyson Smock bolsters the middle block while sophomore Clare Kavoulis and junior Paula Romero provide some depth.
“There is something special about this group,” said OA head coach Chelsea Cunningham. “The talent speaks for itself, they’re putting in the work, and they are eager to compete. These girls know everything is “earned not given” – which happens to be our program’s motto this season. With that, they know there’s a lot of work to do to make this the best season yet. If they commit to one another and the goals we set from the start, there’s no doubt in my mind that they’ll do just that.”
2021 Record: 6-14 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32 Coach: Andrea Lovett
It has been two straight impressive seasons for the Sharon volleyball program. Two years ago, during Fall II, the Eagles nearly won a league title and would’ve booked a playoff spot if a tournament was held. Last season, Sharon not only reached the state tournament but also won its first-round match against Revere. With a brand new gym and five seniors on the roster, Sharon will be hoping the momentum carries over to this fall.
Sharon will be counting on the development of its senior hitters. Amanda Brown will be the main target on the outside, while Olivia Nau has been impressive on the right side. The middle should be tough on both sides of the net with junior Jasmine Davis stepping up as both a blocker and hitter and senior Sam Dunham adding depth after her move up from the JV team. Junior Sonja Gray will be the main setter for the team again this season with help from classmate Masha Dolienkova.
The Eagles also have experience on the back line and players with athleticism to keep points alive. Senior Emily Coplan and junior Sophia Pandey will share the libero duties and sophomore Sasha Nierenberg and senior Evelina Kravets will support them as defensive specialists.
“Possibly the most important aspect of this team is their love of the game combined with a great work ethic and the tenacity to stay in the game regardless of the score,” said Sharon coach Andrea Lovett, who returns to the sidelines after being an assistant in 2021. “These kids simply love volleyball and it shows on the court.”
2021 Record: 1-15 2021 Finish: Missed postseason Coach: Felicia Baptista
Stoughton is coming off a difficult 2021 season. The Black Knights picked up just one win last fall, but they have several new faces that could step in and get the program heading back into tournament contention. It may be a smaller roster this season, but head coach Felicia Baptista believes the talent and attitude are right to get things kicked off.
Junior Maya Ashu will be one of the primary attacking threats for Stoughton this season. She will be a critical spot in the front row and has developed into a strong hitter. Junior hitter Annalia Eschleman is also back and will give Stoughton more athleticism. Senior Patrik Oliveira has been a standout on the back row and gives the Black Knights all-around play with his quickness and versatility.
Other players that could step into the starting lineup for Stoughton this season are sophomore Reagan Lewis and junior Alyssa Edwards. Both are strong athletes that will give the Black Knights more control of the middle of the net.
“This year our team is much smaller and much more prepared than in past seasons,” said Baptista. “They have been putting in lots of work this year and it shows right from day one.”
2021 Record: 8-14 2021 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32 Coach: Toby Chaperon
Taunton boasts a strong group of seniors, and with the addition of some underclassmen and new additions to the program, the Tigers are looking for an improved campaign in 2022.
Senior middle Hayley Krockta will be a force at the net this season but can play at all spots on the court. She will be one of the best servers on the team and can step right in and pass like a defensive specialist. She’ll be swinging at sets off the fingertips of classmate Anna Abouzied, another returner for the Tigers. Abouzied is a terrific passer in the back row and will also run the offense as the setter.
“Hayley will be a force at the net this year,” said Taunton head coach Toby Chaperon. “And Anna can do it all too, she has the ability to hit and pass very well. We’re looking forward to having a good year.”
Senior Mia Fernandes will provide a boost of energy from the back row as the libero, flying all over the court to keep the play alive, and will be joined by classmate Megan Rose as a defensive specialist. Sayla DePina, another senior, will look to give Taunton some swings from the right side and set the block on opposing outside hitters. Rylie Roderick will add some depth at the net and at the service line for Taunton while head coach Toby Chaperon will look to incorporate transfers Morgan Fitzgerald (opposite/DS) and Julia Mitton (setter).
Juniors Jaden Sabina, Janelle Garcia, and Morgan Smith will all get some swings at the net while classmates Caroline Pietnik, Randi MacLeod, and Courtney Martin provide solid depth. Sophomore Adrianna Amaral has impressed early on this season and will get some swings at middle hitter while eighth grader Sadie Herry will be in the mix as a defensive specialist.
