Franklin senior Rachael Taylor attacks the ball in the second set against Barnstable. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
FRANKLIN, Mass. — Right until the end, Franklin refused to give up.
Barnstable moved within a set of winning the Division 1 state quarterfinal with a dominating third set and had all of the momentum on their side with a 2-1 lead, and an early advantage in the fourth set.
Instead, fourth-seeded Franklin erased a four-point deficit with a 5-1 burst to pull even at 12-12. They took their first lead of the fourth set right out of a timeout and never trailed the rest of the way, outscoring the visiting Red Hawks 18-6 to tie the match at 2-2 and force a deciding fifth set. Barnstable, the fifth seed, pulled away after the switch to secure the 3-2 win and advance to the Division 1 state semifinal.
After splitting the first four sets, each winning in dominating fashion and each winning a close game, the fifth started exactly as one would predict between two of the best teams in the state.
The first 14 points were split right down the middle, with neither team leading by more than a point. A kill from Makayla Kuykendall (12 kills, seven digs) helped Mansfield take a lead at 2-1, and a roll shot down the line from the freshman made it 5-4 in favor of the hosts. Junior Grace Lacerda placed a tip perfectly in to make it 6-6, and a blast down the line from junior Taylor Lacerda made it 7-7. A service error gave the Red Hawks the edge, 8-7, at the switch.
Barnstable middle Lindsay Jones dropped in a tip, came up with a block, found a hole in the Franklin defense with a roll, and then added a kill for a 4-0 run that gave the visitors the separation they needed. Franklin fought off a pair of match points, getting a push from Rachael Taylor and an ace from Taylor Lacerda (14 kills, nine digs) to get within four but the Red Hawks closed it out for the win.
“I’m so happy with the way they played,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. “In that fifth set, when [Barnstable] went on their four-point run right after we switched sides, it could have been very easy for the girls to throw in the towel but they fought until the very last point. I’m so proud of them for that and for just continuing to fight. Losing is never fun, especially at this point in the season, but they played so well. Barnstable did a great job and we played really well too.”
Although Franklin didn’t have the best start to the match, they showed their fight in the opening set. Barnstable, which brought a large group of supporters on the road, raced out to a 7-0 lead to start things off. But the Panthers were able to shake off the nerves and won 12 of the next 17 points, getting key double blocks from Jennifer Soohoo (12 digs) and Taylor (five kills, three blocks), as well as Sasha Tracey and Grace Lacerda. Aces from Kuykendall and senior libero Georgia Harvey followed by a back row kill from Kuykendall tied it 12-12.
It stayed close the rest of the way, a block from Tracey (33 assists, eight digs) closing the gap to 21-19, but Barnstable had some success swinging from the middle and closed it out 25-21.
Franklin looked like a different team in the second set, finding their groove midway through after an even start. Holding a two-point lead at 9-7, the Panthers rattled off a 9-2 run to pull away. Taylor Lacerda dropped in a tip, had a kill from the right side, and added an ace, Taylor had a block and a tip kill, and Kuykendall had a big kill on an outside swing as Franklin established an 18-9 lead.
Barnstable broke the run with two points but Franklin closed it out with a 5-0 run, a kill from Grace Lacerda (three kills, three blocks) in the middle off a set from Tracey, and then three straight strong serves from Soohoo, including two aces.
The third couldn’t have gone much worse for the Panthers. A kill from Grace Lacerda cut into Barnstable’s lead at 7-4 but the Red Hawks went on an 11-0 run with Franklin committing six unforced errors in that stretch. Franklin finally got back on the board but a 7-3 run closed it out, 25-8.
“It didn’t look good after three but I think it was just about reminding them that they did just play that well in the second set and winning the way they did,” Redmond said. “A loss is a loss, doesn’t matter if it’s by two or however many it was in that third, but you can still work your butt off and come back in the next set.
“They played the game they know how to play in the fourth. We were timid in the third. I don’t care if you miss a point when you’re swinging, I’d be more upset if they just played safe. We wanted to hit the ball, we wanted to play our game.”
A kill from Taylor Lacerda preceded a good serve from Kuykendall, and a tip from Taylor brought Franklin even at 12-12 in the fourth. Harvey recorded an ace, Taylor had a kill off the block, and a kill from Soohoo on the right side made it 17-15 in the fourth. A kill from Kuykendall forced a timeout from the visitors at 20-17, but Grace Lacerda came up with a big block on the first point after the break to keep the momentum with the Panthers. Kuykendall had back-to-back aces and the Lacerda twins combined for a double block to end it, 25-17.
Franklin volleyball finishes the season at 16-4 with three of its losses coming to teams in the state semifinals (Barnstable, Lincoln-Sudbury, and King Philip) and the fourth on the road at Attleboro, who made the Round of 8. It was another strong season for the Panthers, who deployed a mostly new lineup this season.
“We didn’t just lose four seniors [from last year], they were four huge seniors that started and played every second of every game,” Redmond said. “We had a lot of young blood getting minutes in this year. They had to go through that growing process, kind of like a growth spurt. It was a bit of a roller coaster, a lot of things happened this year but I think it brought them together and brought them closer. It taught them to work together and to trust one another. You can’t win alone, in volleyball you have to rely on your teammates because you physically can’t do it yourself.”
Franklin junior goes up for an attack in the second set against Acton-Boxborough. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
FRANKLIN, Mass. — When Franklin earned the final point of the match to seal a win, their traditional jubilation was replaced by a sigh of relief.
The Panthers were three points away from completing a sweep of #13 Acton-Boxborough before the visitors rattled off a late run and prolonged the match with a win in the third set.
Franklin played its best volleyball in the fourth set to create its lone double-digit lead of the match. And once again, just three points away from victory, the Revolution came charging back. Acton-Boxborough used an 8-2 run, fighting off five straight match points to get within three points. But a handling error gave Franklin the final point and the Panthers closed out a 3-1 (25-22, 25-19, 24-26, 25-21) win in a Division 1 Round of 16 matchup.
“I think across the board, we could have done better at pretty much everything,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. ”I think we all felt it, I think we’re all aware of the fact that we could have done better. At this point in the year, we should do better.”
There wasn’t much separation in the third set, the largest lead at any point was five points early on for the Panthers. After some back and forth, the hosts were able to get a little breathing room on a kill from senior Rachael Taylor to make it 22-19. Out of a timeout, a service error and hitting error shrunk the lead down to one, and a kill put A-B ahead.
A Franklin timeout couldn’t stop the Revolution’s momentum and they added a kill to take a 23-22 lead. Taylor (nine kills, three blocks) used a tip to bring Franklin level, but A-B closed it out with a kill and a net violation to take it 26-24.
That seemed to ignite the hosts, who turned a 6-6 fourth set into a more comfortable lead with an 8-0 burst. Junior Sasha Tracey (40 assists, four blocks) came up with a big block on an outside attack, junior Taylor Lacerda had back-to-back kills, including a perfect line shot, and senior Georgia Harvey (15 digs) dropped in an ace.
Taylor had a kill and then got another point after sending the defense scrambling on a nice tip. Freshman Makayla Kuykendall picked a nice spot deep on the court to cap the run, giving Franklin a 14-6 lead.
A good swing by Kuykendall (14 kills, 12 digs) was popped back up by the A-B defense only to be swatted right back down at the net by the freshman, junior Jennifer Soohoo followed with a strong serve that couldn’t be returned, and junior Grace Lacerda (four kills, five blocks) went up and put down a free ball with a block as Franklin pushed its lead to 20-11.
Lacerda (13 kills, 11 digs) drilled one off of the block and an A-B error presented Franklin with match point. But it was the Revolution that rallied with three kills, an ace, and a strong serve, and suddenly, with a 5-0 burst, the visitors were within three at 24-21. But Franklin snapped the run as A-B had a handling error to end it.
“It’s something that we’ve been trying to focus on, this isn’t the regular season anymore,” Redmond said. “Every team that we’re going to play, deserves to be here. You can’t coast, you need to play and finish things when you have the chance.
“I hope this lights the fire for them. I hope this is eye-opening enough for them that if they don’t want the season to end, and they want to keep playing, they have to go get it.”
Franklin volleyball (16-3) is set to take on #5 Barnstable in a Division 1 state quarterfinal matchup, with the date and time to be announced.
Franklin freshman Makayla Kuykendall (20 kills) attacks the ball in the second set against Attleboro. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
FRANKLIN, Mass. — It’s getting crowded at the top of the Kelley-Rex division standings.
Despite falling behind after an epic opening set, Franklin volleyball rallied for three straight wins to secure a 3-1 victory over Attleboro (33-35, 25-16, 25-19, 25-19), moving the Panthers into a three-way tie in first place along with the Bombardiers and King Philip, who also won on Monday.
All three teams split their respective season series and sit at 13-2 in league play with one match left, none of which are against one another.
The battle between the Panthers and Bombardiers — a clash of two top 10 teams in Division 1 in the latest MIAA rankings, and a rematch of a superb five-set thriller from earlier this season — started with a first set that neither side wanted to lose, as seen by the score.
The teams combined for 68 points in the opening set: the Panthers were a point away from taking it five times and the visitors with four chances to clinch it, all coming past the 25-point threshold.
A kill from Attleboro sophomore Julia Leonardo (29 kills, 21 digs) off of a set from junior Natalie Brojek (34 assists, seven digs, four kills) kept the Bombardiers in it down 25-24.
A perfect line shot from Franklin freshman Makayla Kuykendall (20 kills, 15 digs, three aces) off a set from junior setter Sasha Tracey (48 assists, 10 digs, six kills) denied the visitors at 26-25.
A roll shot from Attleboro sophomore Addie Shelton (seven kills, 14 digs) found a hole in the defense to tie it at 29-29.
A tip from Franklin junior Ryan Sullivan (17 kills, 27 digs, three aces) caught the defense to keep the Panthers alive two points later.
Back-and-forth they went, and not until an ace from Leonardo and then a mis-hit from the Panthers did the Bombardiers finally take the lead with a 35-33 win.
“That first set was so incredible, they worked so hard,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. “Before the second set I just kept talking to them about the passion they showed, the hard work they put in, and if they could carry that fight into the next set and beyond, they would be okay.”
Okay, indeed.
The Panthers answered with three straight wins: pulling away from the Bombardiers with a big 12-4 run in the middle of the second set, creating separation late in a back-and-forth third set, and doing the same in the fourth to secure the win and give themselves a chance to clinch at least a share of the Kelley-Rex division title on Wednesday.
“We talked about what this match means, but in the sense that we lost the first time in their gym in five sets,” Redmond said. “It was a bit of a redemption story that we could play better than we did that match. It was more about that for us than any rankings or standings.
“The energy we had tonight we so much more positive and the teamwork tonight was great.”
With the Panthers trailing 8-7 in the second set, an ace from Kuykendall, a kill from Taylor Lacerda off of the block, and a perfectly placed tip from Rachael Taylor (eight kills, two blocks, two aces) around the double block put the hosts back in front.
Taylor added another kill, Taylor Lacerda landed an ace, and Kuykendall canceled out a kill from Attleboro sophomore Ellie Shelton with one of her down. Two plays later, Taylor had an ace and the Panthers pushed the lead to 19-12.
Leonardo landed another kill to give Attleboro some hope but a perfectly placed dump on the second ball from Tracey froze the defense and Kuykendall put one down to extend it to 22-14. A perfectly placed line kill from Taylor Lacerda capped the win, 25-16, to make it 1-1.
“Game one is always our toughest, we usually come out slow but we really stressed coming out strong tonight because it’s hard to do on the road, and it’s hard to do it against an amazing team like Franklin,” said Attleboro head coach Mary Katherine Runey. “They responded and were moving their feet and playing awesome. Were they gassed in game two? Absolutely. I just thought game two and three, our passing was way off. We were so excited and tired from the first game, we couldn’t bounce back.
“I always stress that no matter the score, you play the game as a team and I thought that’s what we were lacking tonight. We had difficulty on serve receive and our passing, just didn’t move our feet.”
It was more of the same in the second set, back-and-forth and through the first 32 points, the Panthers and Bombardiers were deadlocked at 16-16 following back-to-back kills from Leonardo, the latter coming off a great pass from Sadie Whitmarsh (21 digs) to keep the ball alive.
“She’s a fantastic player, there’s no doubt about it,” Redmond said of Leonardo, who has been one of the best hitters in the league this season. “After the first game we played them, we’ve practiced a lot just really picking up on spots where she likes to hit too and just focusing in on playing defense in those spots. The second ball might not be right to the spot so just be on your toes and go get it.”
Franklin quickly grabbed the momentum by winning four straight points: another perfectly placed tip around the block from right-side Grace Lacerda (eight kills, two blocks), who took the majority of her swings from the middle, a kill from Tracey, and back-to-back from Kuykendall made it 20-16.
A timeout couldn’t stunt Franklin’s run as they took two more, Kuykendall landed another swing, and after a service error, Taylor finished the set off with a kill to make it 2-1.
“The outsides get a ton of credit, and it’s well deserved, but being able to move that ball around and set the middle, set the right side, and really spread it out to everyone on the court, it keeps the defense on their toes,” Redmond said of getting strong performances from both Taylor and Grace Lacerda.
“We’ve gotten double blocked a lot of times this year so we’ve really worked on finding the open spots, if that double is coming from the outside, to find that spot. We watched it well, if they were bringing it that’s where we wanted to go, if they didn’t bring the double, swing away.”
A pair of aces from Addie Shelton, three straight kills from Leonardo, and a hitting error presented Attleboro its biggest lead of the match, 9-3, to start the fourth set. Franklin chipped away and an ace from Jennifer Soohoo made it 10-10.
An 8-2 burst gave Franklin the lead for good.
Both Kuykendall and Taylor Lacerda had kills in the run, the Bombardiers didn’t help their cause with a pair of unforced errors, and back-to-back aces from Georgia Harvey (four aces, 28 digs) had the Panthers on the verge of the win.
Attleboro showed some great resolve with a big block from Addie Shelton, a couple of attacking errors from the Panthers, and another Leonardo kill closed the deficit to just 19-17. A great dig from Harvey kept the point alive for the Panthers and they won the point, Kuykendall had a huge kill off the block, and Soohoo ended it with an ace.
“In a crazy kind of way, I’m kind of happy this happened because going into the playoffs, it’s a good learning experience for all of us,” Runey said. “Would it have been great to win? Yes, but they should be really proud. Not only was this a big game for us, but this was also a massive game for Franklin and that’s a testament to how well we’ve played and how far we’ve come.”
Franklin volleyball (13-2 Hockomock, 13-3 overall) is back home on Wednesday against Milford while Attleboro (13-2, 15-2) is on the road at North Attleboro. King Philip (13-2, 17-2) is home against Taunton. A win from any of the three teams would clinch a share, and a win from all three would be a share for all three teams.
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.
Franklin junior Cate Roberge attacks the ball in the fifth set against King Philip. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)
FRANKLIN, Mass. – The state tournament doesn’t start for another week or so, but fans were treated to a preview of what’s to come on Thursday evening.
Franklin volleyball
Franklin overcome a 2-1 deficit to take down previously undefeated King Philip in a five-set thriller, 3-2 (25-22, 17-25, 15-25, 26-24, 15-11), in a clash of the Hockomock League’s two best teams, and two squads that are poised for deep runs in the postseason.
With the win, Franklin claims a share of the Kelley-Rex division title along with the Warriors. It marks the third straight season the two teams have shared the division crown. At least one of the two programs has won the division each year dating back to the 2013 season.
Earlier this season, Franklin saw a two-set advantage slip away on the road in Wrentham. On Thursday night, the Panthers won the first set but were five points from getting swept on the season, trailing 2-1 overall and 20-17 in the fourth set.
“The girls have definitely been looking forward to this one. It’s tough to go on the road, and we didn’t finish what we started there,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. “KP is such a good team so we know we had to bring our ‘A’ game. With our fans, in our gym, we knew we had to bring it tonight. Every game we’ve played since, they were taking things and preparing for this one.”
In front of a packed house that created a playoff-esque environment, the top two teams in the Hockomock went back-and-forth, trading kills, blocks, aces, key digs, and hustle plays to keep the action going. Just when it looked like the match was heading in one direction, it took a turn.
“We talked about focusing on what they had to do, who they are as players,” Redmond said. “KP is a fantastic team and they bring out the best in us. Sometimes in these games when it doesn’t go your way, you give up a little and you stop playing your game. It was just about playing their game the best they could, and I thought they did that, I thought they put their all in and left it all on the court.”
Franklin used the momentum from the home crowd to come out swinging and take the first set. Senior Brigid Earley recorded five of her team-high 18 blocks in the opening set, including one that preceded back-to-back aces from Jennifer Soohoo to give the Panthers a 14-7 lead early on.
Franklin volleyball
The Panthers kept the advantage around that same range but a couple of kills from KP junior Ahunna James (14 kills, 11 digs) kept the Warriors close, and a strong serve from libero Samantha Asprelli got the visitors within two at 24-22 but Franklin setter Cailyn Mackintosh (46 assists, 13 digs, six kills, six aces) alertly swung at the first free ball back over and got a kill to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
“This game could have gone either way…Franklin played great, we played great, it really could have gone either way,” said KP head coach Kristen Geuss. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a season going 19-1 so that in and of itself, I couldn’t be prouder of. What we’ll take away from this is that we’ll play each point for what it’s worth. They’ve had a lot of pressure on them the whole season, they’ve had a big target on their backs and everyone wants to beat us and that’s a lot. I think this prepares for whatever is out there in the tournament.”
KP got off to a better start in the second set as junior Sami Shore (team-high 18 kills on 28 attempts) had three kills in KP’s first five points. James added four kills and a good serve put KP ahead 12-6, prompting an early timeout. The break didn’t slow the Warriors too much as James had a kill, Shore added an ace, and Emily Sawyer (10 kills, six blocks) placed a perfect tip into space for a 19-13 lead.
Franklin volleyball
Franklin closed the gap to four after a nice tip from Cate Roberge and a high-IQ decision on a dump by Mackintosh on the second ball, but that would be as close as the Panthers would get the rest of the set. Sawyer had back-to-back monster blocks and then put down a kill of her own, Liv Carey (12 kills) added a kill, and Shore put an exclamation mark on the set with another kill to make it 1-1.
King Philip seemed to gain a lot of confidence from evening the match and that carried over into the third set. The Warriors once again had a strong start, getting an early ace from Stella Bailey (53 assists, six aces) and a pair of early kills from Carey, which was a sign of things to come this set.
Carey had nearly half of her kills come in the third set, giving the Warriors another option along the net that not only made it difficult on the Panther defense, but also opened up opportunities for single blocks for Shore. KP made its move early on, turning a two-point deficit into a five-point lead with a 9-2 run that featured a kill and ace on back-to-back plays from Shore, a pair of kills from James, and a big block from Sawyer.
An ace from Asprelli pushed the lead to 18-13, forcing a Franklin time out. Again, KP marched on and finished the set with a 7-2 run, including back-to-back kills from Carey out of the timeout. A monster dig from Sofia Riedel kept KP in it late, setting up the clinching point for a 2-1 lead.
“We have several weapons and as a coach, that’s what you want,” Geuss said. “And what’s great is that they can all step up when we need them to and Liv did that in the third set for us.”
Mackintosh stole some of the momentum back by starting the fourth set with three straight aces, helping the Panthers settle back into the match. Besides Franklin’s 3-0 start and one point later in the set, the fourth set never had a lead greater than two points for either team. Franklin led 15-13 after a hitting error but KP rattled off fourth straight points, including a kill from Sawyer, to take a 17-15 advantage.
A service error gave KP a 20-17 lead but Franklin refused to go away. Sophomore Taylor Lacerda (16 kills, 11 digs) put down back-to-back kills, and then a big kill from Delaney Zolnowski on a quick set from Mackintosh got the Panthers within one. Mackintosh followed with an ace to make it 21-21.
Franklin volleyball
Franklin seized a 23-21 lead after putting the pressure on the KP defense but a kill from Shore and an ace from Bailey knotted it at 23-23. Franklin libero Meghan Linkkila made a terrific play to prevent a second straight ace from Bailey and the Panthers turned it into points on a kill from Lacerda. After trading hitting errors, KP thought they had tied it at 25-25 but the hit was ruled to have gone out without any touch.
And just like that, it was 2-2.
James sandwiched a pair of kills around one from Shore early on as KP built a 5-2 lead, and a nice roll shot from Sawyer from the 10-foot line pushed it to 7-3. After a timeout, Franklin rattled off four straight points including a nice line shot from Earley on a right side attempt and a big double block from Lindsey Tarantola and Roberge.
A reversed out-of-bounds call put the Panthers ahead but KP rattled off three straight, including a kill from Carey, to jump ahead 10-9. Franklin answered in the form of a kill from Roberge, who had a great night attacking with nine kills.
“Cate has done a fantastic growing all year,” Redmond said. “It started with her fighting to just get into the starting spot, she had never played fully with Cailyn before so they’ve done a nice job working together, and she’s just done a fantastic job being a force at the net for us down the stretch.”
An ace from Soohoo and a kill from Lacerda was answered by one from James to make it a one-point match at 12-11, but Franklin finished it off with three straight points to get the win and share the division title.
Franklin volleyball
Franklin finishes the season at 15-1, both in league play and overall, while King Philip finishes at 15-1 in the Hock and 19-1 overall. Official volleyball rankings from the MIAA are set to be released on Monday and both squads are projected to have a home game to start.
