HUDSON – For the first time in program history, the Hudson High School volleyball team has reached the MIAA Division 4 semifinals.
The fourth-seeded Hawks defeated the No.12 East Bridgewater Vikings in straight sets to secure the history-making win.
“I saw heart and drive today. They want this. This is a dream for them,” said Hudson Head Coach Bobbi-Jo Trodella. “I’m so happy for them, they brought it all out on the court today… They were having fun, that’s another important thing.”
East Bridgewater scored the match’s first point, but Hudson then rattled off ten-straight points to take control of the first set. Although the Vikings hung on, the Hawks decisively took the opening set 25-17 and jumped out to an early lead against East Bridgewater, who hadn’t lost one set since the start of the playoff tournament.
East Bridgewater continued to fight, trading points with Hudson deep into the second set. The high-pressure, back-and-forth set – only made more exciting by two boisterous fan sections that exchanged over-the-top chants – was tied late, but Hudson found the strength to pull ahead, ultimately winning the set 25-22.
“The atmosphere was amazing. It was incredible,” said Trodella. “We have the best fans, we really do.”
The hard-won second set proved to be the match’s inflection point; Hudson pulled out to an early third-set lead, eventually winning 25-17 to secure the straight-set victory. Hudson athletes and coaches ran onto the court to celebrate the historic victory. Hudson’s fan section cheered enthusiastically as the captains excitedly lifted the semifinals-qualifier trophy above their heads.
The win marked Hudson’s third-straight straight-set win in the state tournament.
Trodella told the Community Advocate that the Hawks will take the following day to celebrate the win, get some well-deserved rest, recover, and energize physically and mentally. From there, the team will focus on the upcoming opponent and get ready for the “tough” challenge ahead. Hudson will play either No.1 Ipswich or No.8 Hamilton-Wenham in the semifinals.
The date, time, and location of the semifinal match has yet to be determined. MIAA semifinals are typically played at neutral venues.
