The Algonquin team huddles after the point. (Photo/Evan Walsh)
REGION – Central Mass. girls volleyball is back.
Last year, teams in the Community Advocate’s coverage area made program history, pushed deep into the playoff tournament, and topped teams from across the state. This year, the teams are eager to match – or even improve upon – last season’s success.
With the season fast approaching, the Community Advocate caught up with some of the Central Mass. teams as practices started. The first week of September marks the official start of the season.
After reaching the semifinals for the first time in program history last year, @HHSHawksAD volleyball is back in action. 🏐😁
I spoke with four seniors — (L-R) Jennie Cassidy, Olivia Scafidi, Giada Colarullo, Jenn Yates — to see how they’re feeling about the year ahead. 👍… pic.twitter.com/L6gXtOaNFe
— Evan Walsh (@evanjrwalsh) August 19, 2024
Hudson (Division 4)
The Hudson Hawks made history last year, winning 16 straight matches at one point and competing in the program’s first-ever MIAA Division 4 tournament semifinal match. In the wake of last year’s success, the team has been working hard at captains’ practices, bonding as a group, and getting ready to make another run, said Head Coach Bobbi-Jo Trodella.
“They have a drive, most play in the off-season. It’s exciting. We’re excited to see where we can go. You always want to try to do better than you did before, and even though we’ve lost some great players from last year, we have some great players coming back,” she said.
It’ll be an experienced Hudson squad, with 11 seniors on the team, including many who got time on the court during last year’s run. Among that group are seniors Jennie Cassidy, Giada Colarullo, Olivia Scafidi, and Jenn Yates, who spoke to the Community Advocate Aug. 19.
“I was really looking forward to the captains’ practices, and I think we have a really strong team. I’m just excited to see how our senior season goes,” Scafidi said. “We’ve been all playing together since we were on JV2 and JV … I think we have a strong connection.”
The Central Mass. volleyball tour continues! 🏐
After making the Division 2 semifinals last year, @ARHSAthletics is ready to make another playoff push. 💪
I spoke with the team’s captains — Katy O’Connell, Grace Chiota, and Julianna Zimmer — during practice yesterday. pic.twitter.com/79opLGTFNx
— Evan Walsh (@evanjrwalsh) August 21, 2024
Algonquin (Division 2)
Algonquin was four points away from an MIAA Division 2 championship berth last year, but the second-seeded Titans lost 3-2, with the final set 15-11, against third-seeded Canton to end the season in heartbreaking fashion. But according to players and coaches, that match is in the rearview mirror, and the team is looking ahead to another excellent season.
“We always hope for that kind of success, but you have to start every year anew. It’s a whole new group of kids, and unfortunately seniors graduate every year. We have a new group of seniors that are good, and it’s just trying to fill in the blanks now. That’s what [tryouts] are all about,” longtime Algonquin Head Coach Janice Henningson said.
Henningson said she enjoys the first week of practice because she’s always excited to see how much the players have grown. The team will be led by captains Katy O’Connell, Grace Chiota, and Julianna Zimmer, each of whom are eager to get on the court for the first match.
“I’m incredibly excited [for this season] … I think, following last season, there’s a lot of energy and excitement about the program. I’m really looking forward to that,” said O’Connell.
“It’s such a fun sport, such a fun time of the year,” said Chiota.
Next up — @ColonialsAD! 🔵🟡🏐
This @ColonialsVB squad will be captained by the “three G’s”: Grace Garbarino, Gianna Boyers, and Gracie Hester.
I spoke with them today about their expectations for the season ahead. 💪 pic.twitter.com/ohYZjKgp5B
— Evan Walsh (@evanjrwalsh) August 23, 2024
Shrewsbury (Division 1)
After a season to remember in which the team went 17-4 – including 11 straight wins – and entered the MIAA Division 1 tournament as the No. 4 seed, the Shrewsbury Colonials suffered an early playoff loss to No. 13 Attleboro in the Round of 16.
That loss, said Head Coach Brett Crandall, is motivating the team going forward. A younger group than in years’ past, the team will rely on the leadership of the “three G’s”: captains Grace Garbarino, Gianna Boyers, and Gracie Hester.
“We had a rough home loss last year … It hit us pretty hard. We’ve got a chip on our shoulder to come back and finish strong,” said Crandall. “The girls are ready to go. We have two senior captains and a junior captain – they kind of lead from the top down. They hold themselves accountable, and everyone else holds each other accountable.”
The Colonials will be tested from the get-go, playing seven matches over the season’s first fortnight. But players are excited for the challenge, said the team’s captains, and are ready to get the season underway.
“I’m super, super excited. We basically have a team of all new girls, but we’re all such great friends,” said Boyers. “It’s a lot of fun, and I think it’s going to be a great year.”
“I’m so excited. I think we have a lot of stuff to look forward to in the preseason,” said Hester. “I think we’re all one big family, so I’m super excited to see what happens this year for us.”
