2018 HockomockSports Volleyball Awards

 
Franklin senior Lauren McGrath has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. The Panthers’ setter played a huge part in helping her team win the Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first ever Division 1 Central-West Sectional title.

McGrath was also voted as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches after guiding Franklin to an undefeated regular season, including a perfect 16-0 in Hockomock League play.

“Lauren was the heart and soul of this season and she played her heart out every game this season,” said first-year Franklin head coach Kelsey Weymouth. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without her!”

The Panthers had one of the most balanced offenses in the state and McGrath was a big reason for that. She finished with 547 assists with just six ball handling errors in 21 games this season. While Franklin had some of the most dangerous hitters in the league, McGrath’s ability to spread the ball around equally to the outside, middle, and right side made the Panthers’ attack very potent and kept defenses off balance. She added 31 aces with an 89.3% serving percentage and also had 16 blocks. She set a program record with 56 assists against Concord-Carlisle.

“Lauren has been a dynamic player for Franklin for a couple of years, and she saved her best for last this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief. “Not only is she one of the best setters in the state, but she is also a great defender, a strong server, and maybe most importantly for the Panthers this year, a terrific leader.”

McGrath is the first Franklin player to win Volleyball Player of the Year honors for HockomocokSports.com and third straight from the Kelley-Rex division. She joins King Philip’s Sydney Phillips (2016, 2017) and Canton’s Elizabeth Hamilton (2015), Erin Proctor (2014), and Avery Devoe (2013) as winners of this award.

Honorable Mentions: Nicole Brown (Canton), Molly Turner (Stoughton), Ellie Wisniewski (Franklin)

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Editor’s Note: The HockomockSports.com Awards are selected strictly by our staff and have no affiliation to the official Hockomock League all stars. Please note players are listed alphabetically by position.

HockomockSports.com First Team

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Nicole Brown – Canton – Setter
Canton senior Nicole Brown had another stellar year as the heart up the Bulldogs lineup. Brown (415 assists, 245 digs, 90 kills, 33 aces on 92.5% serving percentage) was all over the court, playing strong defense and also setting the offense in motion as the setter. Her strong play was a big reason Canton won the Davenport division and reached another sectional final this season. “Nicole was the backbone of the team this season,” said Canton coach Pat Cawley. “She plays her position with skill, confidence and poise and is the fastest athlete I’ve coached in my 18 years at Canton; she never gives up on a ball.”
 

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Lauren McGrath – Franklin – Setter
Franklin senior Lauren McGrath capped a strong career with a memorable senior, earning Hockomock League MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors. McGrath had 547 assists while leading the Panthers to a Kelley-Rex division title, a D1 Central-West sectional title (first in program history) and an appearance in the D1 State Semifinal. She finished with 31 aces (89.3% serving percentage) and set a program record with 56 assists. “Lauren was the heart and soul of this season and she played her heart out every game this season,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “We wouldn’t have been so successful without her!”
 

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Taylor Harris – Canton – Outside Hitter
Canton junior Taylor Harris exploded onto the scene as one of the most dangerous hitters in the Hockomock League during the 2018 season. Harris was also a vital piece in Canton’s defense and rarely came off the court for the Bulldogs. The junior had a team-high 205 kills and added 243 digs. She had 31 aces (93% serve percentage), and 338 serve receives. “Taylor’s defense and serve steadily improved throughout the season and was among the leaders in total digs and aces,” said Canton coach Pat Cawley. “Taylor’s play in the state tournament was amazing all-around and one of the main reasons we made it to the sectional finals!”
 

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Tatiana Sotelo – North Attleboro – Outside Hitter
North Attleboro senior Tatiana Sotelo stepped into the Rocketeer lineup and emerged as one of the league’s top attacking options in the 2018 season. Sotelo was a leader for North this year and helped her side get back to the state tournament. She had a team-high 204 kills, added 64 digs, and 48 aces. “Tatiana is an incredible, versatile student-athlete,” said North Attleboro coach Kim Hallahan. “She consistently works hard no matter if it were practice or a game. She never settles on her performance, she constantly is looking to improve. She truly was a strong force on both offense and defense this year. She was a pleasure to coach and watch.
 

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Molly Turner – Stoughton – Outside Hitter
Stoughton senior Molly Turner was one of the most dynamic players in the Hockomock League this season. Her versatility helped the Black Knights to a 16-win season and the deepest run in the state tournament in program history. She finished the 2018 season with a team-high 149 kills, 82 aces (87.3% serve percentage), a team-best 279 assists, and 278 digs. “Molly has shown great leadership this entire season to push us to the next level,” said Stoughton coach Erica Batchelder. “She knows where to be on the court at all times and has great knowledge of the game. She can set, hit, and dig balls up all over the court. She does it all.”
 

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Ellie Wisniewski – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin senior Ellie Wisniewski had a terrific final year with the Panthers, helping the team win the Kelley-Rex division title and the program’s first-ever D1 Central-West Sectional championship. As one of the top attacking options in the league, Wisniewski finished the season with a team-high 151 kills while also chipping in with 59 digs and 41 aces. “Ellie could do it all for us at any time,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “Front row or back row, she was a force to be reckoned with, and other opponents knew this as well. She was such a dominant asset on this successful team, and no matter the situation we were in, Ellie played to win.”
 

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Erin Devine – Canton – Middle
Canton senior Erin Devine was a force at the net for the Bulldogs this season. Devine had a huge impact on both offense and defense and was a big reason that the Bulldogs won the Davenport division title and made a run to the D2 Central Final contest. Devine was second on Canton with 164 kills with an impressive 42.2% kill percentage. She also had a Hockomock League-best 89 blocks. “With amazing effort and positive attitude, Erin brought her game to new levels this season and was a big part of the reason Canton volleyball had success. Erin reached levels this season way beyond expectations!”
 

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Catherine Waldeck – King Philip – Middle
King Philip junior Catherine Waldeck had a breakout season for the Warriors, who made yet another trip to the state tournament in 2018. With the Warriors in need of someone to step up on offense, Waldeck became King Philip’s top offensive option with a team-high 173 kills on 294 attempts (58.8% kill percentage). She also was a weapon defensively with 38 blocks, which was second on the team. “Catherine was our powerful go-to middle hitter who was able to find the holes in the opponents’ defense,” said King Philip coach Kristen Geuss. “Her strong hitting and blocking skills helped us to win many games.”
 

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Riley Marino – Franklin – Defensive Specialist
Franklin senior Riley Marino had another terrific season as the Panthers’ libero. The Panthers went undefeated in Hockomock League action to win the Kelley-Rex title and won the program’s first sectional title, and Marino was a vital part of that. Franklin rarely made mistakes defensively, and Marino was the anchor of that unit, recording a team-high 218 digs. She added 27 aces this season. “Riley’s energy and drive drove this team to give all the effort they could every game,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “Her defensive was impeccable, and the confidence I had in her kept growing from the start, and she helped take us all the way.”
 

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HockomockSports.com Second Team

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Allie Kemp – Oliver Ames – Setter
Oliver Ames’ Allie Kemp followed a standout sophomore season with a strong campaign in 2018 for the Tigers. Despite graduating the majority of its offense, Kemp made sure Oliver Ames didn’t skip a beat this year and helped the Tigers to another trip to the state tournament and a second place finish in the division. Kemp had a team-high 484 assists, helping three hitters get over the 100-kill mark. “Being a three-year varsity player, Allie has learned so much and is ready to go into her final season showing what she has to offer as a competitor, a teammate, and a leader for the Tigers,” said OA coach Chelsea Cunningham.
 

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Julia Riordan – Milford – Setter
Milford junior Julia Riordan played a big part in helping the Scarlet Hawks qualify for the state tournament again this season. As the team’s main setter, Riordan rarely came off the court, recording 420 assists. She also helped defensively with 135 digs and 25 aces. Riordan had a season-high 36 assists in a win over Foxboro. “Julia began running a 5-1 offense early in the season,” said Milford head coach Tammy Webber. “She is dedicated and worked relentlessly through the season to better herself. She always puts team first.”

 

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Jordan Bosse – Oliver Ames – Outside Hitter
Oliver Ames junior Jordan Bosse emerged as a go-to option for the Tigers this season. After losing most of its offense to graduation, Bosse stepped up to lead the offense, notching a team-best 240 kills. She also was a big part of the defense with 97 digs and the service game with 47 aces. “Jordan always gives 100% on and off the court and wants any opportunity to be the best she can be,” said Oliver Ames coach Chelsea Cunningham. “Her performance is so powerful, and we are very lucky to have such a versatile player on this team as one of our captains next season.”

 

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Hanna Holden – Stoughton – Outside Hitter
Stoughton senior Hanna Holden showed off her versatility this season, playing a vital role in a successful season for the Black Knights. Holden played in every set this season for the Black Knights and had 267 assists, 131 kills, and 42 aces (all three ranking second on the team) as well as a total of 210 digs. “Hanna has a very smart way of looking at the game,” said Stoughton coach Erica Batchelder. “She knows what is open on the other side of the court and finds where to place the ball. She is a very hard working player and a pleasure to coach. Her leadership on and off the court led us to a successful season.”
 

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Allison Corsini – Milford – Opposite/Middle
Milford junior Allison Corsini was a factor on both sides of the ball this season for the Hawks, who qualified for the state tournament once again this season. In her first season as a start, Corsini emerged as Milford’s go-to option offensively and delivered with a team-high 168 kills. On top of being a force on offense, she was also Milford’s first line of defense at the net and had one of the best blocks in the Hock, finishing with 65 for the season. “Allison developed into a force in the middle,” said Milford coach Tammy Webber. “She is still learning and developing in the position, so her best is yet to come. She also pushes herself to improve every day.”
 

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Hailey Sanders – Franklin – Opposite/Middle
Franklin senior Hailey Sanders was a versatile option for the Panthers, getting reps on the right side as well as the middle. After being mostly a middle prior to this season, Sanders gave Franklin a dangerous option from the right side in 2018 and really helped keep defenses off balance. In the playoffs, Sanders moved back to the middle and helped Franklin win its first sectional title. She finished the season with 100 kills (50% kill percentage) and 35 blocks. “Hailey’s versatility as an athlete made her a huge asset to our team’s success,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She was able to play any position, and as a coach, that’s what you look for in a player.”
 

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Maggie Doyle – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior Maggie Doyle made a big impact on both sides of the ball for the Kelley-Rex division winning Panthers in 2018. Doyle was a key piece in the offense from her middle spot but also gave Franklin an advantage defensively with her blocking abilities. Doyle finished with 135 kills (46.1% kill percentage) and was among the best blockers in the Hock with 65 blocks (47 solo). “Maggie’s presence at the net was so dominant she didn’t let many balls get by her, and when they did, she turned it right back around with a kill,” said Franklin coach Kelsey Weymouth. “She was a go-to hitter for us all season.”
 

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Greenly Kelly – Mansfield – Middle
Mansfield middle Greenly Kelly concluded a strong high school career with an impressive senior season. Kelly was one of the top threats at the net on both sides of the ball. She showed off her skills by leading the Hornets in kills (161) and blocks (54) while also shining at the service line (28 aces on 93% serving). “Greenly is truly an incredible player, captain, and leader,” said Mansfield coach Melissa Heeden. “She came out of her shell so much this year, as she became a vocal leader, strong hitter, and blocker. She is one of the smaller middles we have had, but it so athletic that she plays as if she is 6’3. She has great timing and can read the court well.”
 

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Sadie Homer – Oliver Ames – Defensive Specialist
Oliver Ames senior Sadie Homer was all over the court defensively for the Tigers again this season. One of the most consistent players in the league, Homer was all over the place making plays to keep the play alive for OA. She had 619 digs this season, becoming the first ever Tiger to go over the 1,000-dig mark (1,192 career total). “Sadie knew how to lead on and off the court and her athleticism and grit truly shined every time she played,” said OA coach Chelsea Cunningham. “She is, with a doubt, one of the most competitive, aggressive, and committed student-athletes and I am excited to see her pursue her athletic career at the collegiate level.”
 

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King Philip sophomore Nicole Coughlan has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Underclassman of the Year. Coughlan played middle for the Warriors and emerged as one of the top two-way players in the Hockomock League.

Coughlan’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, as well as at the service line, was a big reason that King Philip was able to take second in the Kelley-Rex division and qualify for the state tournament again this year.

“Nicole is a great all-around player with strong hitting, blocking and serving skills,” said King Philip head coach Kristin Geuss. “Only a sophomore, Nicole is hard working and has a high volleyball IQ.”

Coughlan was second on the team with 136 kills, which was tops among underclassman in the Hockomock League. Not only did she emerge as a top offensive, she was among the best at the net defensively, recording a team-high 39 blocks (with just four block errors).

“With the graduation of two-time Player of the Year Sydney Phillips, King Philip was in need of players to step up,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Nicole was certainly one of those players, and she seemed only to get better as the season went on. The Warriors will be a tough team next year with Coughlan and Catherine Waldeck back in the middle.”

Coughlan is the second King Philip volleyball player to win the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, joining Mary Campbell in 2014. She is the eighth King Philip athlete in any sport to win (Joe Kellett, boys soccer; Avery Snead, girls soccer; Renee Poirier & Kali Magane, softball; Johnny Piatelli & Paul Macrina, boys lacrosse).

Honorable Mention: Allyson Bonnet-Eymard (Franklin), Ana Leonardo (Attleboro), Olivia McGrath (Mansfield)

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Franklin head coach Kelsey Weymouth has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Coach of the Year. In her first year, Weymouth guided the Panthers to a 20-1 overall record, a perfect 16-0 in the Hockomock League, and the program’s first-ever sectional title.

The Panthers won their first Kelley-Rex title since 2015 and won the title outright for the first time since 2011. After going a perfect 16-0 in league play (and 17-0 for the regular season), Weymouth guided the Panthers to three straight playoff wins in five sets, the last of the three a win over 3-2 win over Shrewsbury to secure the program’s first-ever sectional title.

“Coach Weymouth had a strong group of players with high expectations, and she was able to help the Panthers live up to them,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “The Panthers were dominant during the regular season, and then Weymouth pushed all the right buttons during an impressive run that led to a sectional title.”

Weymouth is the seventh coach from Franklin to be named HockomockSports.com Coach of the Year across all sports, joining Tom Geysen (girls soccer, 2012 & 2013), Lisa Cropper (field hockey, 2013), Dean O’Connor (boys basketball, 2012), Chris Spillane (boys hockey, 2015 & 2016), Lou Verrochi (boys soccer, 2015), and Kristin Igoe (girls lacrosse, 2013 & 2014).

Honorable Mention: Erica Batchelder (Stoughton), Pat Cawley (Canton), Chelsea Cunningham (Oliver Ames)