2021 HockomockSports Volleyball Awards

 
Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Player of the Year. The Panthers’ veteran setter was the heart and soul of the team, helping Franklin secure a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and a trip to the Division 1 State Semifinals.

Mackintosh was also selected as the MVP of the Hockomock League by the coaches. She is a six-position player who almost never came off the court for the Panthers, shining at the service line, in the back row, and as the setter. Her consistent high-level play helped the Panthers record another successful season.

“Cailyn is an exceptional team leader on and off the court,” said Franklin head coach Samantha Redmond. “She has always put the team’s goals before her own and truly wants the best for everyone around her.”

Mackintosh had big shoes to fill when she stepped into the lineup as a sophomore, taking over at setter for former HockomockSports.com Underclassman and Player of the Year Lauren McGrath. But Mackintosh’s skill was evident early and the transition was smooth. Mackintosh went on to earn Underclassman of the Year that season and now, after recording 535 assists (over 1,000 for her career), 241 digs, 32 blocks, and a team-high 70 aces, earned Player of the Year.

She is the second Franklin player to earn the award (McGrath) and fourth from the Kelley-Rex division, joining double-winner Sydney Phillips from King Philip (2016, 2017). Canton has had four previous winners in Taylor Harris (2019), Elizabeth Hamilton (2015), Erin Proctor (2014), and Avery Devoe (2013).

Honorable Mentions: Sami Shore (King Philip), Hadley Rhodes (Oliver Ames), Anna Verille (Canton)

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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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Cailyn Mackintosh – Franklin – Setter
Franklin senior Cailyn Mackintosh closed out her impressive three-year varsity career with another solid all-around season. Mackintosh finished the year with a team-high 535 assists, including the 1,000th of her career, and 70 aces. She also added 32 blocks and 241 digs, helping the Panthers earn a share of their third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal. Mackintosh was chosen as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches and the HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above). Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Cailyn is an exceptional team leader on and off the court, she has always put the team’s goals before her own and truly wants the best for everyone around her.”

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Hadley Rhodes – Oliver Ames – Setter
Oliver Ames senior setter Hadley Rhodes had a big all-around season for the Davenport division champions. Rhodes finished with 368 assists, which was top five in the league, 108 digs, 88 kills, and 38 aces, which was also top 10 in the league. Stepping into the role of primary setter this fall, Rhodes was a big reason that the Tigers won a second league title in the past three years. She was chosen as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Oliver Ames coach Chelsea Cunningham said, “Without a doubt, Hadley was a force to be reckoned with. She made every moment count by making sure everyone member of the team felt valued, and more importantly, left it all on the court after every game, practice, or moment while representing the OA volleyball program.”

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Julia Kelly – Mansfield – Outside Hitter
Mansfield senior hitter Julia Kelly was an all-around presence for the Hornets this fall, helping them to nine wins and a return to the state tournament. The former HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year finished with 121 kills, 49 aces, 62 digs, and seven blocks this season while giving Mansfield important leadership. Kelly was selected as a Hockomock all-star by the coaches. Mansfield coach Tara DeGirolamo said, “Julia is a strong leader both on and off the court. Julia is known on our team for having the biggest heart! She is self-disciplined, kind, supportive, respectful, and an overall amazing person that I was extremely fortunate to coach!”

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Sarah Hilliard – Oliver Ames – Outside Hitter
Oliver Ames sophomore hitter Sarah Hilliard had a breakout season on the outside for the Davenport division champions. Hilliard was one of the league leaders with 300 kills but also chipped in with 208 digs, 219 service receptions, and 51 aces, among the league leaders in each of those categories. A two-year varsity player, Hilliard was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches. OA coach Chelsea Cunningham said, “In two years, Sarah has grown so much as a volleyball player. She’s aggressive, not afraid to attack at any given point, and continues to grow from each playing opportunity. As she made it her goal to become an all-around player by the end of the season, she made it known this season that she can compete offensively and defensively.”

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Taylor Lacerda – Franklin – Outside Hitter
Franklin sophomore hitter Taylor Lacerda was the team leader in kills, turning into the team’s top threat on the outside and helping the Panthers earn a share of the Kelley-Rex division title for the third straight year and advance to the Div. 1 state semifinal. Lacerda had 188 kills this year and added 258 digs and 34 aces. She was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Taylor has a great volleyball mind, she is only a sophomore but she is one of the best at seeing the court, whether it is offense or defense she is going to give it 110% every single time. She is constantly trying to improve, is extremely competitive, and strives for perfection.”

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Julia Leonardo – Attleboro – Outside Hitter
Attleboro freshman Julia Leonardo was one of the most dynamic hitters in the league this season. In her first varsity season, Leonardo was one of the league leaders with 297 kills, helping the Bombardiers book a place in the state tournament for the first time in more than a decade. She also contributed with 32 aces, 155 digs, and 353 serve receives, showing an all-around game. She was selected as the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year (see below) and as a league all-star. Attleboro coach Mary Katherine Runey said, “Julia took our team to a new level of play this season. While she is only a freshman, you certainly wouldn’t know that watching her play! She brought a new dynamic into this team and set a tone from the moment she stepped into the gym.”

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Sami Shore – King Philip – Middle
King Philip junior middle Sami Shore was a breakout star for the Warriors this season, as the Warriors finished as Kelley-Rex division co-champions for the third straight year and reached the Div. 2 state semifinal for the first time in program history. Shore had 238 kills, 39 blocks, and 52 aces while hitting at a 40 percent clip. She was among the league’s leading hitters and blockers and was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. King Philip coach Kristen Geuss said, “Sami came through in pressure situations and came up with big plays when games were on the line. Only a junior, she has a high volleyball IQ and a great work ethic.”

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Emily Sawyer – King Philip – Middle
King Philip junior Emily Sawyer had an impressive first season on varsity, as her presence in the middle helped the Warriors win the Kelley-Rex division title for the third straight season and reach the program’s first Div. 2 state semifinal. Sawyer had 201 kills and 35 blocks this year, with a hitting percentage of .434. She added a different dimension to the game for KP on both attack and defense. Sawyer was selected as a Hockomock all-star by the coaches. KP coach Kristen Geuss said, “Emily is a dominant presence on the court. She is a momentum changer and a game-changer. As a junior, she had one of the highest hitting percentages in the state.”

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Anna Verille – Canton – Defensive Specialist
Canton senior Anna Verille didn’t start the season as the Bulldogs libero, but after two games moved from outside hitter to the new position and helped the team improve to second in the Davenport division and reach the Round of 16 in the state tournament. Verille finished the season with 391 digs, 46 aces (serving at a 93 percent clip), and 20 kills. She also had 375 serve receptions and was named to the Div. 2 Mass. Volleyball Coaches Association All-State and selected as a league all-star. Canton coach Pat Cawley said, “Anna was the catalyst in turning us around and leading us to the D2 Round of 16! Anna’s play in the back row gave us the ability to stay competitive in every match and she will go down as one of the best ever Canton liberos!”

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HockomockSports.com Second Team

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Natalie Brojek – Attleboro – Setter
Attleboro sophomore setter Natalie Brojek emerged as both a leader for the Bombardiers and one of the top setters in the league this season. With Attleboro running a 5-1 this fall, Brojek was responsible for getting the offense running and she finished with 417 assists, helping the Bombardiers clinch a state tournament spot for the first time in over a decade. Brojek also helped out with 47 kills, 58 aces, 12 blocks, and 95 digs. She was selected as an all-star by the league coaches. Attleboro coach Mary Katherine Runey said, “Natalie worked tirelessly to successfully run our offense, always looking to better her knowledge of the game. When I think of a team player, the first person that comes to mind is Natalie; the example Natalie sets on and off the court inspires her teammates.”

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Stella Bailey – King Philip – Setter
King Philip senior setter Stella Bailey was the league leader in assists and aces this fall, while also providing solid defense on the back row for the Warriors, who won a share of a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reached the Div. 2 state semifinal for the first time in program history. Bailey had 668 assists this year and added 78 aces. Her passing helped KP’s trio of hitters all finish among the league leaders in kills. Bailey was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. KP coach Kristen Geuss said of Bailey, “As a senior captain and setter, she was the quarterback of the team. Stella was able to vary the offense allowing the hitters to be successful.”

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Sara Carter – North Attleboro – Outside Hitter
North Attleboro senior hitter Sara Carter was the primary attacking threat for the Rocketeers this season, helping North return to the state tournament. She finished with 187 kills, one of the league leaders in that category, but also chipped in with 85 digs and 31 aces, demonstrating her all-around game. Carter was selected as an Honorable Mention for all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. North Attleboro coach Courtney Lambrese said, “Sara was a threat at the net this season. She was the go-to player this season when we needed the point to gain momentum back. Her ability to hit the ball with power, and place the ball was admirable and led her to such success this season.”

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Ahunna James – King Philip – Outside Hitter
King Philip junior Ahunna James followed up a breakout sophomore season with another stellar year on the outside for the Warriors, who won a share of the Kelley-Rex division title for the third year in a row and reached the Div. 2 state semifinal for the first time in program history. A three-year varsity player, James had 200 kills (with a hitting percentage of .278), 14 blocks, 24 aces, and 95 digs, as an all-around performer for KP this season. James was selected as an Honorable Mention for all-star by the league’s coaches. King Philip coach Kristen Geuss said of James, “She is an explosive outside hitter who plays all around. Her ability to hit cross court and down the line was impressive.”

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Sarah Brogioli – Milford – Outside Hitter
Milford senior hitter Sarah Brogioli closed out her career with another impressive season on the outside and helped the Hawks return to the state tournament. In 72 sets this season, Brogioli recorded 179 kills, 21 aces, and 125 digs. She was one of the most prolific hitters in the league this fall. A six-rotation player, Brogioli was chosen as an Honorable Mention for all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Milford coach Tammy Webber said, “Sarah is a strong athlete with a competitive attitude. She was definitely one of the hardest hitters in the league. She was a leader on and off the court. It will be difficult to fill her shoes at the outside position.”

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Jess Wright – Canton – Outside Hitter
Canton sophomore hitter Jess Wright had a breakout season on the outside for the Bulldogs, giving them another weapon to finish second in the Davenport and reach the Round of 16 in the state tournament. Wright, a six-position player who saw only a little playing time as a freshman, was among the league leaders with 218 kills and added 215 digs, 17 aces, and 329 serve receptions. Canton coach Pat Cawley said, “Jess is hardworking and coachable; a good teammate whose confidence and play improved every day! While Jess received accolades for her hitting, she quietly became a steady presence defensively, which was key to our season. Jess has a very bright future on the volleyball court!”

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Aliza Syed – Milford – Middle
Milford junior middle Aliza Syed was a strong all-around player for the Hawks this season, helping them earn a spot in the state tournament. Syed, although a middle hitter, was a six-rotation player for Milford, helping out in all aspects of the game. She led the Hawks with 187 kills, 61 aces, and 34 blocks, finishing among the league leaders in all three categories, while also adding 86 digs. Syed was selected as an all-star by the Hockomock League coaches. Milford coach Tammy Webber said, “Aliza is able to come up with timely points, whether it is with a big kill, block, or an ace. Her consistent play contributed to many of our big wins this season. She does not get rattled and plays well under pressure.”

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Lindsey Tarantola – Franklin – Middle
Franklin senior Lindsey Tarantola emerged as a strong presence at the net on both attack and defense, giving the Panthers an important weapon in the middle to help them earn a share of a third straight Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Div. 1 state semifinal. Tarantola had 97 kills and 62 total blocks this season and proved to be a consistent, athletic option for the Panthers. She was selected as an all-star by the league coaches. Franklin coach Samantha Redmond said, “Lindsey is one of the hardest workers we have, she is constantly trying to improve and figure out what she can change to better the team at any given moment. She has a quiet confidence about her that makes everyone feel relaxed and connected on the court.”

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Maddie Homer – Oliver Ames – Defensive Specialist
Oliver Ames junior libero Maddie Homer played a crucial role on the OA back line to help the Tigers win the Davenport division title, the program’s second league title in three seasons. Homer, a three-year varsity player, had 543 digs, 482 service receptions, and 49 aces this season, leading not only the league but all of Div. 2 in digs. She was selected as a Hockomock League all-star by the coaches and picked for the MAVCA D2 All-State team. OA coach Chelsea Cunningham said of Homer, “Throughout every season, she has had great role models in our defensive roles. She is everywhere on the court and is the glue to our defense. Maddie’s competitive nature brings aggression and grit on and off the court and she is what makes the game so fun to watch.”

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Attleboro freshman Julia Leonardo has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Underclassman of the Year. Leonardo emerged as one of the top hitters in the league, helping the Bombardiers return to the state tournament for the first time in more than a decade.

Leonardo was one of the top hitters this season with 297 kills, finishing second in the league during the regular season. A six-position player, Leonardo also had 32 aces, 155 digs, and 353 serve receives, demonstrating an all-around game that helped Attleboro produce its best season since joining the Hockomock League. Leonardo was selected as an all-star by the league’s coaches.

“Julia took our team to a new level of play this season,” said second-year Attleboro coach Mary Katherine Runey. “While she is only a freshman, you certainly wouldn’t know that watching her play! She brought a new dynamic into this team and set a tone from the moment she stepped into the gym. Her commitment and love of the sport is undeniable; it is hard to put into words the impact Julia has had and will continue to have on this Attleboro volleyball program.”

HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry said, “It’s rare to see a freshman jump in and have this type of impact. You wanted to see Attleboro set Julia on every play just to keep watching her swing. Her athleticism is undeniable, and she has the vision (and skill) to find open spaces in the defense. It will be fun to see her develop over the next few years.”

Leonardo is the second Attleboro athlete to earn Underclassman of the Year this season, along with Alex Vecchioli, who earned the award for boys soccer. She is the fifth Attleboro player to earn the award across all sports, including Kyle Murphy (football, 2013), Sarah Deyo (basketball, 2015), and Eoin Kelleher (baseball, 2017).

Honorable Mention: Sarah Hilliard (Oliver Ames), Taylor Lacerda (Franklin), Natalie Brojek (Attleboro)

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Attleboro head coach Mary Katherine Runey has been selected as the 2021 HockomockSports.com Volleyball Coach of the Year. Runey, in her second year in charge, led the Bombardiers to the program’s first state tournament berth in more than a decade.

This was one of the most successful seasons that the Bombardiers have had in years. Attleboro won nine matches in the regular season, clinching an automatic playoff berth with a win against Mansfield in the regular season finale. It was an improvement of eight wins from the fall II season and more than the Bombardiers had recorded in the previous four seasons combined.

With a five-set win over the Hornets on the final day of the regular season, Attleboro clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2009, when the Bombardiers won seven matches and tied for second in the Old Colony League. In the playoffs, Attleboro took a set from Bishop Feehan before bowing out in the Round of 32.

“Attleboro is not a team that frequently finds itself in the playoff conversation and this was a great season for a relatively young team,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Mary Katherine has brought a different level of confidence to the Bombardiers, who won several matches this year that in previous seasons would’ve been losses. Regardless of who they faced, Attleboro went into matches believing they could win, which wasn’t the case for a long time.”

Runey is the sixth different coach to earn this honor in the eight seasons that it has been given out. She is also the fourth Kelley-Rex division coach to be named Coach of the Year, following King Philip’s Tim Layman (2013), Mansfield’s Melissa Heeden (2015), and Franklin’s Kelsey Weymouth (2018).

Honorable Mention: Samantha Redmond (Franklin), Kristen Geuss (King Philip), Chelsea Cunningham (Oliver Ames)