By HockomockSports.com Staff

2025 Hockomock League Volleyball Preview

Attleboro

2024 Record: 19-2 (Kelley-Rex division champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 state quarterfinals
Coach: Mary Katherine Blakney

Attleboro is coming off the best season in program history, one that saw the Bombardiers go a perfect 16-0 in league play to capture their first-ever outright Kelley-Rex division title and earn a spot in the Div. 1 state quarterfinals. It was a historic year capped by an equally impressive senior class, which featured three HockomockSports.com First Team selections in Addie Shelton, Ellie Shelton, and Julia Leonardo. While replacing that level of talent is no easy task, the standard has been set in recent years and Attleboro is aiming to continue its place among the top teams in the league.

The Bombardiers return a strong core that will step into new and expanded roles this fall. Junior Olivia Leonardo and sophomore Sophia Jaeger are both experienced players at the varsity level and will help carry the attack on the outside. Both will feature more prominently in the offense in their new roles as outside hitters. Senior setter Haley Carter, another HockomockSports First Team selection, will run the offense after a breakout junior campaign.

Senior Sage Young stepped in and played well defensively for the Bombardiers last season and will be a key piece for the team again this year. Junior Sienna Qualia will provide important depth on the defensive side, and along with Young, gives Attleboro a backbone of experience to lean on. Newcomers Dhania Hines (middle/right side), Nancy Ayesiyenga (middle), and Kiki Kennedy-Latham (right side), along with transfer Aubrey Farnell (middle/right side) from North Attleboro, will be counted on to contribute at the net as the team builds a new identity.

“We are itching to get back this season in a new way,” said head coach Mary Katherine Blakney. “I am looking forward to seeing these returners step into leadership roles on the court, and I am excited to see us reform our identity. Our team is focused on working hard and challenging one another to be better each day. We have high expectations coming into this season — can’t wait to compete against great teams in the Hockomock.”

Canton

2024 Record: 19-4 (Davenport division champions)
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 state quarterfinals
Coach: Pat Cawley

Canton has long been one of the Hock’s most decorated programs, and the Bulldogs have continued that tradition with back-to-back Davenport division titles. With several key pieces returning and a roster that blends experience with new talent, head coach Pat Cawley has high expectations once again as Canton looks to remain firmly in the championship mix — both in the league and in Division 2.

The Bulldogs will be led by senior setter Erin Bigham, one of the top players in the league and a four-year starter who contributes well beyond her setting duties. Last fall she finished with 659 assists and added 232 digs, 62 kills, 43 aces, and 32 blocks, making her one of the most complete players in the league. Junior libero Soley Rodriguez Martinez, a two-time HockomockSports Underclassman of the Year, will once again anchor the defense after recording 379 digs and 98 aces. Together, Bigham and Rodriguez Martinez give the Bulldogs elite talent in both the front and back rows.

Canton also brings back senior defensive specialist Melanie McDonough, senior middle Chloe Dubuisson, and senior outside hitter MJ Robbins, providing experience across the court. Senior Caitlyn Reynolds and juniors Fiona Trendell and Penny LaRose will strengthen the pin positions, while senior setter Morgan Warburton, junior Lola Nordgren, and sophomore Michaela Singleton add depth at the setting spot. Freshman middle Brooke Connor could make an immediate impact at the net for the Bulldogs.

“We look to captains Erin Bigham, Caitlyn Reynolds, and Soley Rodriguez Martinez, along with all the seniors, to set the tone for the season,” said Cawley. “Their leadership, work ethic, and attitude will play a huge role in shaping our culture and elevating our performance on the court. While it may take some time to settle into a regular lineup, this is a fun, motivated, and hard-working group, and I am optimistic we will have a great season.”

Foxboro

2024 Record: 1-19
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dave Griffin

Foxboro will be aiming for improvement this fall. The Warriors bring back a core of experienced players who will provide leadership as they continue to build the program in the always-competitive Hockomock League.

Senior captain Erin O’Malley returns on the outside, bringing stability and experience as a go-to hitter. Fellow senior captain Meghan Kelley will be a key presence in the middle, and junior Taylor Broderick adds another option at that spot. Sophomore Maddie Feetham is back on the outside after gaining valuable experience last season and will look to take another step forward in her development.

Foxboro will also look to senior captain Jayda Florestal to contribute both with her play and leadership, while junior Audrey Magee is another player to watch as the Warriors work to develop depth across the lineup. With a mix of veteran captains and younger players looking to make their mark, Foxboro hopes to take steps forward and be more competitive this fall.

“We’re looking forward to competing this year in a very competitive Hockomock League,” said Griffin. “Looking forward to this year’s season.”

Franklin

2024 Record: 17-6
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 state quarterfinals
Head Coach: Chris Ridolfi

Franklin reached the Div. 1 state quarterfinals last fall, finishing 17-6 overall, and the Panthers return a strong group of players that will look to keep them among the league’s elite. The program also welcomes a new face at the helm in Chris Ridolfi, who brings a wealth of experience at both the collegiate (Holy Cross, Harvard, Boston College) and high school (Milford, Hopedale, Bellingham) levels. With high expectations and plenty of talent on the roster, Franklin once again looks like a team that will be tough to beat.

Senior captains Makayla Kuykendall, one of the league’s most experienced and talented outside hitters, and Olivia Alberti, a standout in the middle, will lead the way for the Panthers. Junior Gianna Laurello returns as a strong presence on the right side and sophomore Emerson Delleo adds another option on the outside after an impressive debut season. Together, that quartet gives Franklin a versatile core that can impact matches in a variety of ways. Kuykendall was one of the top hitters in the league last year with 227 kills while Delleo finished with 180, Alberti added 162, and Laurello notched 86 kills.

The Panthers also bring back important contributors in senior Abby Clark on the right side, senior defensive specialist Emma Cunningham, junior setter Olivia Caruso, and sophomore middle Charlotte Yeulenski (67 kills as a freshman). Franklin will also get depth from senior Emerson Stewart, juniors Katelynn Crosby and Sarah Chase, and sophomores Cody Lai, Penny Buckley, and Genevieve Camire. Freshman setter Phoebe O’Connor provides depth at the setter position.

“We’re excited for the 2025 season and look forward to the challenge of the Hockomock League and a very competitive non-league schedule,” said Ridolfi. “Our roster is a good balance of returning varsity players and talented newcomers who create a competitive environment for our training. Our focus is on stacking good days on top of one another to help us qualify for the state tournament and to help us play well against any opportunity we earn.”

King Philip

2024 Record: 13-8
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Kristen Geuss

King Philip has long been one of the league’s most competitive programs, and this season will be no different with a roster that blends experienced returners and promising underclassmen. The Warriors will lean on their veterans while also giving opportunities to younger players ready to contribute at the varsity level.

The senior class provides plenty of leadership across the court. Setter captain Cece Mullen brings quickness, toughness, and a strong volleyball IQ to run the offense, while senior right side hitter Cece Kilroy and senior outside hitter Shayne Dugan (captain) will be counted on to generate points. Senior captain Caleigh Shore anchors the defense in the back row, and senior Allie Cleasby gives KP another presence at the net. Senior setter Leah Hayes, defensive specialist Mya McCormick, and hitter Kelsey Lynch add important depth and balance to the rotation.

The Warriors also return junior middle Amie O’Neil, who is back from injury and expected to be an impact player at the net, and sophomore hitter Molly Sweeney, who showed promise last season. Newcomers Charlotte Bailey (setter), Mia Keays (defensive specialist), and Nora O’Brien (hitter) round out a group of young players who will push for playing time and strengthen the roster.

“We have an interesting mix of experienced players and sophomores, who are pushing each other to improve,” said head coach Kristen Geuss. “They are enthusiastic and hungry, talented and hard-working. We are excited to compete in the Hock.”

Mansfield

2024 Record: 8-10
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Tara DeGirolamo

Mansfield returned to the postseason last year — for the fourth straight season — finishing 8-10 and earning a spot in the Div. 2 state tournament before dropping a five-set heartbreaker in the opening round. The Hornets continue to pride themselves on depth, with plenty of players contributing in key roles each season, and fifth-year head coach Tara DeGirolamo once again has a roster filled with talent across the board.

The Hornets will be guided by a strong veteran core led by captains Amy Zajac, Gabby Moore, and Tessa Blacquier. All three are very strong from the service line, Zajac and Moore will provide a great defensive foundation, and Blacquier is like a quarterback on the court, orchestrating the offense. They will see several new faces step into the lineup this fall, including sophomore middle hitter Michaela Warren, junior outside hitter Kaylee Rubino, and junior right side hitters Maddie Zinn and Halia Holmes. Other seniors include Abigail King and Courtney Hohmann on the outside, defensive specialist Ava Madeira, and setter Rowan Dube; they will all provide additional leadership and experience.

Mansfield’s strength up the middle will be a key this season, with Warren joined by juniors Ellie McGrath and Eva Sarianides to anchor the attack and defense. Moore returns as one of the top liberos in the league and is supported by a strong defensive unit that includes Zajac, Madeira, and junior Daniella Drumea. In the setting role, returning senior Blacquier and newcomer Dube give the Hornets two steady options with strong court awareness, capable of connecting with a variety of offensive weapons at the net.

“The leadership on and off the court is what impresses me most about these players,” said DeGirolamo. “They show spirit and dedication to one another and the sport.”

Milford

2024 Record: 7-12
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Tammy Webber

Milford earned a spot in the Div. 2 state tournament last fall, finishing 7-12 against a very tough regular season schedule. The Scarlet Hawks continue to take strides toward competing with the top teams in the Hock. With more depth and flexibility on the varsity roster this year, Milford is optimistic about improving on last year’s foundation despite another challenging slate ahead.

The Scarlet Hawks bring back a strong senior core that will be counted on for leadership. Middle hitter Layanne Maforte provides size and experience at the net, while Sam DeNegris and Dani Darling both bring a blocking presence on the right side and will get some swings offensively as well. Senior defensive specialist Lucia Testa adds consistency in the back row with both her serving and passing. Junior Abby Murphy (a league all star honorable mention last year) will once again be a versatile weapon in the middle and on the outside (81 kills last year), and junior libero Isa Grady-Harper returns as a steady anchor of the defense and is one of Milford’s top returning servers after 35 aces on a 90.6 serving percentage last season. Milford also has two capable setters in junior Lina Lyubkin (80 assists) and sophomore Brooke Stokes (154 assists), with Stokes emerging as a confident and athletic option to run the offense. Sophomore middle Lauren Williams is another promising newcomer who adds size and blocking.

The Hawks also welcome several new faces to varsity who should contribute right away. Junior Fionna Lentini is expected to be one of Milford’s top offensive options, while junior Lilah Driscoll adds depth on the pins. Seniors Mary Buckley (middle), Tori Jacques (outside), and Sarah Leverock (defensive specialist) give Milford additional depth and balance. With more size up front, improved setting, and a versatile group of hitters, the Scarlet Hawks are continuing to build toward becoming a consistent contender.

“We are slowly but surely continuing to rebuild our program back to being able to compete with the top teams in the Hock,” said head coach Tammy Webber. “The number of girls we have now with skill allows us to have more depth and flexibility on varsity, which is exciting. We have some height that will provide us with better blocking that we need in the league. Our setters have more experience than they did last year, and our passing has improved. We are still working on the best combinations with our hitters, but the versatility is key.”

North Attleboro

2024 Record: 5-13
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Dan Knight
North Attleboro just missed out on the postseason last year, finishing 5-13 and just two spots outside a playoff berth. With a new head coach in Dan Knight and a roster that blends veteran leadership with young talent, the Rocketeers are aiming to take a step forward and compete for a playoff spot this fall.

The Rocketeers are strong down the middle with experienced leaders in all three phases of the game. Senior outside hitter Lincoln Abramaitys, back in the lineup after a year away and recently committed to Endicott College, will provide a consistent offensive threat on the outside. In the back row, junior libero Ava Kraskouskas is one of the top defensive players in the league and will be counted on to steady the serve receive and keep points alive. At the helm of the attack, senior captain and returning setter Deanna Miconi is hopeful to return to the lineup as she works through a knee injury, bringing valuable leadership and composure when she’s on the floor. With a proven scorer, an elite defender, and a veteran setter, North has a core trio capable of keeping the team competitive in every match.

Around that foundation, the Rocketeers will turn to a mix of seniors and underclassmen to round out the lineup. Senior Megan Derosier adds varsity experience to the front row alongside sophomores Isabella Houghton and Addison Chambers, who bring size and blocking ability. Seniors Ava Enegren and Natalie Benedetti will bolster the back row, while sophomore Jordan Egan and freshman Emma Sawyer will provide depth and blocking on the right side. Junior Maruna Solomon has made big strides as a setter and will be another option to keep the offense moving. With six seniors leading the way and younger players gaining valuable experience, the Rocketeers have balance across the roster and strong chemistry heading into the season.

“We’re excited about the potential of this year’s team,” said Knight. “Lincoln will take a lot of pressure off the younger players by being a reliable option to finish points from the outside. She’ll allow the younger players to take their time progressing toward their high ceiling, which will make our offense even more diverse as the season goes along. Ava will constantly amaze people with her digs but more importantly her passing will consistently make our setters’ job easier. We’re having a fun start to the season and the seniors have established an environment that’s going to make the season even more fun going ahead and hopefully successful in the box scores as well.”

Oliver Ames

2024 Record: 21-4
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 state championship
Coach: Chelsea Cunningham

Oliver Ames is coming off the best season in program history, reaching the Div. 2 state championship match for the first time. The Tigers graduated five seniors, including HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Addyson Smock, who were all key contributors. While replacing that level of production will be a challenge, OA returns a talented core that gained invaluable experience last season and enters this year with high hopes and high expectations to once again be among the league’s best.

A strong junior class leads the way for the Tigers. Setter Lyla McDonough, outside hitter Chelsea Wagner, and libero Molly Milliken were all important contributors last season and will be counted on to take another step forward. Seniors Angelina Romeiro on the right side and defensive specialist Evan Casey also bring leadership and varsity experience. The Tigers will also be guided by new team captains Lindsey Solomon (senior) and Taylor Donohue (junior), who will set the tone on and off the court.

OA will get a boost from some talented newcomers, including freshmen Lyla Yurrita and Sophie Hinds on the attack, as well as sophomore setter Theresa Kavolius, who follows in the footsteps of her sister Clare, the program’s all-time assists leader and a three-time league all-star. With a mix of experienced returners and new energy, OA has the versatility to be creative with its lineups and maintain the intensity that defined last season’s run.

“It is exciting to have a solid group of returners that cover our defense and offense,” said head coach Chelsea Cunningham. “We have many options and opportunities to mix it up, a lot and often, with the talent these student-athletes will be able to show. I am excited to pick up where we left off last season with the same intensity and commitment to our goals for the upcoming season and can’t wait to see what this group accomplishes.”

Sharon

2024 Record: 8-13
2024 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Emily Crosby

Sharon returned to the postseason last fall and picked up a preliminary round win, and with a strong core of players back in the lineup, the Eagles are hoping to build on that momentum under first-year head coach Emily Crosby. Crosby, who played collegiately and previously coached at Coyle & Cassidy, is eager to continue pushing the program forward and help the team reach its full potential.

The Eagles bring back several impact players, led by sophomore right side hitter Lia Zephrani, who will be a major factor on the attack, and senior middle hitter Lucy Ward, who provides strength at the net on both offense and defense. Sophomore setter Kat Budovalcev adds additional experience to the lineup. Sophomore outside hitter Lucy Leonardi is battling an injury to start the year, but she will be an important piece for Sharon when she returns.

Sharon will also be boosted by new faces, including libero Eva Lobo Delaney, who brings energy, passion, and strong defensive instincts to anchor the back row. Sophia Sun and Wynne Liu will provide depth and consistency on defense, while newcomers Taylor Shen and Grace Neault are expected to step into important offensive roles right away. With a mix of experienced leaders and promising new contributors, the Eagles look poised to continue their growth and make another push for the postseason.

“I am excited to be a part of this program and help the girls reach their highest potential,” said Crosby.

Stoughton

2024 Record: 7-14
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Tricia Lewis

Stoughton came up just short of a playoff berth last fall, finishing 7-14 and landing three spots out of the Div. 2 tournament field. The Black Knights graduated the majority of their offensive production, including standout hitter and HockomockSports.com First Team selection Reagan Lewis, who is now playing at Regis. While her departure leaves a major hole to fill, it also opens the door for new opportunities, and third-year head coach Tricia Lewis is optimistic about the potential of this year’s roster.

The Black Knights will lean on a pair of senior leaders in outside hitter Jacqueline Boutros and middle Makaila Graffeo, who both bring valuable varsity experience. Junior newcomer Simona Kaliabotas will be a key addition as a versatile player capable of contributing both on the outside and in a setting role, while junior setter Ayla Huang steps in to guide the offense. Sophomore Alex Benedetti is another player to watch, as she provides a strong presence in the middle with her blocking and net defense.

Stoughton also looks poised to be strong defensively, with several players stepping into libero and defensive specialist roles after strong offseasons. Graffeo and Benedetti give the Black Knights a pair of capable middles to anchor the net defense, while Boutros and Imani Ashu have the power on the outside to finish points when the offense is in rhythm. With a coachable group eager to prove themselves, Stoughton has the tools to compete for more wins and make a push for the postseason.

“I’m excited to see what these younger players can do,” Lewis said. “They are a coachable group of girls and are hungry to see the postseason.”

Taunton

2024 Record: 1-19
2024 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Amanda Machado

Taunton enters the new season with fresh energy and a new, but familiar, voice leading the program. Amanda Machado, a longtime assistant coach, takes over as head coach and brings continuity along with a young roster eager to compete in the Hockomock League. After a challenging 2024 campaign, the Tigers are focused on growth and taking steps forward with a group that has shown strong commitment in the offseason.

The Tigers will lean on the leadership of junior captains Sadie Herry and Emily Dias, who provide experience and stability on defense, as well as senior captain Grace Bennett, a returning setter who will play a crucial role in running the offense. Herry, now in her fourth varsity season, brings valuable experience to the court and will be counted on to help guide the younger players.

Taunton also features a talented group of underclassmen who are expected to make an immediate impact. Sophomores Paige Graham, Ella Bennett, and Lily Selfridge bring attacking options to the front row, while freshman setter Amia Soito has shown poise and playmaking ability early on. With their mix of returning leaders and promising newcomers, the Tigers believe they can be competitive every night.

“This year isn’t about rebuilding, it’s about competing,” said Machado. “Although we’re young, this group has shown they are more than ready to embrace the challenge of competing in such a tough league. Their hustle and effort will keep us in the mix every game, and we’re eager to finally show what Taunton Volleyball is truly capable of this season.”