HOLDEN — Looking for a Wachusett Regional High School sports that team you can wrap your arms around? One that brings enthusiasm, talent and is just plain fun to watch?
That could be just about any of the school’s teams, but try the often unheralded WRHS girls’ varsity volleyball team, which has built a 7-1 record following its 3-0 defeat of visiting Hudson High on Sept. 22. The Mountaineer girls have combined veteran and younger players in a perfect blend that entertains from start to finish.
“There’s tons of chemistry on this team,” said head coach Jennifer Burton. “I told them when I picked the team that they each have a role, and that they’re all here for a very specific reason. They’re best of friends every day, whether it’s on the court or off, and they’re a talented group.
“We knew that Hudson was going to be a strong team. We always have strong matches against Hudson. We knew that they were going to serve tough and that we couldn’t make mistakes. We had to play our game. There were times that we fell behind, and what I love seeing from this group is their ability to come back. It makes them really believe in themselves.
“The leadership out here is great. We have eight seniors, and I always tell them that senior leadership is going to make or break any team. We have a nice mix of younger kids as well.”
Scores in the victory over the Hawks were 25-19, 25-18 and 25-21. Highlights of the match included Ella Laramee with 5 kills, 4 blocks and 2 aces. Paige Tower chipped in with 15 digs.
The senior co-captains of this squad tell the team’s story best.
“This (game with Hudson) wasn’t our best, but we pulled through with a win,” said Rose O’Malley. “The victories help a lot. At practice we feel more motivated for the upcoming week. We take the wins and put them in the past and get ready for practice the next day.
“What I like most about this team is our chemistry. We’ve been best friends since our freshman year. We’ve grown as players together. We’ve matured as players together. We’ve played club volleyball together, and it feels like we’re all best friends, and I really appreciate that. It’s a really special thing for us.”
“There’s an emotional aspect on the court that can make or break a game. If one person’s off in volleyball, then everyone else is off, so it’s important to build energy during games,” added setter Allie Johnson. “If someone has a bad serve, it’s important to bring them back up, because that takes a toll on the entire team whether you’re on the bench or on the court.
“We’re more excited to play than we are nervous. These games are fun to watch and to play. But we have to prep in practice. A lot of us have worked hard in the offseason, and they know it’s a competition for a spot. The girls that make the team are eager to win. It’s a different type of determination we have this season.”
“As captains we try to have our team work hard in practice and in games,” said Logan Baker. “We have some young kids on the team, and they’re all getting used to the culture of working hard as the season progresses. I can see that everyone comes to practice and takes it seriously. Work ethic is super high on this team. Everyone puts their best in day in and day out.
“This season means a lot to me because we’ve been together for four years. Finally we’re having our senior season and getting back to normal from the past two years and being together. Especially with the younger kids, we’re in a position to help them grow as players, and that is really meaningful to me.”
The positives that swirl among this team cannot be overstated, according to players, coaches and team supporters. It’s a likeable lineup filled with high octane energy and enthusiasm. Look for an exciting second half to the season for these Mountaineer volleyballers.
“This team gets better every single day,” said Burton. “They learn something new about themselves, and I like that they always want to try new things. I love that they love competing. They’re really quality kids.”
Members of the 2022 Wachusett Regional High girls’ varsity volleyball team are Emerson Allyn, Rose O’Malley, Allie Johnson, Ella Laramee, Lily Davidson, Brooke Laidlaw, Miranda Cary, Vivianne Zhou, Logan Baker, Chase Garabedian, Paige Tower, Rebecca Wright, Claire Michalowski, Kaelin Pousland, Hannah Best and Sophie Jenkins.
Captains are Johnson, O’Malley and Baker. Head coach is Jennifer Burton, assisted by Mike Taylor, Jessica Stanley and Olivia Smith.
