BHS Volleyball Team Aiming for Return to State Final

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

Bellingham High’s volleyball team has some unfinished business to tend to this fall.

Last year, the Blackhawks advanced to the Division 4 state final, where they lost to Ipswich, 3-2, after surrendering a 2-1 advantage after three sets.

That heartbreaking exit from the playoffs hurt, and the returnees from last year’s squad are more motivated to produce another lengthy run that will end with a championship banner.

“Every year, I ask the girls to submit three team goals and three personal goals,’’ said Steve Mantegani, who’s starting his 10th year as the Blackhawks’ coach. “I pay close attention to their choices, because it helps me to formulate my objectives. That practice gets us all on the same page.’’

Mantegani, who’s guided BHS to seven tourney berths in nine years, revealed his goals before pre-season practice, which will begin on Aug. 19. 

“They start with repeating as Tri Valley League Small Division champs,’’ he said. “Our second goal is to qualify for the tourney, and the third is to earn a top-four power ranking. If all these things occur, then there’s a good chance we can get to the state final again.’’ 

Last year’s team, led by two senior captains (Ari Elster and Ciara Cratyton), compiled a 16-3 regular season record, then rolled to four tourney triumphs over South Lancaster Academy, Advanced Math and Science Academy, Rockland, and Frontier Regional.

Losing to Ipswich left last year’s contingent with a 20-4 record, and interestingly enough, its four losses all went to five sets. 

Mantegani emphasized that Ipswich was “a seasoned team that was heavily favored.’’ By beating BHS, Ipswich captured its third straight state title. “When we went ahead, it seemed like we were playing not to lose,’’ Mantegani said. “Regardless of the outcome, I was extremely proud of our team.’’

This year’s squad has seven returnees, two players up from the jayvees and three others who may be in the mix to fill open slots. 

“Our strengths include a high volleyball IQ, speed and quickness, a high skill level, good ball control and a strong offense,’’ Mantegani said. “For leadership and team chemistry, we’ll need to replace our two senior captains from last year.’’

Following is a thumbnail look at the players with comments from Mantegani: 

RETURNEES

SOPHIA SOTO — A sophomore libero, she was the TVL Small Division’s Most Valuable Player last year and a Metrowest Daily News all-star. A great passer who takes control of the court, her instincts are strong, and she enjoys volleyball. A superb server who ignites our offense. She had 56 aces, 331 digs, and 710 serve receptions (with only 54 errors) last year.

VAL NOLAN — A junior outside hitter, she was a TVL Small Division all-star last year. A very good offensive player, she’s dynamic on defense. An athletic player who serves well, she gets her share of kills and digs. Last year she compiled 245 kills, 77 aces and 225 digs.

MIA MILANI — A sophomore outside hitter, she amassed four all-star honors last year (TVL, MAVCA, Boston Herald and Metrowest Daily News). A powerful hitter, she’s a strong passer who also blocks effectively. She doesn’t shy away from the big moments. She had 249 kills and 84 aces last year.

TAYLOR CALLERY — A senior setter and right-side hitter, she’s versatile, has great energy and stepped up as a hitter last year. A good server who’s in her fifth varsity season, she’s brings lots of experience.

MADY DeOLIVEIRA — A sophomore outside and right-side hitter, she’s strong on defense and very versatile, willing to play and position. A very consistent competitor. 

JACOBI HOUSTON — A junior setter, she’s the quarterback of our offense. She’s got strong and steady hands and is scrappy. Quick to the ball, she knows how to push the ball anywhere on the court.

AUBREY CALLERY — A freshman middle hitter, she filled in for Kat Ducharme, who missed 16 games last year because of an injury. A good server and blocker, she’s a very level-headed competitor.  

TOP JAYVEES

KAIDYN SHEA and KYLA CERONE — A pair of senior defensive specialists, they were promoted to the varsity last year for the state tournament. They are capable servers who are strong on defense and bring an energetic style to the court.

IN THE MIX

MIA BARTUCCA (sophomore setter), STEPHANIE PAINCHAUD (freshman middle hitter) and LINDSAY DIXON (freshman middle hitter) — This trio of young players has the potential to be on the roster this season.

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Mantegani, who’s been the coach of the boys’ volleyball team for the last six years, is acutely aware that three goals need to be achieved by the girls in pre-season practice.

“We need to find our leaders (captains will be chosen when pre-season practice concludes), we must become conditioned for five-set matches and we have to develop good court chemistry.’’

The Blackhawks will open their season at home on Sept. 4 against Norton.

Relying on a coaching philosophy that emphasizes developing skills and passion for volleyball, Mantegani says that “if those two things occur along with working hard in practice, then winning will be the by-product.’’ He also knows that his players can learn valuable life lessons from athletics. “Like how to be a quality teammate, how to overcome challenges and adverse situations, and that you have to earn everything, he emphasized.’’

Mangegani’s girls’ volleyball team was one of two Bellingham squads that competed in a state final last year (cheerleading was the other). He believes a return appearance on the big stage is realistic.

“The girls will still be young, but they’ll bounce back and be totally focused on getting to the next level,’’ he noted. “Last year, the girls wanted to win. This year, they think they can win.’’