BHS Volleyball Team Sets Sights on State Title

By KEN HAMWEY, 

Bulletin Sports Writer

When it comes to setting goals, players and coaches rarely list winning a state championship as a priority, even if it’s entirely possible.

Coaches and players on contending teams usually express hope that a Final Four appearance will be in their future. That’s about as specific as they get. But, at Bellingham High, coach Steve Mantegani knows what’s on the minds of the girls who’ve propelled the volleyball team to a stunning 13-2 record at the Bulletin’s deadline.

The prime reason the Blackhawks are thirsting for a date in the championship final stems from losing in the Division 4 state final to Ipswich, 3-2, after surrendering a 2-1 advantage after three sets.

“The girls don’t always talk about a return to the final, but that’s their top priority,’’ said Mantegani. “There’s some unfinished business to take care of. At start of this season, I set four goals, and they included getting better every day, go unbeaten in the Tri Valley League, repeat as the Small Division champs, and win the state title.’’

Last year’s team 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. Mantegani emphasized that Ipswich was “a seasoned team that was heavily favored.’’ By beating BHS, Ipswich captured its third straight state title.

The Blackhawks, however, lost only two starters from last year’s team and a total of five seniors. This season, Mantegani has seven returnees with experience.

Relying on a tenacious defense, BHS is an aggressive bunch that enjoys applying pressure. Its overall team strengths are very impressive.

“Our strengths include a high volleyball IQ, speed and quickness, a high skill level, good ball control and quality leadership,’’ Mantegani said. “Team chemistry is another asset. Our players all support each other. We’re still young, but we’ve got experience.’’

The three captains include juniors Val Nolan (outside hitter) and Jacobi Houston (setter) and senior Taylor Callery (setter or right-side hitter).

“Our captains are dependable, and they lead by example,’’ Mantegani said. Val is one of our primary hitters. A TVL Small Division all-star last year, she’s a very good offensive player, and she’s dynamic on defense. An athletic player who serves well, she gets her share of kills and digs. After 15 matches, Val had 138 kills, 54 aces, and 147 digs

“Jacobi is 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. Taylor has a high volleyball IQ, is versatile, has great energy, and stepped up as a hitter last year. A good server who’s in her fifth varsity season, she brings lots of experience.’’

Sophia Soto, a sophomore libero, 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,’’ Mantegani said. “She’s a superb server who ignites our offense. She also makes great decisions on defense. Through 15 matches, she had 40 aces and 251 digs’’

Sophomore Mia Milani, an outside hitter, 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,’’ Mantegani said. “She doesn’t shy away from the big moments. A physical player, she’s one of the best hitters in the state. Mia had 173 kills, 61 aces, and 130 digs after 15 matches.’’

Three other contributors are sophomores Mady DeOliveira (right-side hitter) and Caitlyn Hebert (middle hitter) and freshman Aubrey Callery (middle hitter).

“Mady is one of our most intelligent hitters,’’ Mantegani said. “She understands what’s needed in every moment. She’s strong on defense, versatile, and a very consistent competitor. Caitlyn is a strong hitter who jumps well and is a very capable blocker. Aubrey, who’s getting stronger as a hitter, is a good server and blocker and a very level-headed competitor. 

Rounding out the roster are seniors Kaidyn Shea and Kyla Cerone (both defensive specialists), sophomores Mia Bartucca (setter) and Lyla McGilvray (defensive specialist) and freshman Stephanie Painchaud (middle hitter). “This group is very coachable and ready to contribute when needed,’’ Mantegani said.

Expectations for the team are high, and the 53-year-old Mantegani is acutely aware that if his forces are to advance deep into the playoffs “we must be peaking at the end of the regular season.’’

And, to win a state title, Mantegani believes there are three keys to complete the journey. “Practices must stress preparation, and they must be vigorous and hard,’’ he said. “Another must is not to look ahead. To advance, it’s one game at a time if a team is going to take the next step. And, players and coaches should know that anything can happen. An injury can occur, so it’s important to be healthy. We compete with who we’ve got.’’

At the Bulletin’s deadline, the Blackhawks fell short on going unbeaten in the TVL, losing to Medfield and Hopkinton with both defeats going five sets. Their other three goals were still attainable and winning the state title is still the top priority.

That heart-breaking exit from last year’s playoffs hurt, but the returnees from last year’s squad are intensely motivated to produce another lengthy run and end their season with a championship banner.