BHS Girls’ Volleyball Team Is Built for Success

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

Steve Mantegani will begin his 10th year as the Bellingham High girls volleyball coach this fall, and it’s obvious that his players have responded in a dynamic way. The Blackhawks are one of most respected teams in the area.

His squads have been state tourney participants for seven straight seasons; his 2023 contingent won the Tri Valley League Small Division title; and for the last two years BHS has advanced to the Division 4 playoff final, losing twice to Ipswich, which has now won four straight state championships and has a 51-game winning streak. 

A change in the Division 4 alignment for 2025 will not allow the Blackhawks to get another chance to face the Tigers. BHS is moving up to Division 3, which includes Medfield, the defending state champ.

“We split a pair of TVL matches with Medfield last year,’’ Mantegani said. “Division 3 has some very good teams with great traditions, like Wayland, Weston, Case and Cardinal Spellman.’’  

Tourney action is a long way off, and Mantegani is acutely aware that success is achieved by “focusing on one game at a time.’’ His two prime goals for this year reflect his cautious approach.

“We want to improve every year, and we want to build team chemistry,’’ he emphasized. “Our other goals are to contend for the TVL Small Division title, qualify for the tourney and go as deep as possible. Our objectives are realistic because our players are eager to succeed and know the importance of focusing on the present.’’

The Blackhawks finished last year with a 20-4 overall record and lost only three seniors to graduation. Eleven players are returning, and most of them are experienced. Following is a brief profile of the players with comments from Mantegani.

*Val Nolan (senior, outside hitter) — A two-year captain, she’s been a two-time TVL all-star and was selected last year as a State Tourney Division 4 all-star. “Val is quick, athletic,  and one of our keys on defense and serve receive. A four-year veteran, she’s strong at the net as a primary attacker and recorded her 500th career kill last season. She’s got a high volleyball IQ and lots of passion for the sport.’’

*Jacobi Houston (senior, setter) — “A two-time captain, Jacobi has strong hands and is the quarterback of our offense. She makes good decisions, has a high volleyball IQ and has very good court vision. A leader in the off-season, she organized summer volleyball activities.’’

*Mia Milani (junior, outside hitter) — She’s a two-time TVL all-star, two-time Division 4 Tourney all-star, and an all-star selection on the Mass. Volleyball Coaches Association all-state team. “Mia is a strong, athletic and powerful hitter. Our primary passer in serve/receive, she plays great defense and is big at the net. A very skilled competitor who’s in her fourth varsity season, she recorded her 500th kill last season.’’

*Sophia Soto (junior, libero) — Her awards include selection as a Mass. Volleyball Coaches Association all-star, Division 4 Tourney all-star, TVL all-star, and TVL Small Division MVP in 2023. “A four-year varsity player, Sophia recorded her 1,000th dig last season. She spearheads our serve receive and defense. A fiery leader, she brings lots of energy, is technically sound and is the best passer in the TVL.’’

*Aubrey Callery (sophomore, middle hitter) — “Aubrey, who’s in her third varsity year, is a quick, athletic hitter and blocker. She’s strong at the net and I expect her to come into her own this season as a middle hitter.’’

*Mia Bartucca (junior, setter) — “Mia is a second-year player who has great hands and is able to make all the sets. She’s continuing to develop as a strong setter and is one of our keys to running our offense.’’

*Lyla McGilvray (junior, defensive specialist) — “A two-year player, Lyla is a solid passer and a good server. She plays strong defense when called upon.’’

*Mady DeOliveira (junior, right-side hitter) — “A second-year player who’s able to play on the outside when needed, Mady had a great year on the right side. And, we’re expecting more this season on that side. She’s a solid hitter and blocker at the net and has a very level attitude.’’

*Caitlyn Hebert (junior, middle hitter/right-side hitter) — “A second year player, Caitlyn is recovering from an ACL tear suffered in the Elite Eight match against Ursuline in last year’s tourney. She was a force in the middle last year as a hitter and blocker. We’re hoping to have her back for a portion of the season if her recovery goes well.’’

*Stephanie Painchaud (sophomore, middle hitter) — “A second-year varsity player, Stephanie stepped in and played well in the Final Four and State final game after Caitlyn got hurt. A strong blocker and solid hitter, we’re counting on her in the middle as she continues to develop.’’

*Alyssa Rancourt (sophomore, setter) — A jayvee player last year, she was called up for the tourney. “Alyssa is athletic, quick, and a strong setter who jumps well. She has a strong serve and has the potential to play on the varsity as she continues to develop.’’

Mantegani’s staff includes two assistants who’ll be returning to coach the jayvees and the freshmen. Kayla Martinis is the junior-varsity coach and Mantegani’s son, Justin, directs the freshmen.

The Blackhawks, who open the season at Millis on Sept. 3, will be a balanced team that relies on ball control. “If we control the ball, then we can run our offense,’’ Mantegani said. “We’ll pass effectively, we’ve got strong hitters, and we’ll play solid defense.’’

With positive attributes of experience, depth, athleticism, a high volleyball IQ, a coachable nature and top-notch skills, Blackhawks’ Girls Volleyball should see a successful season.