Milton High Volleyball Eyes Second Consecutive Tournament Bid

Despite finishing last year with a 3-15 mark, the Milton High girls' Volleyball team is aiming to turn the corner.

"We have a lot of people coming back and I'm very optimistic that we're going to improve from our record from last year,'' said coach Robin Lee, now entering her 21st season. "The girls have worked very hard in the off-season and they've done a great job preparing for the forthcoming season."

Even with just three wins during the regular season, the Wildcats qualified for the Division 2 Central tournament under the Sullivan Rule. The Sullivan Rule, implemented several years ago, benefits teams from smaller schools to qualify for the tournament following a .500 record against opposing teams from their division.

"We play against a lot of bigger schools, so they have the advantage,'' said Lee. "We're one of the smaller schools in the Bay State, so we're always up against the bigger numbers."

In the tournament, the Wildcats suffered a tough 3-0 first round loss to Tantasqua Regional, but Lee is optimistic that last year's brief showing will be a learning experience.

"Even though we only finished (3-15), it was great for the girls to experience the feeling of participating in the tournament. Hopefully this year, we'll be able to qualify for the tournament with a better record, but the girls are working hard, and they're giving it a great effort in the practices."

Leading the way for the Wildcats will be co-captains Liz Murphy, a senior, and Sam Curley, a junior. Murphy is slated to be the team's primary middle hitter while Curley will rotate between outside and middle hitter.

"The captains have done a great job working with the girls in the practices,'' said Lee. "Everyone's been upbeat, and they're all very excited to start the season. We're all very enthusiastic and optimistic that we're going to improve from last year's mark."

Other contributors for the Wildcats include junior setter Ellie Tabor and junior outside hitter Katie Krauss. Serving as the team's libero and defensive specialist will be senior Liz Kelly.

"I've been very impressed with the setting as well as our defensive play during the practices," said Lee. "They're playing with a lot of effort and determination, and I couldn't be any happier with the way things have gone so far with us."

As for middle hitters, the Wildcats will also be aided by seniors Liz Devine and Kathleen Powers followed by junior Alicia Powers.

"Our middle hitting and attacking have improved a lot since last year,'' said Lee. "Right now we're just trying to figure out some consistent rotations and to get our line-ups going. We're trying to mix and match, and hopefully we'll be able to finalize some things over the next week or so."

Rotating between outside and middle hitter will be junior trio of Morgan Askins, Maya Rosmarin and Amanda Vasconcellos along with fellow juniors Katie Sargent, Shana McDermott and sophomore Caitlin Griffin.

"We have some depth in our middle and outside hitting positions,'' said Lee. "Last year we were a very young team, but now we have some experienced people returning, and that's definitely going to benefit us in a big way this season."

As for aspirations, Lee is hoping for at least a .500 mark as well as another trip to the tournament.

"I'm hoping we can finish with a .500 mark or better,'' said Lee. "We were in a lot of close games last year, but we didn't pull them out. I'm optimistic that this year's going to be a little different."

After participating in a jamboree in North Attleboro on Wednesday, the Wildcats will continue to prepare for the season before its' opener at Brookline on September 14.