The Oliver Ames High School varsity volleyball team recently completed its most successful season in program history, making the Division 2 state championship final, and finishing with an overall 21-4 record. (Photo courtesy Easton Public Schools)
EASTON — Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral and Athletic Director Merry MacDonald are proud to share that the Oliver Ames High School varsity volleyball team recently completed its most successful season in school history.
Led by head coach Chelsea Cunningham, the Tigers not only reached their first-ever Division 2 state championship game but also became the first team to win a set against three-time defending champions Westborough High School during their tournament run.
Finishing with a program-best overall record of 21-4 and a program-best regular season record of 17-3, the team demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and an unrelenting drive for success. The season’s defining moments included:
- Historic Semifinal Victory: The Tigers secured their place in the state championship with a dominant 3-0 win over previously undefeated Billerica Memorial High School. Seniors Addyson Smock and Clare Kavolius were standout performers in the match, showcasing leadership and grit.
- Memorable Championship Match: In a thrilling four-set battle, Oliver Ames pushed perennial champions Westborough to the brink, narrowly missing a decisive fifth set by mere inches in a closely contested fourth set.
- Big College Signing: Smock, a middle blocker/opposite, signed her National Letter of Intent, committing herself to play next year for the Blazers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Coach Cunningham praised the team’s growth and determination, especially during what was initially considered a rebuilding year.
“In comparison to previous seasons, the kids had goals that they wanted to achieve, and they did,” Coach Cunningham said. “Although we didn’t reach all of our goals, they didn’t let setbacks get in the way of future goals or even achieving new milestones.”
Senior co-captains Addyson Smock and Ava Barth, the team’s libero, provided leadership and a unifying spirit, setting a high standard for the younger players. Smock’s powerful hitting and blocking, paired with Barth’s defensive prowess, anchored the team’s efforts throughout the season.
“These two captains have had an amazing experience leading the team and brought different perspectives and attributes to our team culture,” Coach Cunningham said.
The Tigers’ 15-player roster for the regular season included five seniors, five juniors, and five sophomores, with two additional sophomores added as swing players for the postseason.
In addition to co-captains Smock and Barth, the volleyball team will be losing fellow seniors Clare Kavolius, the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,095 assists, Caroline Hansen, and Jamie Finn.
“These seniors left their mark and have big shoes to fill in this program,” Coach Cunningham said.
The contributions of underclassmen were also critical to the Tigers’ success during the 2024 season.
In addition to the seniors, the Tigers playoff roster included Molly Milliken, Kerryn Cairns, Claire Kenny, Taylor Donohue, Chelsea Wagner, Leisel Nelhuebel, Ella Broadmeadow, Angelina Romeiro, Lyla McDonough, Lindsey Solomon, Evan Casey and Sean Raymond.
“I think the returning players will be itching to pick up where we left off, and I am excited to see what is to come,” Coach Cunningham said. “With the returning players now having the experience of playing at a high level, they will strive to hold themselves and future teammates to the same standards set by this year’s seniors.”
“The final match is a game I’ll never forget, as a coach, mentor and leader of this program,” Coach Cunningham said. “The players were just so excited and honored to play at the highest level in the state and knew that they deserved to be there, from all of the hard work they put in all season. When reflecting, we could look at it one of two ways — glass half empty, where we had opportunities to take that fourth set and we let it slip, or glass half full, where we competed with our opponent and put up a good fight in our first-ever state finals appearance. As a coach, it is obvious how proud I am of this team and how far we’ve come as a program. So it goes without saying, the glass half full is how I will remember this incredible season, from start to finish.”
Despite the heart-wrenching loss in the championship match, the Tigers left the court with their heads held high.
Oliver Ames High School commends the varsity volleyball team for their historic season and their representation of Tiger Pride on the state’s biggest stage.
“We are proud of the athletes and their dedicated coaching staff,” Superintendent Cabral said. “Competing at the state level is an honor, but it also comes with a lot of effort and commitment. It is clear this team exhibits the work and resilience needed to perform at that level. We look forward to watching their success continue next season.”
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