Oliver Ames High School Volleyball Team Achieves First State Championship and Completes Undefeated Season

The undefeated, state champion Oliver Ames girls volleyball team after winning the MIAA Division 2 title on Nov. 15. (Photo Courtesy Easton Public Schools)

EASTON — Easton Public Schools is celebrating a milestone for Oliver Ames High School after the girls volleyball team completed a 25-0 season and won the first state championship in program history.

The Tigers, led by Coach Chelsea Cunningham, secured the MIAA Division 2 title on Nov. 15 with a reverse sweep against Wayland High School. OA dropped the first two sets 22-25 and 22-25 before taking control and winning the final three sets 25-16, 25-14 and 15-11.

The comeback capped a season built on depth and balance from a group of players that is described as more like a family. The team worked through illness and injuries throughout the season and stayed consistent in long stretches of play.

The team was also motivated by last year’s second-place finish in the state title game after having a then-program-best record of 21-4.

“They work extremely hard preparing during the offseason and put in the continuous effort day in and day out throughout the season,” said OA Athletic Director Merry MacDonald. “I am extremely proud of the coaching staff and this amazing group of athletes being able to watch them come together as a team, battle all season long and be able to leave their mark in OA history.”

Taylor Donohue, Lyla McDonough and Chelsea Wagner helped anchor the lineup and were selected as Hockomock League All-Stars. All three were also named to the Massachusetts Volleyball Coaches Association Division 2 All-State team.

The volleyball roster included Molly Milliken, Kerryn Cairns, Claire Kenny, Taylor Donohue (Captain), Chelsea Wagner, Theresa Kavolius, Ella Broadmeadow, Angelina Romeiro, Lindsey Solomon (Captain), Sophie Hinds, Liesel Nelhuebel, Lyla McDonough, Ashlyn Hrenko, Alexis Sullivan, Lyla Yurrita, Evan Casey and Sean Raymond.

The team’s assistant coaches were Jillian Blye, Kylie Abouzeid and Ryley McNeeley.

“Watching this team earn a state championship and complete an undefeated season has been a proud moment for our entire district,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisha Cabral. “They represented Easton with real character, and they have given our school community a season we will remember.”

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