Owls Volleyball Picked First in MASCAC Preseason Poll
A strong core of four-year players are back for the Owls, where the lineup will be highlighted by senior hitters Emma and Hanna Nihill.
WESTFIELD, Mass. -- Westfield State women's volleyball has been picked to repeat at the top of the league, in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference preseason coaches' poll released today. The Owls won the league's regular-season title in 2024 but fell to Bridgewater State, 3-2 in a hard-fought championship game.
Westfield received 61 points and five first-place votes in the poll, while Bridgewater was tabbed second with 60 points and four first-place votes. Framingham was selected third with 47 points, and MCLA fourth with 43 points.
The Owls have some big shoes to fill as they graduated all-conference players Julia Bartiet, Sarah Bingham, Julia Dangel-Garcia and lost league rookie of the year Sydney Cummins, who did not return to Westfield State.
A strong core of four-year players are back for the Owls, where the lineup will be highlighted by senior hitters Emma and Hanna Nihill (Chandler, Az./Basha HS). Emma knocked down 204 kills, second-best on the team a year ago, and Hanna finished 189 kills, the third best total on the squad.
The Owls back row brings back veterans Allie Hill (St. Clair Shores, Mich.) and Emily Washkalavitch (Oxford, Pa.), and setter Morgan Dority (Walpole, Mass.) split time last year, handing out 350 assists while bringing an attacking presence to the role.
Westfield will also be bolstered by the return of junior OH Lauren Carnes (Westfield, Mass.), who powered 171 kills as a first year in 2023.
Overall, the Owls roster numbers 21 players, led by 22nd year head Coach Fred Glanville, who could reach the 300-win plateau at Westfield with a solid season against this year.
Westfield State jumps into action on Friday, August 29 at Springfield College as part of the Springfield Invitational Tournament. Action continues on the 30th with matches against Keene State and Rivier.