All-State stars and more: Cape Cod Times High School Girls Volleyball All-Scholastic Team
As it typically is, high school girls volleyball on Cape Cod was filled with state-title contenders.
Three area schools reached the MIAA quarterfinals and Dennis-Yarmouth made the deepest postseason with a second consecutive trip to the Division 3 state finals. There, the Dolphins fell to Tewksbury, 3-1.
Barnstable made it to the Div. 1 Final Four before losing to eventual champ Newton North, 3-1. In Div. 4, Nantucket made it to the Round of 8 before losing to Lynnfield. Sandwich reached the Round of 16.
Div. 5 had the most local flavor with four representatives (Bourne, JPII, Sturgis East, Cape Tech). Bourne went on the deepest run in that division, reaching the Round of 16.
Fighting for the title: Dennis-Yarmouth volleyball comes up short in state finals
Here are the players that helped their respective teams be successful this season. Presenting the girls volleyball All-Scholastic 2022 team:
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First Team
Sadie Wellbeloved, Barnstable
The junior setter dished out 576 assists (third in Div. 1), good for 8.5 assists per set (first in Div. 1). She also added 43 aces (first on Barnstable) and 146 digs. She was named a Cape and Islands All-Star.
"Sadie is the player who figures and produces in practically every play. She has proven herself to be among the top setters in the state," said Barnstable head coach Tom Turco.
Lindsay Jones, Barnstable
The senior middle hitter had 165 kills, 23 blocks and a .241 hitting percentage. She was selected as a Cape and Islands All-Star three times, and an All-State player in 2021.
"Lindsay has produced all season long and dominated the middle hitter position leading Barnstable to an 8-0 Cape and Islands Championship," said Turco.
Molly Fredo, Barnstable
As a junior outside hitter, Fredo led the Red Hawks in kills with 204 and kills per set (3.0). She was selected as a Cape and Islands All-Star. Her most memorable moment was making it to semifinals of the state tournament. At Barnstable, she is involved in clubs such as FPS, DECA, Best Buddies and the Cape Cod Juniors/MGA volleyball club.
"Molly’s offensive production is a major factor for our success in the league as well as in the state," said Turco.
Molly Gleason, Barnstable
In her sophomore campaign, the outside hitter finished with 115 kills, 40 aces, 227 digs (team high) and 347 receptions. She was also selected as a Cape and Islands All-Star. Her most memorable moment was beating Dennis-Yarmouth twice, and avenging losses against Needham, Hopkinton and especially Franklin. "I think those wins gave us so much momentum and confidence. Games like those bring us closer together as team," said Fredo.
State competition: Barnstable High girls volleyball team's season ends in semifinals against Newton North
Fredo also plays AAU Basketball, coaches basketball for Barnstable Recreation and Cape Cod Juniors Volleyball. She also enjoys painting.
"Molly Gleason carries a huge responsibility of production on the team with serve receive, defense, and offense," said Turco.
Logan Hurwitz, Barnstable
As a libero, the junior led the Red Hawks in receptions (441), was second in digs (240), and added 38 aces. She was a Cape and Islands All-Star.
"Highly regarded as the best libero on the Cape, and among the best in the state. Big reason for our success," said Turco.
Charlotte Sullivan, Barnstable
The junior middle hitter had 144 Kills, a .214 hitting percentage and was selected as a Cape and Islands Honorable Mention.
"Certainly one of the best middle hitters on Cape Cod," said Turco.
Elena Timo, Bourne
The junior setter had 194 service attempts at 87% efficiency with 26 aces and 249 set assists. She set a 5-1 offense for the last 13 matches, but prior to that, she shared setting duties in a 6-2 offense. She also contributed 63 kills and 153 digs with a 75% dig efficiency.
Timo's favorite moment of the season was the Volleyball Hall of Fame Sleep Away tournament. She also plays basketball and is part of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and student council.
"This season Elena has improved so much in both setting and defense. The improvements have come because she remains coachable and wants to get better everyday. She, without a doubt, earned the respect of her teammates and coaches," said Bourne head coach Dave Moore.
Sarah Sweeney, Bourne
The senior captain and libero had 249 service attempts with an 89% efficiency to go with 46 aces. She was the primary passer with 411 attempts and had a 43% efficiency rating. In addition to that, she added 300 digs at an 80% dig efficiency.
Her most memorable moment was a tournament in Springfield because of the team sleepover in the hotel and playing at a high level with the many amazing teams that were there. She is on student council and National Honor Society.
"This is Sarah's first season as a full-time libero, but she did play as a (defensive specialist) last season. She works hard daily and is our on-court team leader, She's also been on varsity since she was a freshman," said Moore.
Sweeney plans to attend a four-year college, but is still undecided on what school and major.
Grace Presswood, Dennis-Yarmouth
Over her varsity career, the senior outside hitter is a three-time all-state player, five-time Cape and Islands League All-Star, and the 2022 league MVP. She is also the second player in D-Y history to get 1,000 career digs and kills.
"Grace's ability to read the game is incredibly high. It has catapulted her career as a five-year starter for varsity. She leads her teammates on and off the court and often sets the pace of our game," said D-Y head coach Dru Sisson.
Her favorite moment was getting 1,000 digs and kills. Presswood also plays basketball, and will be playing volleyball at the University of Bridgeport.
Vivian Castano, Dennis-Yarmouth
As a sophomore setter, Castano was selected as a Cape and Islands League All-Star and surpassed 1,000 career assists this season. She finished top five in assists in the state.
A memorable moment from this season was the dance party the team had in the Barnstable hallways before playing them. Although they lost, they all had a good time and played a great game. Castano also plays in the band, does spring track and participates in youth group at her church.
"Vivian was pushed into her starting position early as a freshman. She has extreme mental toughness that allowed her to be coached and pushed herself to lead her team on the court. She works harder than anyone on a daily (basis) and is a true quarterback to this team," said Sisson.
Ellen Swanson, Dennis-Yarmouth
The junior outside hitter started her career strictly as a defensive specialist and stepped up this year as a six-position player. She was second on the team in kills, had a 95% serving success and 94% for her career. She has been selected as a Cape and Islands All-Star twice.
Her most memorable moment was going to the Div. 3 state championship against Tewksbury. She has been playing the clarinet since eighth grade and loves playing tennis in her free time.
"Playing opposite one of the best hitters in the state, her stats may not be high, but she is undeniably worthy of recognition with skills. Ellen has the most positive attitude, and always uplifts her teammates. She’s often the loudest on the court and knows what it takes to bring her team to the next level," said Sisson.
Christina Femino, Falmouth
The sophomore captain setter is a first-year varsity player and played every point of the 2022 season. She led the team with assists and serving percentage, 93% on 199 serves with 44 aces.
The most memorable moment of her season was the team’s five-set win against Sandwich.
"Everybody on the team had worked incredibly hard, and I was extremely proud of all of us. With Sandwich entering the game with an undefeated record, and our team not having won a game yet, coming out with a win in the upset was huge. We played smart while putting in all of our effort and it had been an incredible moment for our season," said Femino.
She also participates in theater and student government.
"Christina’s impact goes beyond numbers as she is a humble player who makes her teammates feel confident and capable with themselves," said Falmouth head coach Nicole Shea.
Chloe Marrero, Nantucket
The junior three-year starter was named the Cape and Islands Lighthouse Division MVP with 199 kills and 56 aces. For her career, she has 501 kills, 204 aces and 401 digs.
Her most memorable moment of the season was when the Whalers won the league championship game against St. John Paul II. She also works as a barista at the Handlebar Cafe and volunteers at "Our House" on the Island.
Kalina Natcheva, Nantucket
The senior three-year starter had 111 kills and 68 aces. She finished her career with 222 kills, 148 aces and 102 blocks.
Her favorite moments of the season were celebrating playoff wins with her teammates. She is part of the National Honor Society and the school newspaper. She wants to go to college and play collegiate volleyball.
Kacey Riseborough, Nantucket
The four-year senior starter had 137 kills and 57 aces. For her career, she had 472 kills, 217 aces and 418 digs.
Viktoria Todorova, Nantucket
As a two-year starter, the sophomore had 342 digs and 32 aces. She had 548 digs and 52 aces in her two-year varsity career.
The most memorable moment of the season for Todorova was the Round of 16 playoff game at home against Blackstone Valley.
"It was unreal. We played like we wanted to win, like we had to win. We had so much support from our fans who pushed us to play our best," said Todorova.
She participates in clubs at Nantucket and does do yoga outside of school.
Sophia Tropeano, St. John Paul II
The senior setter ended her final high school season with 51 kills, 64 aces, 206 digs and 241 assists. She finished her career with 806 assists, 170 aces, 641 digs, and 174 kills.
Sophia has been a four-year varsity member and a three-year varsity captain. Sophia took on the setter's role from a young age but never backed down from the challenge. Sophia's determination and strength shined through her performance on the court, according to JPII head co-coaches Shannon Kennedy-Cabral and Haley Cabral.
Rosanna Sullivan, St. John Paul II
The junior outside hitter had 120 kills, 49 aces and 153 digs. She has 194 kills, 238 digs, and 121 aces for her career.
Rosanna is a two-year varsity player. Rosanna continues to be an offensive threat for the Lady Lions. Rosanna consistently played every game like it was her last and to the best of her ability, according to Kennedy-Cabral and Cabral.
Mia Mulcahy, Sandwich
The sophomore setter had 31 aces, 270 assists and 43 digs. For her career so far, she has 33 aces, 293 assists, and 50 digs.
Her most memorable moment of the season was a rally from behind to win Sandwich's opening tournament game.
She also plays varsity softball, and is part of Mu Alpha Theta, President/Founder of the Unified Volleyball Club, Best Buddies, student council, Chicas for Change and is the 2025 class secretary.
"Mia has been the quarterback for our team. She has excelled in her position as a setter and as a teammate," said Sandwich head coach Giulia Leite.
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Natalie Fredriksen, Sturgis East
Fredriksen is a junior setter who had 282 assists this season (second most in school history in a season). She also led the team with 82 aces and was third on the team in kills with 58, despite not being a full-time hitter.
Her most memorable moment was playing rival Sturgis West. She also plays basketball and tennis and is a co-leader of the writing center at Sturgis East.
"Natalie is the most well-rounded volleyball player I have ever coached. She is our best server, hitter, passer, and is also a great blocker. Nat has the ability to take over a match and did it many times this season. Nat is also our first junior captain in over 10 years. Her enthusiasm for volleyball and her love of the sport rubs off on all her teammates and us coaches. She has been an incredible inspiration to the younger players and it is showing," said Sturgis East head coach Mike Sarney.
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Second Team
Mary Berio-Rowlands, Bourne
The senior captain defensive specialist/right back (a setter for her freshman season and sophomore season who moved to DS last year) had 178 service attempts, with an 83% efficiency including 29 aces. She also added 180 digs at an 85% efficiency. She also plays softball, and is a part of the National Art Honor Society, Yearbook Club. She plans to study business management in college.
Kendall Fortune, Bourne
The senior captain defensive specialist had 230 service attempts, with a 90% efficiency and 26 aces, to go along with 143 digs on 66% efficiency. She plays basketball, lacrosse, and is part of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and Student Council. She plans on attending a four-year college for business and marketing.
Maci Griesbauer, Falmouth
The senior captain and outside hitter led the team with 61 kills, an improvement over her 55 kills from the 2021 season. She is in the Math Honor Society, Best Buddies, Wellness Leaders, and plays softball and golf. She hopes to study interior design at Virginia Tech.
Ella McCabe, Sandwich
The junior outside hitter finished the season with 46 aces, 75 kills and 67 digs. For her career, she has 64 aces, 105 kills and 25 blocks.
Alanna Schreibeis, Sandwich
The junior middle hitter had 51 aces, 60 kills, and 15 blocks for the Knights. She has 81 aces, 76 kills, and 37 blocks for her career. Schreibeis and her friends started a Kindness for Cancer Club. She also is in a Unified Volleyball Club that her friend started that helps teach the kids how to play volleyball.
Raighan Howard, Sandwich
The senior middle hitter/libero had 34 aces, 39 kills, 147 receptions, 20 blocks, and 90 digs in her first and only season with the Knights.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Best Cape Cod girls volleyball players during the 2022 season
