Senior captains Grace Chiota, Katy O’Connell and Julianna Zimmer led the girls’ volleyball team to a post-season run that ended in a loss against Duxbury in the “Sweet 16” round after a 10-8 regular season record. Chiota reflected on the early trials and eventual successes of the season.
What was a highlight of the season?
“Our highlight was definitely the second time we played Wachusett because the first time we played them, we actually lost to them. And then, we played them a second time, and we won in four sets, and then we played them a third time in the CMAS semifinals, and we beat them in three sets. So it really just highlighted our hard work and time we put into practices getting better made us super proud of ourselves to see our improvement.”
Who were some of your key players?
“I would definitely say my co-captains, Juliana Zimmer and Katie O’Connell. And then our setter, Ella Poultney, and other outside, Julie Martin, are also players that we can definitely always count on.”
What was the most challenging part of the season?
“I would definitely say that it was finding our rhythm in the beginning of the season because we lost six seniors last year who were crucial players on our team. So in the beginning of the season, our right side, Ella Poultney, had to switch to setter, which was definitely a position that she hasn’t done before. So it was difficult finding that connection at first. But once we overcame that, started our finding finding our rhythm, we fully got into things. Once we adjusted and found our rhythm, that was really great, but it was just something we had to sort out at first.”
What was your team dynamic like?
“I would say we’re all super close with each other just because it’s such a small team. There’s only six girls on the court at once, so we’re super close with each other. We got to get food before games and have dance rituals in the locker room. We text all the time. So it’s super fun getting so close and becoming best friends with all the girls on the team.”
What is coming up for the team next year?
“There are a lot of girls coming up who are such strong players, like Carol Ann Smith, our setter. Tessa Novello, our middle. Our outside hitters are Mackenna Lindblom and Claire Wallace, and our right side hitter, Niki Chacherone. I’m really confident that all of them will shine next year and step up and make us proud.”
How was your post-season?
“We pushed through a lot of tough matches, and everyone really stepped up their game when it counted most. Everyone, from our bench players to the starting six, gave it their all every single match. Our teamwork, dedication, and fight were evident in every set, and even when things got tough, we kept pushing forward together. For me, it’s been amazing to see how much individual players have grown throughout the season—not just in terms of skills, but also in confidence and leadership.
In state playoffs, we advanced to the Sweet 16 but unfortunately lost in a competitive four set game to Duxbury. It was a great game to go out on. We walked off the court heartbroken that the season had come to an end, but we held our heads high, knowing we had given it everything we had. It’s definitely been an adjustment not seeing everyone’s faces in the gym every day after school. The routine we had built over the season feels so different now. As a senior, it’s especially tough knowing that this chapter is over, but it’s also a reminder of how much this team and this experience meant to me. Fortunately, I still have lacrosse season to look forward to, which brings some comfort—knowing my time playing sports for Algonquin isn’t finished just yet,” Chiota said via email.
What contributed to making it to the Sweet 16?
“Making it to the Sweet 16 was a huge accomplishment, and it really came down to a combination of factors. First and foremost, our teamwork was the backbone of our success. Throughout the season, we worked hard to build chemistry on and off the court, and that translated into better communication and trust during our matches. Every player stepped up when needed, whether it was in crucial moments or by bringing a certain energy that kept the team motivated.
Our optimism and drive were also key factors in making it to the Sweet 16. Coach Morcone always reminds us that, once you enter the playoffs, everything resets—star players, rankings, and seedings don’t matter anymore. It’s all about how you perform in the moment. We carried that mentality throughout the playoffs, staying focused on each match, and it helped propel us all the way to the Sweet 16.
What made this journey even more special was the bond I share with my teammates. I’ve been playing volleyball with some of them for over seven years. My very first year on a club team, I played alongside Julie Martin, Ella Poultney and Sadie O’Connell—who are all still my teammates in high school. We’ve grown up together, sharing a love for the sport and pushing each other to get better every year. So, when we reached the playoffs, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about making sure we could get one more game together on the court. Knowing it might be the last time we played as a group made every moment even more meaningful.”
