AYER – The Ayer-Shirley Regional girls’ volleyball team has been impressive through the first half of the fall 2024 season.
The Panthers, led by head coach Kim Melanson, entered Thursday’s matchup with host Collegiate Charter of Lowell with a 7-2 overall record and riding a five-match winning streak.
Melanson has been impressed with what she’s seen from her squad through the first nine matches of the campaign.
“I think the girls are playing really well. We’ve had a chance to play some of the younger players that haven’t had a lot of opportunity to play,” said Melanson during a recent interview.
“We’re playing well right now. I’m proud of what I’ve seen from the girls and we’re hungry and ready for the next one.
”Since starting the season 2-2 following a tough loss to St. Bernard’s on September 12, Ayer-Shirley has dominated the competition. With triumphs over Academy of Notre Dame, Fitchburg, Collegiate Charter of Lowell, Notre Dame Academy and South Lancaster Academy respectively.
“We have a group that’s really gelling and working together. That’s something we’re really spending a lot of time on this season. Everybody supporting each other and taking it one play at a time,” said Melanson.
“I really think these girls are finding their groove. They are talented all-around players and they’ve done a nice job attacking the weaknesses on the other side of the net during our matches.”The Panthers have already surpassed their win total of a year ago. Last fall, Melanson’s bunch finished the season with a 6-12 overall record.
“I’m proud of them and what they’ve accomplished up to this point in the season,” said Melanson.
“They’re working hard and they want to succeed. We’ve had several girls step up and play well and we’ll need that to continue if we’re going to keep this going.
”Leading the way this winter for Ayer-Shirley are its captains. Carrying the torch for the Panthers are seniors Autumn Cormier, Carley Ehwa and Izabella LeBlanc. Fellow senior Taylor New also provides leadership to the younger players.
Four players represent the junior class. Marney Hoeske and sister Abbey Hoeske, Scarlett Straitiff and Cambell Monahan all are key ingredients to the success of the team this season.Sophomores Sarah Minear, Kiley Hoeske and Liliana DeBlasio along with freshman Molly Cormier are all seeing quality playing time and gaining valuable experience that will pay off later this season and beyond.
“We are fortunate because we have three captains that are really coming together and being leaders,” said Melanson. “They have been a big help to the younger players. All three have been with me for multiple years and they’ve done a great job.
”Things don’t get easier for the Panthers as they continue to make a push towards the Massachusetts Division 5 Tournament and look to climb the power rankings.
After they return from their trip to Lowell on Thursday, the team travels to Townsend to take on host North Middlesex Regional on Friday before returning home to take on the Panthers of Marlborough on the afternoon of October 1.
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