ATHOL — The Athol High School varsity boys volleyball team begins its season Friday on the road against Ware. The Red Raiders won’t take to their home court until April 9 after playing their first four games on the road.
The team returns five seniors and adds two new seniors. It added a couple sophomores into the mix and Sean MacDonald returns for his second year as head coach.
Here are five questions for this season:
How far can this year’s senior core go?
The Red Raiders won 12 games and earned the 11th seed in the 2017 Western Massachusetts Division 1 Tournament. The top three teams — Westfield, Chicopee Comp and Agawam — graduate several All-Western Mass. players. While none seem destined for a huge drop-off this season, the Red Raiders could have one of the oldest teams in western Mass. With age comes experience and maturity on the court. This senior-laden group, on paper, looks like it could open some eyes and win some unexpected games. A home playoff game and a playoff win could be in store for the Red Raiders.
Will this turn into Justin Blake’s team?
Blake had a successful soccer season, anchoring the varsity squad on the defensive side of the ball. When he was called upon to play goalie for the sudden-death shootout against the Renaissance School in the opening round of the Western Mass. Division 3 playoffs, Blake stopped Renaissance’s final three shots to lead Athol to victory. He also played well on the varsity basketball team. Blake has been a mature leader that has stepped up on other teams this season and if he continues to progress into his final high school season, becoming the key cog of this year’s volleyball team doesn’t seem out of question. Blake has the athletic ability, confidence and production to lead the Red Raiders.
How will the production of 2017 graduate Josh Herk be filled?
The outside hitter spot opposite of Blake is still up for grabs. Three names have come up when MacDonald was asked about filling that role: Hayden Herk, Anthony Potenti and Colby Mason. Josh Herk was an All-Western Mass. player last year and led the team with 194 kills. Hayden Herk, Potenti and Mason all have the athletic ability, it just becomes about channeling that on the court.
Will Jordan Carrasquillo be this year’s surprise player?
Carrasquillo surprised many in goal after subbing in for an injured player during the first week of the soccer season. He earned his playing time and remained the starter throughout the rest of the year. Carrasquillo came to volleyball last year and has progressed nicely. Will he take another step this season and become an integral part of the puzzle that makes the Red Raiders run?