Bourne girls volleyball claws its way to victory in the Division 5 state championship

WORCESTER – In a tense, back-and-forth third set, a pass floated into the center of the net, giving Lily Russell the championship point of Thursday’s Division 5 girls volleyball state final.

She destroyed it.

The junior’s fifth kill of the day secured a 25-18, 25-21, 27-25 win for the top-seeded Canalmen (20-5) over Worcester North High. The program’s fifth state title, like its last in 2018, came against No. 2 Whitinsville Christian (22-3).

“Absolutely amazing,” said Russell. “At that moment I knew I had to put the ball in and my setter gave me the perfect set, all thanks to Mayla (Muldoon). It was great.”

Russell started the season as a libero, but an early injury to senior Reese Williams left a spot open at center. On a team that excels in versatility, Russell was all over the court, adding 17 digs to reach 1,000 for her career.

Junior Sofia Halunen starred with 14 kills, 15 assists and 6 digs. Her net connection with her classmate Muldoon (18 assists, 5 kills, 7 digs) added a layer to Bourne’s dynamic offense.

“We both just have that insight that no other just-setter or just-hitter can understand,” Halunen said. “Here we know that every set can be different and we are always ready for that. Every time there is a mistake or a small obstacle in the road, we know how it feels, we are there for each other.

“We can almost talk to each other without a word being said.”

Nola Timo (25 digs, 7 kills, 2 aces) rounded off a strong performance by the team’s juniors. Seniors Carley May (8 kills, 5 digs, 2 aces) and Hannah Petrillo (18 digs, 2 aces) were key.

“The maturity is not just in their physical abilities, but also in their mental togetherness,” Bourne coach David Moore said. “They are willing to work together, they don’t get in each other’s way. This is honestly the most drama-free team I’ve had. I think that plays a big role.”

Moore won titles in 2000 and 2002 and coached his daughter. Now Kassie Lee is also a champion as an assistant coach.

“I told the girls before it brings back old memories,” Kassie Lee said. “When you walk into this gym, it’s tearful to know that they can come back here, that the program is still like this. It brings back all the tears, all the joy and the hard work.

“I am so grateful to be able to coach this group of girls and coach with my father.”

---

AJ Traub can be reached at [email protected].