The Westport volleyball team lost to Turners Falls, 3-1 (17-25, 12-25, 27-25, 19-25) in front of a student heavy packed crowd including the pep band and mascot during a home playoff game in the old high school gym on 11/9, in the Division 5 round of 16. 

“The girls played so well tonight,” said Wildcats head coach Mike King after the game. “They never gave up and that’s what makes this team so special. They all play for and with each other.”

Junior outside hitter Kylie Finglas led the team with fourteen kills. Senior setter Abby Gaudreau tallied five kills and eighteen assists. And senior libero Paige Churchill led the team defensively with eight digs. 

Coach King lauded his seniors, Abby, Paige, Madison Benson, Marissa Quinlan, Sophia Terra, Samantha Parker, Jenna Carreiro, Emma Gendreau, for a season well played. 

“The senior leadership on the team has been amazing,” Coach King said. “Without them, this team doesn’t perform the way they have over the past two seasons. I can’t express how hard they work and how determined they are. This may be the best team I have had, not necessary for their skill, but for all their immeasurable talents.”

Losing seven seniors will be difficult for the Wildcats next season. “They will be very tough to replace,” said Coach King. “We set out this year to win the Mayflower Comprehensive Division and we did it.” 

The Wildcats came up short on their second goal, to win a state championship, but the team played well all season long.  

“We came up a little short, but Westport volleyball is on the map,” said Coach King. “A lot of it is due to the work and dedication of the girls. They have been just an amazing group.”