Sports

Rainier mother-daughter duo rewriting school volleyball record books as bond strengthens

By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com The Ooms family is responsible for plenty of volleyball history at Rainier High School. Carrie Ooms, the current head volleyball coach at RHS, was a member of the 1998 Mountaineers squad that was the first to ever win the district championship and earn a trip to the state tournament. Fast […]

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2 weeks ago

May 11, 2025

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By Dylan Reubenking / dylanr@chronline.com

The Ooms family is responsible for plenty of volleyball history at Rainier High School.

Carrie Ooms, the current head volleyball coach at RHS, was a member of the 1998 Mountaineers squad that was the first to ever win the district championship and earn a trip to the state tournament.

Fast forward a quarter century and she has led the Mountaineers, along with her sophomore daughter Allyson, to back-to-back trophies at state, taking fourth in 2023 and fifth in 2024. Allyson has earned Central 2B All-League second team honors in back-to-back years to start her varsity career.

The duo have similar play styles and versatility on the court; each Ooms can rise up for a powerful kill and catch the defense off guard with a commanding serve. Allyson picked up volleyball at an earlier age than her mother, starting in fourth grade learning from high schoolers during camps before taking her first steps into organized volleyball in middle school.

When Allyson was preparing to take the next step into high school varsity volleyball, Rainier was in need of a new head coach. She encouraged Carrie, who had coached Rainier’s middle school and high school team years ago, to apply.

“She was like, ‘Mom, I really want you to coach.’ I’m like, ‘Oh boy,’” Carrie said. “It’s a big step going from mom to coach, and it’s a big time commitment, too. I told her, ‘If it’s gonna ruin the mom-daughter relationship, it’s a no-go. So I applied for it, and I’m happy I did.”

Not many teenagers would want to see their mom for so many hours out of the day, but not Allyson. She credits her mom for exposing her to the game of volleyball at a young age and helping her fall in love with the sport.

“She was just helping me figure out the basics and what I need to do, and I just fell in love with playing it. I think she’s very knowledgeable, and it’s easier to get information or feedback from someone you’re close to rather than someone who’s just a random person,” Allyson said.

It wasn’t always easier for Allyson to take feedback from her mom, especially in front of her teammates and her coaches. Carrie recalls times during their first season together when her daughter would ask her why she was being so hard on her, but she would always tell her that she was just as hard on the other players.

Allyson and Carrie both acknowledged the difficulty during their first year of differentiating the family versus volleyball relationship. Allyson said if something went wrong her freshman year, she would often take it out on her mom and let her frustration get the best of her. But they agreed that the second year was much easier to transition back and forth.

“It’s definitely a big adjustment because it’s weird seeing her as a coach on the sidelines and not my mom on the sidelines and having to be able to not take feedback to heart,” Allyson said. “You have to make sure to flip that switch and realize that on the court, it’s coach, and off the court, it’s Mom. I learned how to balance it pretty well.”

Carrie said that during Allyson’s freshman year, her husband Edgar, who often works as a line judge during Allyson’s matches, would draw the line of volleyball discussion as soon as they got home from practice or matches. But Allyson’s sophomore year was a significant improvement in their dynamic and the team’s dynamic, Carrie said.

“I think this last year went a lot better. When kids are little, they’re like, ‘What do my parents know? It’s just Mom. How much could she really know?’” Carrie said. “Then as she got older, she started to realize that maybe Mom does know what she’s talking about. This last year was the best coaching and mom-daughter relationship. She could ask those questions, and that helped the other kids see that, ‘If Allyson can ask those questions, we can ask more questions, as well.’”

After her playing days at Rainier, Carrie was a star for Saint Martin’s University. According to the team’s record book, updated in 2019, she ranked eighth in the school’s history in career solo blocks. But the most significant block of her life came in 2013 when she discovered through a self examination that she had breast cancer. Edgar was working in Germany at the time, and their three children at the time were very young; Allyson was just 5 years old.

Carrie dropped off her images at Seattle Breast Center and returned the next day for a biopsy, where she was told by her doctor that she was 95% sure it was cancerous. Carrie called Edgar to come home immediately, and he did. The day after the biopsy, the results confirmed she had cancer, and a surgery was scheduled within a week and a half.

“They put a port in my chest for chemo. I went through the old style that I think they called the red plan of death,” Carrie said. “I did four treatments of that, and then I did an additional 12 weekly treatments of a lighter chemo. I was on a hormone blocker for four years and then had multiple surgeries in between. I also had 33 rounds of radiation. They hit it hard because I was so young and had no family history and was healthy.”

Allyson’s memories of her mother’s battle are fairly limited, but she remembers her strength during and after the fight. Carrie recounted telling their children that she was sick but tried not to say the word “cancer,” which Allyson didn’t specifically hear until her teachers at school mentioned it.

“I just remember her being gone quite a bit for her treatments and then when she had our hairstylist come shave all of her hair off,” Allyson recalls. “She’s very strong because it’s not easy to go through anything like that. It definitely says a lot about who she is.

On Valentine’s Day this year, Carrie celebrated 11 years cancer free. She said her battle, along with an emergency surgery on her back six years ago that developed into a staph infection, made her look at life differently.

“It changes you as a person. There are things that I take to heart more, but there are other things that I let go of a lot easier,” Carrie said. “Life is too short to hang on to the negative. I do what I want, and I used to be a yes person and try to please so many people. Now, I am there for me and my family first, and then whatever’s outside is my extra to give. I do still like to help others out, but again, family and my choices come first.”

Entering Allyson’s junior season in 2025, the Ooms family is ready to continue making Rainier history on the court and growing their bond on and off the court. In 2026, Allyson’s younger sister Isa may join the team as an eighth grader, adding to the family and program record book.

“It’s going to be exciting to see what happens with our program here in the next few years. This has definitely brought our relationship closer, and it helps the relationship on both sides,” Carrie said.

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Volleyball Adds Three to 2025 Roster

HOUSTON – Freshman Olivia Klimis, senior Lottie Scully and redshirt junior Ella Wendel will join the Cougars for the 2025 season, Head Coach David Rehr announced Tuesday. “We are so excited to announce the final three additions to our 2025 roster,” Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach Taylor McColskey said. “Each of them will add a […]

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1 minute ago

May 27, 2025

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HOUSTON – Freshman Olivia Klimis, senior Lottie Scully and redshirt junior Ella Wendel will join the Cougars for the 2025 season, Head Coach David Rehr announced Tuesday.

“We are so excited to announce the final three additions to our 2025 roster,” Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach Taylor McColskey said. “Each of them will add a tremendous amount of value to a team we feel will be very competitive in the fall.”

OLIVIA KLIMIS – SETTER – FRESHMAN – OVIEDO, FLA.
Klimis lands in Houston after playing high school volleyball for Oviedo High School under Coach Jen Darty and club volleyball for Top Select 18 Elite under Coach Ross Usie.

“Olivia Klimis comes from great high school and club programs where she was consistently recognized as a top performer,” McColskey said. “She is a great competitor that can play several positions, we expect her to make our gym better right away.”

Klimis posted 1,368 assists for Oviedo High, averaging 4.5 per set, while also adding 515 kills, 682 digs and 123 total blocks. She was named Oviedo’s 2024-25 Female Athlete of the Year as well as earning AVCA Second-Team All-America honors in her senior season.

A two-time Indoor Volleyball All-Conference selection, she helped Oviedo reach the Regional Finals of the 2022, 2023 and 2024 FHSAA State Championships. Among her numerous other accolades, Klimis was named to the Fall 2024 PrepVolleyball.com All-Season Super Squad Second Team, was a Fall 2024 Florida Athletic Coaches Association Senior All-Star and was an Under Armour Next Most Valuable Player in the summer of 2024.

In addition to her indoor volleyball high school career, Klimis played beach volleyball for OHS. She was selected as the 2025 Seminole County Beach Player of the Year on top of earning First Team All-Conference honors in 2024 and 2025.

She is following in the footsteps of her mother, Allison, who played collegiate volleyball for Alabama from 1997-2001.

LOTTIE SCULLY – SETTER – SENIOR – BINGHAMTON
Scully arrives in Houston following three standout seasons at Binghamton in New York. A three-time All-America East selection, Scully joins the Cougars boasting 2,461 career assists, averaging 8.76 per set, along with 638 digs, 141 blocks and 67 service aces.

“Lottie Scully adds needed collegiate experience to our setting position,” McColskey said. “She is the reigning America East Conference Setter of the Year. In talking with her in the transfer process, it was clear that she understands the game at a high level. We are excited to add her leadership and experience to our setting group.”

Scully is coming off an incredible junior season, being selected the America East Setter of the Year and an All-America East First-Team honoree. She led the league in assists with 994, starting in 23 of the team’s 30 matches, while being one of six Bearcats to play in all 30 matches and one of four to play in all 113 of Binghamton’s sets.

In addition to her junior year accolades, Scully was an All-America East Second-Team selection in both 2022 and 2023, becoming Binghamton’s first all-conference setter since 2017. She also helped lead the Bearcats to NIVC appearances in both 2022 and 2024.

Prior to her collegiate career, Scully attended Orange High School in Hurdle Mills, N.C., while playing club volleyball for Carolina Edge Volleyball.

ELLA WENDEL – MIDDLE BLOCKER – REDSHIRT JUNIOR – TULSA
Wendel rejoins Houston following a semester at Tulsa. The Pflugerville, Texas, native became a fixture in Houston’s rotation last season, posting 47 blocks across 64 sets. She ranked second on the team with 0.73 blocks per set while also adding 43 kills and six aces to her tally. She led Houston in blocks in seven matches during her breakout campaign while making 15 starts during the season.

“Ella Wendel comes back to us after a semester away,” McColskey said. “We are so excited to bring Ella back to Houston. She has always been an unbelievably valuable member of our team culture and proved this past season that she can contribute at the middle position in the Big 12.”

Wendel had been with Houston since arriving on campus as a freshman in 2022. She made her collegiate debut against McNeese on Aug. 27, 2023, and earned her first collegiate start against SMU on Sept. 14, 2024.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by joining the Point Houston Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Volleyball for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarVB. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarVB.

– UHCougars.com –

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Texas Tech Red Raiders – Official Athletics Website

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech track and field team competes in the NCAA West First Round this Wednesday through Saturday at E.B. Cushing Stadium as Texas A&M hosts the regional meet. The men will compete on Wednesday and Friday, while the women will compete on Thursday and Saturday. Meet Coverage · Central Page · […]

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13 minutes ago

May 27, 2025

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LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Tech track and field team competes in the NCAA West First Round this Wednesday through Saturday at E.B. Cushing Stadium as Texas A&M hosts the regional meet. The men will compete on Wednesday and Friday, while the women will compete on Thursday and Saturday.

Meet Coverage

· Central Page

· Live Results/Schedule

· ESPN+

The Rundown

A majority of the running events feature a first round followed by a quarterfinals on the second day for each gender. Athletes who make the cut to the quarterfinals day, will need to finish in the top-12 to secure their spot in the 2025 Outdoor Championship meet in Eugene, Oregon (June 11-14).

Meanwhile, in throwing/field events, athletes are only allowed three attempts to secure a top-12 spot. In distance races like the 3k steeplechase, 5k and 10k, athletes will only run them once this week with the top-12 moving on to Eugene.

Last Timeout

The Red Raiders swept the Big 12 outdoor championships just a little over one week ago in Lawrence, Kan. The men’s side won the meet by 36 points scoring a total of 136, while the women’s side claimed victory by 14.5 points, scoring 127 points. Head coach Wes Kittley was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year for both the men and women as he collected his 11^th conference Coach of the Year honor.

Rankings

In the week nine USTFCCCA rankings released Tuesday afternoon, the women moved up one spot to No. 3 – highest ranking of the season – while the men’s team stayed at No. 11.

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Wisconsin Badgers’ 2025 volleyball schedule features NCAA tournament rematch

The Wisconsin Badgers aren’t taking it easy with their non-conference volleyball schedule in 2025. The team released the slate of teams they’ll face outside of the Big Ten next season, and it features some of the top teams from last year’s NCAA tournament. UW had previously announced it would start the season against Kansas and […]

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14 minutes ago

May 27, 2025

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The Wisconsin Badgers aren’t taking it easy with their non-conference volleyball schedule in 2025.

The team released the slate of teams they’ll face outside of the Big Ten next season, and it features some of the top teams from last year’s NCAA tournament.

UW had previously announced it would start the season against Kansas and Texas at the Kohl Center for the Opening Spike Classic.

Both the Jayhawks and Longhorns were No. 3 seeds in last year’s NCAA tournament.

Wisconsin will face Notre Dame beforehand, but that match is set as an exhibition.

In mid-September, the Badgers get their in-state matchups with UW-Milwaukee and Marquette. In between will be a rematch of last year’s second-round NCAA tournament match against Georgia Tech, which UW won 3-1.

The non-conference slate ends with a match against Florida, which made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament last year as a six seed.

All of that before the Big Ten schedule starts, when Kelly Sheffield has to face powerhouses like Penn State and Nebraska.

Wisconsin will once again be battle-tested all season long and well prepared for whatever next year’s NCAA tournament throws at them.

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Sun Belt Conference Announces 2025 Women’s Golf Awards

Story Links NEW ORLEANS – Georgia Southern sophomore Louise Reau has been named the 2025 Sun Belt Women’s Golfer of the Year for the second consecutive season, headlining Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golf Postseason Awards and All-Conference Teams. After becoming the first freshman in league history to receive Sun Belt Women’s […]

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18 minutes ago

May 27, 2025

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NEW ORLEANS – Georgia Southern sophomore Louise Reau has been named the 2025 Sun Belt Women’s Golfer of the Year for the second consecutive season, headlining Sun Belt Conference Women’s Golf Postseason Awards and All-Conference Teams.

After becoming the first freshman in league history to receive Sun Belt Women’s Golf Freshman of the Year and Golfer of the Year in the same season in 2024, Reau once again earns Golfer of the Year, as voted on by the leagues head coaches. Reau’s teammate, LoraLie Cowart, earns Newcomer of the Year and Eagles head coach Mimi Burke was named Coach of the Year. South Alabama’s Katharina Schroll was honored as the Freshman of the Year.

Seven of the Sun Belt’s 13 women’s golf programs were represented across two all-conference teams. Georgia Southern led the way with four selections while Southern Miss, South Alabama and ULM each had two.

Reau helped lead Georgia Southern to its first NCAA Championship in program history. The sophomore had four top three finishes in the spring and capped it off with fifth place individual finish at the NCAA Lexington Regional (-4). Reau finished the season with a 71.6 adjusted scoring average and finished as the highest ranked Sun Belt player at 71, according to Scoreboard rankings by Clippd.

Cowart had a stellar season for the Eagles after transferring from the University of Georgia. The senior had two top three finishes, with her best results of the season coming at the Liz Murphey Collegiate where she finished second after going 1-over par in the tournament. Cowart finished with a 72.5 adjusted scoring average and ranked No. 171, second highest in the Sun Belt.

Schroll made an immediate impact to the Jaguars with five top 10 finishes this spring. The freshman also brought home an individual title after going 1-over par to win the Pinetree Women’s Collegiate hosted by Kennesaw State. Schroll helped South Alabama to finish within the top 10 in each tournament during the 2024-25 season including four top three finishes. The freshman finished with a 72.7 adjusted scoring average through 30 total rounds.

Burke was named coach of the year after leading Georgia Southern to its first National Championship appearance in program history. The Eagles had seven top three finishes throughout the 2024-25 season and claimed six team wins on the way to finishing in a tie for second at the NCAA Lexington Regional. After the conclusion of the National Championship Georgia Southern ranked 32nd, its highest ranking in program history. Burke was also one of 24 coaches to be named to the Division I Jackie Steinmann Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) National Coach of the Year.

2025 Sun Belt Women’s Golf Postseason Awards

Women’s Golfer of the Year
Louise Reau, Georgia Southern

Women’s Freshman of the Year
Katharina Schroll, South Alabama

Women’s Newcomer of the Year
LoraLie Cowart, Georgia Southern

Women’s Coach of the Year
Mimi Burke, Georgia Southern

All-Sun Belt First Team
Louise Reau, Georgia Southern
LoraLie Cowart, Georgia Southern
Mary Miller, Georgia Southern
Yvonne Chamness, Texas State
Katharina Schroll, South Alabama
Daniela Campillo, ULM

All-Sun Belt Second Team
Anna Andrysova, ULM
Pariya Sanpanawat, Georgia State
Momoka Ando, USM
Drive Tunwannarux, Georgia Southern
Mercedes Aldana, South Alabama
Sara Sarrion, Coastal Carolina

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How To Watch NCAA D1 West Regionals Track and Field

The First Rounds of the 2025 NCAA D1 Track and Field Championships are ready to begin on May 27 with two regional meets. The East Regional will be held in Jacksonville, Florida, while the West Regional has settled in College Station, Texas. Each individual event features the top 48 D1 collegiate athletes, and the West […]

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35 minutes ago

May 27, 2025

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Each individual event features the top 48 D1 collegiate athletes, and the West Regional in particular will showcase the talent harbored by the top teams in the nation, like Southern California, Arkansas, and the site host, Texas A&M.

Southern California is currently ranked No. 1 in men’s track and field and No. 4 in women’s, according to the latest updates from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

Now that the previous NCAA D1 Men’s Track and Field champion of the past three years, Florida, is seemingly out of the picture, a new team hopes to rise to the occasion.

Following the completion of the First Rounds, 12 athletes and 12 relay teams will be selected based on their performance and sent to the Championships in June.

When Is NCAA D1 West Regionals Track and Field?

The NCAA D1 Track and Field West Regional will begin on Wednesday, May 28 and run through Saturday, May 31 in College Station, TX.

How To Watch NCAA D1 West Regionals Track and Field

Live streaming of both the West and East Regionals for NCAA D1 Track and Field Championships can be found on ESPN+.

NCAA D1 West Regionals Track and Field Schedule

Wednesday, May 28

Track

7:00 p.m. ET – Men’s 110 Hurdles
7:30 p.m. ET – Men’s 1500m
8:00 p.m. ET – Men’s 100m
8:25 p.m. ET – Men’s 400m
8:50 p.m. ET – Men’s 800m
9:20 p.m. ET – Men’s 400 Hurdles
9:45 p.m. ET – Men’s 200m
10:10 p.m. ET – Men’s 10,000m (Semifinal)

Field

11:00 a.m. ET – Men’s Hammer
3:30 p.m. ET – Men’s Javelin
5:30 p.m. ET – Men’s Long Jump
6:30 p.m. ET – Men’s Pole Vault (Semifinal)
7:00 p.m. ET – Men’s Shot Put

Thursday, May 29

Track

7:00 p.m. ET – Women’s 100 Hurdles
7:30 p.m. ET – Women’s 1500m
8:00 p.m. ET – Women’s 100m
8:25 p.m. ET – Women’s 400m
8:50 p.m. ET – Women’s 800m
9:20 p.m. ET – Women’s 400 Hurdles
9:45 p.m. ET – Women’s 200m
10:10 p.m. ET – Women’s 10,000m (Semifinals)

Field

11:00 a.m. ET – Women’s Hammer
3:30 p.m. ET – Women’s Javelin
5:30 p.m. ET – Women’s Long Jump
6:30 p.m. ET – Women’s Pole Vault (Semifinals)
7:00 p.m. ET – Women’s Shot Put

Friday, May 30

Track

6:00 p.m. ET – Men’s 4×100 Relay (Quarterfinals)
6:15 p.m. ET – Men’s 1500m (Quarterfinals)
6:40 p.m. ET – Men’s 3000 Steeplechase (Quarterfinals)
7:15 p.m. ET – Men’s 110 Hurdles (Quarterfinals)
7:35 p.m. ET – Men’s 100m (Quarterfinals)
7:50 p.m. ET – Men’s 400m (Quarterfinals)
8:05 p.m. ET – Men’s 800m (Quarterfinals)
8:25 p.m. ET – Men’s 400 Hurdles (Quarterfinals)
8:50 p.m. ET – Men’s 200m (Quarterfinals)
9:10 p.m. ET – Men’s 5000m (Semifinals)
9:45 p.m. ET – Men’s 4×400 Relay (Quarterfinals)

Field

2:00 p.m. ET – Men’s Discus
3:30 p.m. ET – Men’s Triple Jump
4:30 p.m. ET – Men’s High Jump (Semifinals)

Saturday, May 31

Track

6:00 p.m. ET – Women’s 4×100 Relay (Quarterfinals)
6:15 p.m. ET – Women’s 1500m (Quarterfinals)
6:40 p.m. ET – Women’s 3000 Steeplechase (Quarterfinals)
7:15 p.m. ET – Women’s 110 Hurdles (Quarterfinals)
7:35 p.m. ET – Women’s 100m (Quarterfinals)
7:50 p.m. ET – Women’s 400m (Quarterfinals)
8:05 p.m. ET – Women’s 800m (Quarterfinals)
8:25 p.m. ET – Women’s 400 Hurdles (Quarterfinals)
8:50 p.m. ET – Women’s 200m (Quarterfinals)
9:10 p.m. ET – Women’s 5000m (Semifinals)
9:45 p.m. ET – Women’s 4×400 Relay (Quarterfinals)

Field

2:00 p.m. ET – Women’s Discus
3:30 p.m. ET – Women’s Triple Jump
4:30 p.m. ET – Women’s High Jump (Semifinals)

Men’s NCAA D1 Track and Field Top 10 Rankings

Southern California, 235.95 points
Tennessee, 221.14 points
Arkansas, 216.21 points
Texas A&M, 208.42 points
Georgia, 200.89 points
New Mexico, 179.93 points
Nebraska, 175.79 points
Auburn, 172.91 points
Minnesota, 166.06 points
BYU, 160.06 points

Women’s NCAA D1 Track and Field Top 10 Rankings

Georgia, 310.57 points
Texas A&M, 242.74 points
Texas Tech, 232.15 points
Southern California, 211.25 points
Arkansas, 197.52 points
Baylor 193.12 points
South Carolina, 180.11 points
Oregon, 174.46 points
BYU, 159.18 points
Florida, 158.34

NCAA D1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships Recent Winners

Men’s

2024
- Winner – Florida
- Runner-up – Auburn
2023
- Winner – Florida
- Runner-up – Arkansas
2022
- Winner – Florida
- Runner-up – Texas
2021
- Winner – LSU
- Runner-up – Oregon

Women’s

2024
- Winner – Arkansas
- Runner-up – Florida
2023
- Winner – Texas
- Runner-up – Florida
2022
- Winner – Florida
- Runner-up – Texas
2021
- Winner – Southern California
- Runner-up – Texas A&M

FloTrack Is The Streaming Home For Many Track And Field Meets Each Year

Don’t miss all the track and field season action streaming on FloTrack. Check out the FloTrack schedule for more events.

FloTrack Archived Footage

Video footage from each event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloTrack subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

Join The Track & Field Conversation On Social

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2025 MIAA boys volleyball preview for SouthCoast teams

Both of SouthCoast’s boys volleyball teams — GNB Voc-Tech and New Bedford — have qualified for the 2025 MIAA state tournament and will compete in Div. 1 this year. The Whalers finished the regular season 18-2 and beat rival GNB Voc-Tech in both meetings. Here’s a look at the two local teams and their opening […]

Published

36 minutes ago

May 27, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Both of SouthCoast’s boys volleyball teams — GNB Voc-Tech and New Bedford — have qualified for the 2025 MIAA state tournament and will compete in Div. 1 this year.

The Whalers finished the regular season 18-2 and beat rival GNB Voc-Tech in both meetings.

Here’s a look at the two local teams and their opening matchups:

GNB Voc-Tech

Record: 10-10

Seed: No. 33 in Div. 1

Opening matchup: Visits No. 32 Malden (14-6) in the Div. 1 Preliminary Round at a date and time to be determined.

Outlook: The Bears, who played an independent schedule this year, are looking to get back on track in the playoffs after ending the season with 5 losses in their last 6 games. They take on a Malden team that they split with during the regular season, winning 3-1 on April 18 and losing 3-1 on May 1. Senior Jack Gwozdz has been Voc-Tech’s top hitter this year as well as a force in the back row with his digs.

New Bedford

Record: 18-2

Seed: No. 13 in Div. 1

Opening matchup: Hosts No. 20 Boston College High (11-7) in the Div. 1 Round of 32 at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.

Outlook: The red-hot Whalers ride an 11-game win streak into the playoffs. Their only losses this season have come against Needham (3-0 on March 28) and Barnstable (3-1 on April 14). They went undefeated (14-0) in the first season of the Big Patriot League to capture the championship. New Bedford has been powered at the net by a trio of seniors in Nick Rosa, Amir Salih Tavares and Nyron Foster while Abner Cun has spread the offense around as the team’s senior setter.

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