2025 Girls Volleyball Showcase Recap

August 14, 2025

The 2025 Girls Volleyball Showcase took place between July 12th and July 13th

at Game On in Fitchburg

Central: Gold

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Game 1: Northeast v. Central Girls

In the opening game of the 2025 Bay State Games Girls’ Volleyball Showcase, Northeast came out on top with a solid straight-set victory over Central, winning 25-21 and 25-18.

The first set was closely contested, with both teams exchanging points and momentum. Central fought hard, but Northeast's balanced attack and steady defense helped them pull ahead late, securing a 25-21 win.

In the second set, Northeast continued their strong play, maintaining consistent serving and aggressive net play. Central struggled to break through as Northeast built a commanding lead, eventually finishing the set 25-18 to take the match.

Metro-Southeast served as the work team for this game.

With this win, Northeast starts the tournament strong, while Central will look to regroup for their next matchup.

Game 2: Metro-Southeast v. West Girls

In the second Round Robin match of the day, West took control early and never looked back, securing a straight-set victory over Metro-Southeast with scores of 25-20 and 25-19.

The first set was a competitive one, with Metro-Southeast putting up a strong fight and staying close for much of the set. However, West's consistent serving and solid defensive play allowed them to pull away at the end, winning 25-20.

In the second set, West continued to build on their momentum, executing sharp attacks and managing to keep Metro-Southeast's offense at bay. Despite a strong effort from Metro-Southeast, West closed out the match with a 25-19 victory.

Central served as the work team for this match.

West’s win gives them a strong start in the tournament, while Metro-Southeast will look to adjust and bounce back in their upcoming games.

Game 3: Northeast v. Coastal Girls

In the third Round Robin matchup of the day, Northeast defeated Coastal in straight sets, 25-16 and 25-19.

The first set was all Northeast, who dominated from the start with sharp serving and quick transitions. Coastal struggled to find their rhythm, allowing Northeast to take control early and finish strong with a 25-16 victory.

Coastal came out more determined in the second set, making a push to stay competitive. However, Northeast’s balanced offense and solid defense proved too much. They pulled away late in the set, securing a 25-19 win to seal the match.

West served as the work team for this game.

Northeast's solid performance puts them in a strong position in the tournament, while Coastal will look to regroup and adjust as the competition continues.

Game 4: Metro-Southeast v. Central Girls

In the fourth Round Robin match of the day, Metro-Southeast powered past Central with a straight-set victory, winning 25-21 and 25-16.

The first set was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging points early on. However, Metro-Southeast’s aggressive serving and solid net play helped them seize control late in the set, finishing 25-21.

In the second set, Metro-Southeast maintained their momentum, tightening up their defense and continuing to execute their offense efficiently. Central fought hard but couldn't keep up, and Metro-Southeast closed out the set 25-16 to seal the win.

Northeast served as the work team for this match.

With this win, Metro-Southeast gains a valuable victory, while Central will look to regroup for their upcoming games.

Game 5: West v. Coastal Girls

In the fifth Round Robin matchup, Coastal claimed a strong straight-set victory over West, winning 25-21 and 25-16.

The first set was competitive, with both teams exchanging leads. West put up a solid fight, but Coastal's serving and quick transitions gave them the edge. With a late run, Coastal secured the first set 25-21.

Coastal continued to dominate in the second set, improving their defense and maintaining aggressive net play. West struggled to keep pace, and Coastal finished the match with a 25-16 win.

Central served as the work team for this match.

Coastal's victory gives them a boost in the standings, while West will look to adjust for their next matchup in the tournament.

Game 6: Northeast v. Metro-Southeast Girls

In the sixth Round Robin game, Northeast earned a solid straight-set victory over Metro-Southeast, winning 25-20 and 25-18.

The first set was competitive, with both teams battling through some long rallies. Metro-Southeast kept the score close, but Northeast's consistent serving and strong defensive play helped them close out the set 25-20.

In the second set, Northeast continued their dominant play, keeping Metro-Southeast off balance with sharp attacks and quick transitions. Despite some spirited efforts from Metro-Southeast, Northeast pulled away to secure a 25-18 win and complete the sweep.

Coastal served as the work team for this match.

Northeast’s victory strengthens their position in the tournament, while Metro-Southeast will look to regroup for their upcoming matches.

Game 7: Central v. West Girls

In a thrilling three-set match during the seventh Round Robin game, Central emerged victorious over West, winning 25-23, 24-26, and 15-12.

The first set was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showing strong offensive and defensive play. West held a slight lead for most of the set, but Central managed to rally and tie it up late. Despite the pressure, West finished strong to take the set 25-23.

The second set was just as competitive, but this time it was Central who came out on top after a fierce exchange of points. West had multiple chances to close it out but couldn’t quite finish, and Central capitalized on their opportunities, edging out a 26-24 victory to tie the match.

In the final set, both teams gave it their all, with Central gaining a slight edge early. West fought hard but couldn't catch up as Central closed out the set 15-12 to win the match in dramatic fashion.

Northeast served as the work team for this match.

With this win, Central takes the match in a hard-fought battle, while West will look to rebound in their next games tomorrow.

Game 8: Coastal v. Metro-Southeast Girls

In the eighth and final Round Robin game of Saturday, Coastal came through with a strong performance, defeating Metro-Southeast in straight sets with scores of 26-24 and 25-20.

The first set was a nail-biter, with both teams going back and forth in a series of long, intense rallies. Metro-Southeast made a push to take control late, but Coastal managed to hang on and squeeze out a 26-24 win in the final moments.

In the second set, Coastal maintained their momentum, delivering consistent serving and quick transitions. Metro-Southeast kept fighting but struggled to break through Coastal’s defense, and Coastal closed out the match with a 25-20 victory.

Northeast served as the work team for this match, handling the officiating and scorekeeping duties.

Coastal's victory boosts their standing in the tournament, while Metro-Southeast will look to adjust and look forward to knock-out play.

Game 9: Northeast v. West Girls

To open up Sunday, in the ninth Round Robin match, Northeast outlasted West in a thrilling three-set showdown, winning 25-19, 21-25, and 15-13.

The first set saw Northeast come out strong, taking advantage of sharp serving and quick attacks at the net. West struggled to keep up, and Northeast pulled ahead to win 25-19.

West bounced back in the second set with more aggressive serving and improved defense. They managed to control the pace and build a steady lead, holding off Northeast to win the set 25-21 and tie the match at one set apiece.

In the decisive third set, both teams dug deep in an intense back-and-forth. West fought hard, but Northeast held their composure, securing the final set 15-13 to claim the victory in a dramatic finish.

Coastal served as the work team for this match.

With the win, Northeast came out on top in a tightly contested match, going undefeated in round-robin play and locking up the 1-seed, while West showed plenty of fight but fell just short in the final set.

Game 10: Central v. Coastal Girls

In the final Round Robin game, Coastal secured a hard-fought straight-set victory over Central, winning 25-21 and 25-23.

The first set was competitive, with both teams exchanging strong rallies. Coastal’s serving and quick transitions gave them an edge, allowing them to finish the set 25-21 despite Central’s push in the latter stages.

The second set was even more intense, with Central fighting hard to keep the match alive. However, Coastal’s consistency and clutch plays down the stretch ultimately made the difference, and they closed out the set 25-23 to seal the win.

Metro-Southeast served as the work team for this match.

Coastal’s victory gives them momentum as they move forward as the 2-seed, while Central will look to regroup and improve for the next phase of the tournament.

Game 11: (4) Metro-Southeast v. (5) Central Girls

In the first knock-out game of the tournament, fifth-seeded Central dominated fourth-seeded Metro-Southeast with a straight-set victory, winning 25-12 and 25-20, pulling off the upset.

The first set was a one-sided affair, as Central came out with high energy and controlled the tempo from the start. Metro-Southeast struggled to keep up with Central's powerful serving and solid defense, allowing Central to cruise to a 25-12 win.

Metro-Southeast regrouped in the second set and showed more resilience, staying close for much of the set. However, Central’s consistent offensive pressure and ability to capitalize on key moments kept them ahead. They sealed the match with a 25-20 victory in the second set.

Third-seeded West served as the work team for this match.

Central’s dominant performance moves them forward in the tournament, looking to face top-seeded Northeast, while Metro-Southeast ends their campaign in the 2025 Bay State Games Girls Volleyball Showcase.

Game 12: (1) Northeast v. (5) Central

In the first semi-final game of the tournament, top-seeded Northeast powered past fifth-seeded Central with a straight-set victory, winning 25-16 and 25-15.

The first set was controlled by Northeast, as they showcased their strong serving and well-executed attacks at the net. Central struggled to contain Northeast’s offense, and despite some solid rallies, Northeast took the first set 25-16.

Central came out with more energy in the second set, but Northeast’s defense remained impenetrable, and their offensive firepower continued to shine.

With a consistent display of serving and precision, Northeast finished the set 25-15, securing the match in dominant fashion.

Fourth-seeded Metro-Southeast served as the work team for this match.

With the win, Northeast advances to the finals, while Central will look to regroup and look forward to the Bronze Matchup.

Game 13: (2) Coastal vs (3) West Girls

In a thrilling semifinal match, third-seeded West triumphed over second-seeded Coastal in a dramatic three-set contest, with set scores of 15-25, 26-24, and 15-8.

The first set saw Coastal come out strong, dominating the court with a well-balanced attack and solid defense. West struggled to match Coastal’s intensity, and the set ended with Coastal securing a comfortable 25-15 win.

West quickly regrouped in the second set, displaying incredible resilience. They fought back from a few deficits, pushing Coastal to the limit. The set was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging leads. In the end, West eked out a hard-fought 26-24 victory to even the match at 1-1.

In the final set, West carried their momentum forward, executing sharp serves and blocking Coastal’s attacks with precision. Despite Coastal’s best efforts, West pulled away late and closed out the match with a 15-8 win, clinching their spot in the final.

Fourth-seeded Metro-Southeast served as the work team for this semifinal matchup.

With the win, West advances to the championship against undefeated Northeast, while Coastal will look to regroup and refocus for the Bronze Matchup against Central.

Bronze: (5) Central v. (2) Coastal Girls

In the bronze medal match, second-seeded Coastal defeated fifth-seeded Central in straight sets, winning 25-14 and 25-23 to secure third place in the tournament.

The first set was a dominant performance by Coastal, who controlled the pace from start to finish. With powerful serves, quick transitions, and solid defensive play, Coastal had little trouble dispatching Central 25-14.

Central came out with more fight in the second set, showing resilience and putting up a tough challenge. They kept things close and even threatened to pull ahead at times. However, Coastal stayed composed and executed their game plan efficiently, edging Central 25-23 in a tight finish to clinch the win.

Third-seeded West served as the work team for the bronze matchup.

With the victory, Coastal secures a well-deserved third place, while Central gave it their all but fell just short in the tight second set.

Championship: (1) Northeast v. (3) West Girls

In a dominant performance in the gold match, top-seeded Northeast defeated third-seeded West in straight sets, winning 25-21 and 25-9 to claim the gold and end undefeated.

The first set was a competitive one, with both teams battling for control early. West put up a strong fight, keeping the set close, but Northeast's powerful serving and well-executed offensive plays allowed them to edge ahead late. Despite a few late pushes from West, Northeast held on to win the set 25-21.

In the second set, Northeast turned up the heat. Their defense became impenetrable, and their offense ran on all cylinders. West struggled to find a rhythm, while Northeast capitalized on every opportunity. The set ended in a dominant 25-9 victory for Northeast, clinching the championship in convincing fashion.

Fifth-seeded Central served as the work team for the gold match.

With the win, Northeast secured the gold in a well-rounded and impressive performance, while West fought hard but came up short in the final.

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Bay State Games Inducts Three Into the 2026 Hall of Fame

August 26, 2026

Representative Patricia Haddad (legislative leadership), Representative John Barrett (legislative leadership), and Ryan McCarthy (baseball coach) have been selected for induction into the 2026 Bay State Games’ Hall of Fame. The inductees will receive their award at a pre-game ceremony at Fenway Park on Sunday, June 14 prior to the Red Sox game against Texas. The Bay State Games Hall of Fame was created to recognize past participants who have gone on to prestigious and successful athletic careers, as well as former and current coaches, officials, sports organizers, and volunteers who have made significant contributions to the organization throughout its 38-year history. Past inductees among the over 60 previous honorees include the NBA’s Dana Barros (‘06), Pat Connaughton (‘25) and the late Reggie Lewis (‘02); WNBA’s Rebecca Lobo (‘03); Major League Baseball’s Rich Hill (‘13); Olympians Nancy Kerrigan (‘07), Ada Korkhin (‘25) and Samantha Livingstone (‘18) and US Paralympic Gold Medalist Joe Lemar (‘15). “The Bay State Games is proud of the many athletes who have participated in the program and gone on to achieve success at the collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. We are equally proud of the coaches, sport organizers, community leaders, and supporters whose dedication, expertise, and generosity have helped make the Bay State Games possible.” Said Kevin Cummings, the Bay State Games Executive Director. “We are honored to recognize this year's Hall of Fame class and celebrate the significant contributions each inductee has made to the Bay State Games. Their commitment, leadership, and lasting impact have strengthened the organization and enriched the experience of countless athletes throughout the Commonwealth.” REP. PATRICIA HADDAD - LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP Massachusetts State Representative Patricia Haddad championed state support for the Bay State Games for over two decades. She has supported the recreation, health, and education-based programs of the organization that benefit thousands of Massachusetts participants each year. A former teacher for 14 years, Rep. Haddad represented the 5th Bristol District for 25 years and served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for ten years. REP. JOHN BARRETT - LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP Massachusetts State Representative John Barrett from Berkshire County has been a strong supporter of the Bay State Games since the mid-1980s. Rep. Barrett was instrumental in bringing the Winter Games to Berkshire County, where they have been held for over 35 years. He has served as State Representative for Berkshire County since 2017 and was formerly Mayor of North Adams for 26 years. Rep. Barrett is also a leading advocate of the statewide Summer Games. RYAN MCCARTHY - BASEBALL COACH Ryan McCarthy from Portsmouth has served as volunteer baseball coach at the Bay State Games for over two decades. He has led the Northeast team to numerous championship medals. Ryan has devoted more than 25 years to coaching high school student-athletes in both baseball and football at Triton Regional High School, Newburyport High School, and Dighton-Rehoboth High School. He has had a positive impact on countless Massachusetts high school student-athletes. For more on the Bay State Games Hall of Fame and past inductees, click here. https://www.baystategames.org/hall-of-fame

Bay State Games Announces 2026 Athletes of the Year

August 25, 2026

Bay State Games is excited to announce its selections for the 2026 Athlete of the Year Awards. Any athlete who participated in the 2026 Bay State Summer or Winter Games was eligible to be nominated for these awards. Selection is based on participation in the Games and other athletic achievements. The 2026 selections are: Female Youth Athlete – Dana Howling Wolf Keller Male Youth Athlete – Holden Choma Female Adult Athlete – Kiara Cabral Male Adult Athlete - Jacob DeAndrade Dana Howling Wolf Keller , 17, of Shrewsbury, is a senior at Notre Dame Academy in Worcester and an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Native American Tribe. Volleyball has been a major part of her life. She started unable to serve over the net but, after countless hours of dedication, has turned serving into one of her strengths and learned that confidence is built through persistence. Dana plays setter and right side for her high school team and SLAM national club team, and captains both teams. She was named to the 2025 Central MA Athletic Conference All-Star Team and represented her school as a MIAA sportsmanship delegate. Dana represented the Central region for Girls Volleyball in the Bay State Games in 2024 & 2026. This year, she was also named the sportsmanship recipient for the Central Girls Volleyball team. Dana has also been a Bay State Games High School Ambassador. She has committed to continue playing volleyball in college at the University of St. Joseph (CT). Off the court, Dana extensively volunteers at the Shrewsbury Public Library and Shrewsbury Special Olympics. Notre Dame Academy honored her with the Katherine Forbes Eskrine Award for her community service. Dana is also active in her parish's youth group and has participated in several Catholic leadership programs. She aspires to become a forensic pathologist, and last summer served as a lab assistant to Dr. Ann Burgess in Boston College's Forensic Science Summer Program. Holden Choma, 17, of West Newbury, is a senior at Pentucket Regional High School. Holden has competed in Track and Field since his freshman year and specializes in the high jump. He dedicated himself to jumping higher, and in his first year, he improved from 5'2 to 6'6.75, and was at the top of the MIAA. He is also a 2x USATF Region 1 champion in the high jump. He also competed at the 2025 USATF Junior Olympics and was the 15-16 National Runner-Up. This year he faced a setback after suffering a patellar tendon tear on his jumping leg. After nearly a year to fully heal, he was the MIAA Division 5 champion in the spring, and this summer he competed in his second Bay State Games after winning silver in the 2025 high jump. Holden broke his slump by shattering a 30-year-old Bay State Games record in the high jump at 2.05m (6'8.75) and took home the gold medal. Outside of jumping, Holden enjoys volunteering at Ipswich Junior Sailing, teaching children how to sail safely, and now works as an instructor. As a member of his school's band, he marched in West Newbury's Veterans Day Parade and held a private performance for local veterans. Kiara Cabral, 23, of Somerset, is a recent graduate of Bridgewater State University. She also competed as a student-athlete on the track and field team in sprinting events. She had a storied career as a Bridgewater State Bear achieving accolades from the school to the national level. Kiara was named 2026 Woman’s Athlete of the Year by Bridgewater State and holds five school records in 60m Indoor, 200m Indoor, 400m Indoor + Outdoor, 500m Indoor, and 4x100 Outdoor. In the MASCAC conference she holds six championship titles which she earned from 2022 to 2026. The conference named Kiara Athlete of the Week on 21 occasions and she holds two conference records in the 4x100 and the 400m. Kiara was placed on the All-Academic team for three seasons and the Sportsmanship team once. She has been nationally recognized as an NCAA All-American and qualified for both the indoor and outdoor nationals in 2025 and the indoor nationals again in 2026. Kiara was first team All-American in the outdoor 4x100 relay in 2025 and the indoor 400m in 2026, and was named second team All-American for outdoor 400m in 2025. This summer, Kiara competed in the Bay State Games in the 100m and 200m events. She was the gold medalist in both events running a time of 12.51 in the 100m and 25.35 in the 200m. Kiara graduated last spring with a degree in Mathematics and Secondary Education. She has always had a passion for helping children understand and enjoy math, and will enter her first year teaching middle school math this fall. Jacob DeAndrade, 26 , of Foxboro, graduated from Bridgewater State University in 2024 with a Master of Business Administration and currently works in finance. Jacob was an accomplished student-athlete at Bridgewater State. In his rookie season at Bridgewater State, the school named him Rookie of the Year. He was a 10x Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference champion and a 3x member of the DIII All-Academic team. He is a 2x competitor in the Bay State Games Track and Field event. This year, Jacob had an especially impressive showing, earning gold in the 100m Open and 200m Open events with times of 10.83 and 22.04. In his free time, Jacob enjoys running, lifting, and playing soccer. Bay State Games Athlete of the Year recipients will receive a plaque commemorating their accomplishment. For more information on the Bay State Games Athlete of the Year program and past winners, go to www.baystategames.org/AOY .