Preseason performance has coach optimistic for success in ’25

By Chris Villani

Milford Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach Tammy Webber goes into every season with a positive attitude, but the work her team put in leading into this fall has the coach even more optimistic that this can be a very good year.

“We have the players,” Webber said. “They are still young, but having most of them play in the offseason is finally paying off, and building our program through the middle school is finally paying off.”

Webber added, “I think we are going to compete this year and could surprise a few people who might take us lightly. I am looking forward to that.”

Leading the attack is junior outside hitter Abby Murphy, a Hockomock League all-star a season ago. She will be joined by junior Fionna Lentini, who Webber said has made very few mistakes and adds power on the outside that MHS has been lacking for a few years.

“The outside is usually where we have struggled, but we are strong there this year,” the coach said.

Junior middle hitter Layanne Maforte is a returning senior captain who will play alongside sophomore Lauren Williams, who Webber said is a strong blocker despite still learning the game. Seniors Sam DeNegris and Danielle Darling will play on the right side this fall along with Mary Buckley, another senior Webber said will add crucial depth to that side of the floor. Junior Lilah Driscoll and senior Tori Jacques will both see time at outside hitter.

On defense, Milford will rely heavily on junior libero Isabella Grady-Harper.

“She played all offseason and it has shown,” Webber said. “She gives us more consistent passing and it’s been great to have a seasoned libero.”

Seniors Lucia Testa and Sarah Leverock add depth at defensive specialist. Milford will use two setters this fall, with junior Lina Lyubkin and sophomore Brook Stokes sharing the workload.

“Lina played in the offseason, strengthening her consistency and she adds a good serve,” Webber said. “Brooke is just an athlete and she catches on quick. Her setting has improved immensely.”

In addition to the varsity team, Webber said the program is filled with talented freshman and junior varsity players. She is also happy to start the season with so many juniors and sophomores who have more than one year left in the program.

“It’s really promising,” Webber said. “You walk into the gym every day and think, ‘This is good, this is good.’’’