November 12, 2026 by David Wolcott, photos by Joshua Ross
Harborwomen Reach the Elite 8 for the First Time in Program History
If you don’t walk off a volleyball court with a fresh floor burn or seven after a state tournament game, were you really even there? Hingham High girls volleyball players can proudly wear all those bumps, bruises, and skin abrasions they’ve earned as badges of honor after consecutive 3-0 sweeps over Holliston and Burlington to open the Division 2 state tournament.
The two victories provided Hingham, the fourth seed in the bracket with a record of 17-3 as well as a piece of school history. This is the first time the volleyball program has made it to the Elite 8 in the state tournament.
“Getting to the Elite 8 was a big goal for us this season. We weren’t able to do it last year, so we wanted this to be our time to get there,” said senior captain Taylor Ferrante. “We are really, really excited to be here.”
The team is excited, but nowhere even close to being satisfied. Two steps down, three more to go to take home the state championship.
“The captains, along with the rest of the team, set a goal for this season to get to the Elite 8. However, I think we can go even further because this team is capable of doing so,” said head coach Fabe Ardila. “Their work ethic, hunger, and grit is what will keep us going. I think they are up to the challenge.”
Next up for Hingham is their toughest challenge yet when 18-time state champion Barnstable High (18-5) comes to town Friday at 5 p.m. with the winner getting a spot in the Final 4 against either reigning state champion and top seed Oliver Ames or #9 Longmeadow. Barnstable defeated Silver Lake and Norwood, both by the score of 3-1, to open the playoffs.
The loud monster smashes from the outside hitters are what draws everyone’s attention during a volleyball game, but that end result is just part of the story. Everything only comes together if all six players on the court are working in harmony to make it happen.
It’s similar in football with the running back’s relationship to the offensive line. Without the line blocking for him, the running back will not have the opportunity to shine.
“Our hitters have been outstanding this season and we have a phenomenal setter in junior Ava Boscetto,” said Ardila. “The passing on this team is so good with our two liberos, Margot Weibley and Hadley Vesey, which allows Ava to spread the ball around so all the outside hitters have an opportunity to impact the game.”
Hingham’s top two outside hitters, senior captain Reese Barnes and junior captain Liana Melgoza, talked about how the teamwork you see on the court is beginning to make the dream work.
“We couldn’t keep winning without help from all the players on the team,” said Barnes. “Every game there are huge contributions from the entire team, especially the liberos and our defensive specialists (junior Abby Kracunas and sophomore Izzie Beitler). They do a great job of getting the ball to Ava and then she sets up the hitters.”
Said Melgoza, “The amount of team spirit within this group is really what drives all of us to want to do more. Everyone here motivates me every day to do my best. We couldn’t do what we have done without everyone playing a part.
“That’s what our success has been all about.”