Herlihy, Fenton & Leyden lead Westwood Volleyball to Season-Opening Win in Holliston

September 3, 2025

Trailing 19-15 in the first set of the first match of the season, Westwood volleyball head coach Justyne “JC” Whalen called one of her infamously well-timed timeouts to settle her team. The Wolverines had jumped out to an early lead against rival Holliston, but the host Panthers had rallied to take control of the first set.
 
Whatever Whalen said worked, because the Wolverines went on a 10-1 run to close out the first set, winning 25-20 thanks to a string of sick serves from Avery Herlihy down the stretch. From that point on, Westwood was in control and went on to win the season-opening match 3-0 in Holliston.
 
With many players getting used to expanded roles on the varsity squad, Wednesday’s showing was impressive for a team with high hopes as the season begins. Lulu Fenton, Livy Leyden and Veronica Reeves were formidable up front, and even setter Tav Lodovico was involved in a handful of blocks at the net which made a difference.
 
Anna Beaumont handled the libero duties perfectly, directing traffic on the court and diving for shots to keep rallies alive. Narintra Kamolratanapiboon was also sharp on the back line.
 
The second set, won 25-16 by Westwood, was highlighted by a lengthy rally, with bodies all over the court, ultimately won by the Wolverines to make the score 19-15. Westwood won five straight points with Leyden serving and Herlihy once again finished off the set from behind the serve line.
 
The third set featured a number of kills from Fenton and some incredibile blocks from Reeves, whose wingspan ranges from Seattle to Boston. The talented junior seems to have springs in her sneakers, consistently bouncing above the net to win points.
 
Westwood took set three by the same 25-16 score to secure the straight-set victory and will return to Bader Gymnasium Friday night for the home opener against Norwood.
 

Westwood 3, Holliston 0 – September 3, 2025